Restaurant Insurance in Westchester County NY
At Refine Risk, we work with restaurant owners across Westchester, from Pelham to New Rochelle, to help secure targeted coverage without overpaying or missing key protections. This guide outlines exactly what you need, what it costs, and how to move forward with confidence.
Working With a Local Insurance Agent
Opening a restaurant in Westchester County isn’t just a business decision, it’s a legal and logistical maze. Whether you’re signing a lease in Scarsdale, retrofitting a space in Bronxville, or starting a family-run eatery in Tuckahoe, insurance is not an afterthought. It’s a prerequisite for opening, a requirement for compliance, and a foundation for sustainable growth.
What Insurance Do You Need to Open or Run a Restaurant in Westchester?
Business Owners Policy (BOP)
A BOP is the core of most restaurant insurance strategies. It combines:
- Commercial property insurance – Covers your equipment, signage, buildouts, and inventory
- General liability – Covers customer injuries, food borne illness, and damage to others’ property
- Business interruption – Replaces income lost due to a covered shutdown (e.g., fire or electrical failure)
Local Tip: Leases in towns like Bronxville, Scarsdale, and White Plains often require $1M/$2M limits and specific wording on certificates of insurance (COIs). A BOP from the right carrier can meet these terms cleanly.
Workers Compensation
Under NY State law, if you employ anyone, even part-time or a family member, you’re required to carry workers comp insurance. Worker’s comp insurance covers:
- Medical care and wage replacement for injured employees
- Legal defense for employer liability claims
- Compliance with state insurance mandates
Mistake to avoid: Many restaurant owners delay quoting workers comp until opening day. This risks fines and lost permits. We offer zero-payroll WC setups to help you stay compliant from lease signing through opening.
Commercial Auto
You should get commercial auto insurance If your restaurant:
- Offers catering or delivery
- Uses a company-titled vehicle
- Sends employees off-site for errands
Insurance coverages to consider if your restaurant owns, borrows or leases vehicles.
- Non-owned auto liability (for employee-owned vehicles)
- Hired auto liability (for rented vehicles)
- Commercial auto (if titled in your business name)
Local risk: Personal policies won’t cover delivery accidents in New Rochelle or White Plains. Commercial auto ensures you’re protected from denied claims.
Liquor Liability & BYOB Exposure
Even if you don’t operate as a bar, you’re exposed to liquor liability if you:
- Serve wine, beer, or cocktails
- Allow BYOB service
- Host private events with alcohol
Most commercial landlords and municipalities require:
- Liquor liability for permitted sales
- Host liquor liability for BYOB
Important note: In Westchester, landlords often require proof of this coverage before approving renovations or occupancy.
Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)
Restaurants are high-turnover workplaces. EPLI protects against:
- Harassment or discrimination claims
- Wrongful termination lawsuits
- Wage and hour complaints
Why it matters: Even unfounded claims can cost thousands to defend. EPLI premiums are modest, but the risk is very real.
Restaurant Insurance Coverage You Should Strongly Consider
Equipment Breakdown Insurance
- Covers electrical or mechanical failure of kitchen equipment, walk-ins, HVAC, and POS systems
- Often excluded from basic property coverage
Food Spoilage Insurance
- Pays for lost food due to equipment failure or power outage
- Crucial for walk-in fridges and freezers
Cyber Liability Insurance
- Covers customer data breaches, ransomware, and POS hacks
- Often includes access to forensic and legal recovery teams
Umbrella Liability
- Adds $1M+ in extra protection above other liability policies
- Smart for restaurants near schools, transportation hubs, or heavy foot traffic zones
What Does Restaurant Insurance Cost in Westchester?
Typical annual premiums:
| Coverage | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Businessowners Policy (BOP) | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Workers Comp | $1,500 – $4,500 |
| Liquor Liability | $1,400 – $10,000 |
| Commercial Auto | $1,700 – $4,500 |
| EPLI | $300 – $1,000 |
| Umbrella Liability | $400 – $800 |
Things that affect Restaurant Insurance Costs
- Cooking method (fryer vs. steam)
- Age and type of building
- Fire suppression systems
- Claims history
- Lease insurance requirements
What Landlords Require in Your Lease
Before you can begin construction or open your doors, expect to show proof of:
- $1M/$2M liability limits
- Additional insured status for the landlord
- Waiver of subrogation
- Certificate of insurance showing workers comp, general liability or BOP, and umbrella
- Liquor liability (if applicable)
Refine Risk Tip: We review your lease in full to prevent issues and delays before quoting.
How to Get Restaurant Insurance?
- Gather basic info
- Lease agreement
- Square footage
- Staff headcount
- Kitchen equipment list
- Send us your lease
- We review and flag any unusual requirements
- Receive your quote
- We provide options with and without liquor, auto, EPLI, etc.
- Bind coverage and issue COIs
- We handle all documentation for your landlord, lender, and vendors
- Stay in compliance
- Adjust for new hires, expansion, or delivery vehicles over time
Real Questions from Westchester Restaurant Owners
Do I need insurance before I sign the lease?
Yes. Most landlords require proof of general liability and workers comp insurance before allowing tenant to move in or make improvements.
What if I’m the only employee?
If you’re a true solo operator, workers comp may be waived, but only under strict criteria.
Can I add insurance coverage later?
Absolutely. Many owners start with a basic BOP and worker’s comp insurance and add EPLI, auto, or umbrella as they grow.
Do you insure ghost kitchens or delivery-only?
Yes. We structure policies for shared kitchens, commissary setups, and non-traditional food businesses as long as the lease and equipment are clear.
Why Choose Refine Risk for Restaurant Insurance in Westchester?
We’re based in Westchester. We work with restaurants like yours, across Scarsdale, Tuckahoe, Bronxville, White Plains, and Pelham, every week. We understand:
- What local landlords require
- What carriers actually want to see
- How to quote quickly without surprises
Ready to get started? Contact our team today for a consultation