Running a restaurant in Ohio means wearing a lot of hats—from hiring your staff to managing inventory to keeping your customers coming back for more. One critical decision that can’t wait until later: getting the right insurance to protect your business and meet state requirements.
If you’re wondering which coverages are absolutely necessary and what’s simply smart to have, you’re not alone. We’ve worked with restaurant owners across Ohio, and we’re here to help you get answers that make sense for your real-world challenges.
You’ve built your restaurant. Our role is to help you protect what you’ve worked for—without overpaying or missing something crucial.
What Insurance Does Ohio Require for Restaurants?
Ohio has specific insurance rules for businesses. For restaurant owners, a few types are non-negotiable.
Workers’ Compensation Is Required by Law
If you have employees in Ohio, you’re legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. And unlike many other states, Ohio doesn’t allow private insurers to provide it. You must buy this coverage through the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC).
This coverage steps in when an employee gets hurt on the job—think of burns in the kitchen or a fall during a shift. It pays for medical bills, rehabilitation, and wage replacement. Not carrying it opens you up to large fines and potential business shutdowns.
Commercial Auto Insurance (If You Use Business Vehicles)
If your restaurant owns or operates vehicles—for delivery, catering, or supply pickups—you’re required to carry commercial auto insurance. Personal auto coverage won’t apply to vehicles used for your business.
Health Permits and Food Licenses
While not technically insurance, these credentials are just as necessary. You’ll need state and local food service licenses from the Ohio Department of Health to operate legally. Having the right insurance alongside these helps protect your business if there’s ever a food safety incident or health department complaint.
What Insurance Is Strongly Recommended (Even If Not Legally Required)?
Ohio doesn’t require you to carry all types of insurance—but that doesn’t mean you should skip them. The right policies could be the only thing standing between your restaurant’s survival and disaster.
Here’s what else you should consider adding to your risk strategy.
General Liability Insurance
Slip-and-fall accidents. Foodborne illness claims. Property damage caused by staff.
General liability insurance covers incidents like these and is usually the first policy restaurants should get after meeting legal requirements. Even a single claim can run into tens of thousands of dollars—or more.
While not mandated by the state, general liability coverage is often required by landlords and third-party vendors. It’s the bedrock of restaurant protection.
According to the National Restaurant Association, slip and fall lawsuits are one of the most common and expensive types of claims restaurants face.
Property Insurance
Whether you own or lease your space, property insurance protects your physical assets—like ovens, refrigerators, booths, and food inventory. Fire, theft, or storm damage can quickly set you back financially.
Ohio weather can be unpredictable, and property insurance can help you recover faster if something goes wrong. Be aware that flood damage often requires a separate policy.
Business Interruption Insurance
If a fire or other crisis forces your restaurant to close for days or even weeks, how would you cover payroll or rent?
Business interruption insurance helps replace lost income during an unexpected shutdown. Often bundled with property insurance, this gives you a critical safety buffer when operations grind to a halt.
Liquor Liability Insurance
If your restaurant serves beer, wine, or cocktails, liquor liability insurance is a must-have—and typically a requirement from both regulators and insurers.
This policy protects you from claims related to alcohol service, like if a customer causes harm to themselves or others after drinking. It’s a vital layer of protection for licensed restaurants.
Employer Liability Insurance
Even though your workers’ compensation policy handles most on-the-job injuries, employer liability insurance adds protection in case you’re sued for negligence connected to a workplace accident.
Some insurance carriers include this in their workers’ comp plans, but don’t assume—it’s worth confirming.
A Real Ohio Example: Why Coverage Matters
A small pizzeria in Columbus chose to skip general liability coverage due to budget constraints. When a guest slipped on a spilled drink and broke their arm, the resulting lawsuit cost the restaurant over $100,000. Legal fees, settlement costs, and the reputational damage nearly closed the business.
With proper insurance in place, most of those costs would have been covered—and the family-owned restaurant could have stayed focused on serving customers instead of fighting legal battles.
What Will Minimum Coverage Cost You?
Restaurant insurance costs vary widely depending on your location, how much insurance you buy, and how risky your operations are. Here are some average starting points:
- Workers’ Compensation: $1.50 to $3.00 per $100 in payroll, based on job roles
- General Liability: $400 to $1,000+ annually for small to mid-sized operations
- Property Insurance: Usually starts at $500 per year
- Liquor Liability: Often adds a few hundred dollars annually
Getting a personalized quote is the best way to understand actual numbers for your restaurant.
Your Risks Depend on Your Specific Setup
No two restaurants are the same, and your risks—and your insurance needs—will depend on several details:
- How many employees you have
- Whether you serve alcohol
- If you own or rent your building
- Whether you operate delivery vehicles
- The kind of food you prepare
- The value of your equipment and location
This is why a personalized approach beats cookie-cutter insurance every time.
Let’s Talk About What’s Right for You
We understand restaurant insurance in Ohio—because we work with owners like you every day. Let’s talk through your unique situation and create a protection plan that fits, without unnecessary extras or confusing jargon.
Planning coverage doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ll walk you through what’s required, what’s crucial, and what fits your budget.
Reach out today to get guidance and a quote:
➡ Get Your Custom Quote
Have Questions? We’re Here When You Need Us
Whether you’re opening your first restaurant or reviewing your current coverage, we’re here to support you. If you need answers or want someone to break things down clearly, we’re happy to have that conversation.
Set up a time to talk with us at your convenience: Book an Intro Call
Or email our team directly: [email protected]
One Last Thing
The minimum legally required insurance in Ohio includes:
- Workers’ compensation (through the BWC)
- Commercial auto (if your business owns or uses vehicles)
But to really protect your restaurant from real-world risks, consider adding:
- General liability
- Property coverage
- Business interruption
- Liquor liability
- Employer liability (when applicable)
You’ve got enough on your plate running a restaurant—we’re here to help make sure your insurance isn’t something you have to worry about.
You’ve worked too hard building your business to leave it exposed.
Let’s make sure you’re covered the right way, from day one.