Because there are so many risks involved with running a takeaway business, pizza restaurant or fish and chip shop, there are several different types of business insurance you should consider to protect yourself. These include:
Product liability insurance
Product liability insurance can cover you against third-party claims that the food you supplied caused sickness, injury or death. This type of insurance is important for anyone who sells freshly prepared food, as anything which is consumed carries the risk of bacterial contamination. Cover starts from $250,000 and can be bundled together with public liability and other types of cover into a business insurance package.
What it covers:
- Claims that a product you supplied (such as your food) caused sickness or injury
- Other third-party damages claims
- Legal fees to defend yourself against such claims
Public liability insurance
Public liability insurance is also essential for anyone who runs a retail business. It’ll cover you against claims a member of the public was injured whilst on your business premises, or that their property was damaged as a result of your business activity. For example, you’ll be covered if anyone should slip or fall in your shop and injure themselves, or if one of your delivery drivers on a motorbike damages a car parked outside your business premises. Public liability insurance can offer between $5 million and $20 million worth of coverage and is a compulsory form of insurance to take out many retail shop leases.
What it covers:
- Third-party personal injury claims
- Damage to a third party’s property
- Legal fees to defend yourself
General business insurance
General business insurance may also be worthwhile to protect the equipment and machinery you use in your pizza or fish and chip shop, such as your ovens, deep fryers, microwaves, food warmers and fridges. As part of your general insurance package, it also may be worth considering additional add-ons which could provide maximum protection for your takeaway business, such as glass insurance and portable equipment insurance.
What it covers:
- Fire, storms, theft, vandalism and collision which cause damage to any of your business assets, including your actual shop and its fittings
- Specialist cover for electronic equipment and other portable equipment
- Limited business interruption insurance
Accident and sickness insurance
Because you’re working in a high-risk environment all day, surrounded by burning ovens and hot oil, it’s worth considering what might happen to you and your family if you were unable to work for an extended period due to an accident.
Accident and sickness insurance can provide cover for you if you become unable to work, providing a weekly replacement income and helping you pay your bills if you're injured or suffer a serious accident.
What it covers:
- Loss of income as a result of an injury or illness
Optional extras can include:
- Death benefits
- Disablement benefits
- Payment of business expenses during your recovery period