Built for the lunch rush.
Property, hood and fryer fire, spoilage, product and general liability, delivery auto and workers' comp for counter-service, take-out and drive-thru restaurants.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Fryers, floors and drivers
Quick-service kitchens run fryers and flat-tops for hours, so grease fires and the condition of the hood and suppression system drive most property questions. Steady foot traffic adds slip-and-falls at the counter, in restrooms and in the parking lot or drive-thru lane.
I usually place a package: property and lost income, equipment breakdown for walk-ins and fryers, spoilage, product and general liability, and workers' comp for a young, often part-time crew. If your staff deliver in their own cars, hired and non-owned auto closes a gap the restaurant package leaves open.
- Property and incomeBuilding or improvements, plus lost income after a fire.
- Product liabilityFoodborne illness and foreign-object claims.
- Hired and non-owned autoEmployees delivering in their own cars.
- Workers' compBurns, cuts and slips on the line.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Location: address, square feet, owned or leased.
- Cooking: fryers, grills and the last hood system service date.
- Service: seats, drive-thru or take-out only.
- Delivery: your own drivers, apps or both.
- Sales and payroll: annual figures.
- History: current policies and claims.
Fast food insurance, answered
Is a grease fire covered?
Fire is a covered cause on most commercial property forms, subject to the policy. Insurers commonly ask that the hood suppression system be serviced every six months and filters cleaned, so keep the service tags and receipts.
Are app delivery orders covered?
When an app's driver delivers, the driver and the app's coverage handle the car. When your own employee delivers in a personal car, you need hired and non-owned auto; a personal auto policy often won't respond to business use.
Do part-time teenagers need workers' comp?
Yes. California requires workers' comp for every employee, including part-time workers and minors.
Does my franchise agreement set my limits?
Usually. Franchise agreements often list required limits, additional insured wording and an umbrella. Send me the insurance section and I'll match it.
Do I need liquor liability?
Only if you sell beer or wine. Most counter-service places don't; if you add it, liquor liability is placed alongside the package.
Do you offer fast food restaurant insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. Sam Alishahi is licensed in 48 states and Washington, DC and places policies there directly. In Florida and Washington, where Sam's licenses are still being issued, a partner agency in your state helps in the meantime. The shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Quote your quick-service spot
Tell me about your kitchen, service style and delivery setup. I'll shop the markets that write fast food in California.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
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(877) 711-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
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