Restaurants & Food Service Workers' Comp
Workers' Comp for Restaurants Shouldn't Eat Into Your Profits
Fast, affordable coverage for full-service restaurants, fast food, bars, food trucks, and catering operations across 23 states.
Workers' Compensation for Restaurants & Food Service
Workers' compensation insurance for restaurants is a policy that covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs for food service employees injured on the job, including injuries from burns, slips, cuts, and repetitive strain. Restaurants face some of the highest claim rates of any industry due to hot kitchens, sharp equipment, wet floors, and fast-paced service. Every state except Texas requires restaurants with employees to carry workers' compensation insurance — and even in Texas, going without creates massive liability exposure. Restaurant workers' comp typically costs between $1.50 and $4.00 per $100 of payroll, with the exact rate depending on class code, state, and claims history. We specialize in shopping multiple carriers to find competitive rates for food service businesses of all sizes, from single-location cafes to multi-unit franchise operations.
Why Restaurants & Food Service Need Workers' Comp
- ! State law requires it in almost every state — fines for non-compliance can shut you down
- ! Kitchens are high-risk environments with burns, cuts, slips, and repetitive strain
- ! Protects your business from employee lawsuits after workplace injuries
- ! Covers medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs for injured workers
- ! Many landlords and franchise agreements require proof of coverage
Common Restaurants & Food Service Claims
- ⚠ Slip-and-fall injuries on wet or greasy floors
- ⚠ Burns from fryers, grills, ovens, and hot liquids
- ⚠ Lacerations from knives, slicers, and broken glass
- ⚠ Repetitive motion injuries from prep work
- ⚠ Back and lifting injuries from carrying supplies
- ⚠ Delivery driver auto accidents (food trucks, catering)
Workers' Comp Class Codes for Restaurants & Food Service
The correct class code determines your premium rate. We'll assign the right code for your state and operations.
| Code | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9080 | Restaurants — Full Service | CA (WCIRB) |
| 9083 | Restaurants — Fast Food / Fast Casual | CA (WCIRB) |
| 9084 | Bars or Taverns | CA (WCIRB) |
| 9082 | Caterers | CA (WCIRB) |
| 9081(2) | Food Trucks | CA (WCIRB) |
| 9101 | Restaurant NOC | NCCI states |
| 9102 | Restaurants — Fast Food | NCCI states |
| 9180 | Taverns or Night Clubs | NCCI states |
| 8078(1) | Sandwich Shops | CA (WCIRB) |
| 8078(2) | Beverage Preparation Shops | CA (WCIRB) |
| 8078(3) | Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt Shops | CA (WCIRB) |
What Affects Your Restaurants & Food Service Workers' Comp Cost?
Number of employees and total annual payroll
Specific class code(s) — full-service vs. fast food vs. bar
State where employees work (rates vary significantly)
Claims history over the past 3-5 years
Experience modification rate (EMR)
Safety programs and loss prevention measures in place
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does workers' comp cost for a restaurant? +
Restaurant workers' comp typically costs between $1.50 and $4.00 per $100 of payroll, depending on your state, class code, and claims history. A restaurant with $300,000 in annual payroll might pay $4,500-$12,000 per year. We shop multiple carriers to find you the best rate.
Do I need workers' comp if I only have part-time employees? +
In most states, yes. Workers' comp requirements apply to part-time, full-time, and seasonal employees. The threshold varies by state — some require coverage with just one employee. Contact us with your state and we'll confirm your requirement.
What's the difference between class code 9101 and 9080? +
Class code 9101 (Restaurant NOC) is the standard NCCI code used in most states. Code 9080 (Restaurants — Full Service) is a California-specific WCIRB code introduced in September 2024 when California broke restaurants into more specific categories. We assign the correct code for your state automatically.
Does workers' comp cover food truck employees? +
Yes. Food trucks require workers' comp just like brick-and-mortar restaurants. In California, food trucks have their own class code (9081(2)). In NCCI states, they typically fall under 9101 Restaurant NOC.
Can I get workers' comp if I've been cancelled or non-renewed? +
Yes. We work with carriers that specialize in harder-to-place risks, including businesses with prior cancellations, high EMRs, or claims history. Get a quote and we'll find options.
Restaurants & Food Service Workers' Comp — Available in 23 States
We're licensed to provide workers' compensation quotes in the following states:
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