Employer requirement
The California Division of Workers’ Compensation says employers with one or more employees must provide Workers’ Compensation benefits.
RESTAURANT EMPLOYER COVERAGE
Workers’ Compensation for California Restaurants
California restaurants with employees need a Workers’ Compensation review that reflects payroll, kitchen and front-of-house duties, ownership, classification, claims history, and the way the business operates.
Duties and classification
Kitchen, serving, management, delivery, catering, and other duties should be described accurately for the review.
Restaurant changes
New locations, changing payroll, seasonal staffing, and expanded food-service operations can affect the coverage review.
Who should review restaurant Workers’ Compensation?
Owners of restaurants, cafés, bars, bakeries, caterers, food trucks, and other food-service businesses should review coverage when they employ people or change their operating model. Classification and payroll information should reflect the actual work performed.
What affects the review?
The review can include employee roles, payroll, ownership, subcontracting, locations, claims history, prior coverage, and whether employees perform delivery, catering, kitchen, or service duties. Terms, availability, and pricing are subject to carrier underwriting.
How to request a restaurant WC review
Use the restaurant quote form to describe your operation and request a broker follow-up. Do not submit Social Security numbers or other unnecessary sensitive personal information through the website.
Restaurant insurance questions
How many employees trigger California Workers’ Compensation?
The California Division of Workers’ Compensation states that California employers are required to have Workers’ Compensation insurance even if they have only one employee.
Do restaurant owners need to describe job duties?
Yes. Accurate descriptions of kitchen, service, management, delivery, catering, and other duties help the broker and carrier evaluate classification and eligibility.
Can a restaurant request Workers’ Compensation and General Liability together?
Yes. A restaurant can ask for a coordinated review of Workers’ Compensation, General Liability, Commercial Auto, and other coverage that may apply to its operations.