10 Hidden Realities Agents Hope Restaurant Owners Never Learn

Here’s what most agents won’t say out loud: access is limited, “cheapest” can be manufactured, the industry shares data on you, and underwriters reward stability and trusted agents. Know the rules and you won’t get played.

The truths you need to know

“Independent” doesn’t mean infinite access—contracts and quotas steer choices.

Cheapest is easy to manufacture—remove liquor, A&B, delivery, spoilage…you pay later.

Carriers share data—your history follows you.

Best deals go to proven businesses & trusted agents.

Big agencies often sideline smaller restaurant accounts.

Claims reputation > price. Choose value, not just a number.

If you act price-only, agents stop explaining. Ask better questions.

Meeting landlord/lender requirements ≠ real protection.

You don’t have to know everything—just enough to judge help.

Default programs are training wheels, not protection.