Lower Restaurant Premiums Without Getting Burned

“Cheapest” is usually a trap: stripped coverage, audit surprises, or weak carriers.
Real savings come from playing the long game and using the system the way underwriters do.

Timing beats hopping (the loyalty sweet spot)

Don’t bounce every year or sit forever. Clean books and stable history earn trust; then shop
at the right moment for better credits and pricing.

Get an advocate—not just an agent

Underwriters offer hidden credits for clean inspections, safe alcohol service, and tidy audits—
but only if someone fights for them. Two similar restaurants can pay very different premiums based
on how their agent works the file.

Strong limits open doors

Ultra-low liquor or GL limits can block access to the best carriers. Serious limits signal serious risk management
—and unlock better markets.

Avoid the audit trap

Bad bookkeeping + “quote games” = giant true-up bills. Track payroll/tips cleanly, gather COIs,
separate job classes, and answer audit requests fast.

Insure disasters, self-insure annoyances

Carry coverage for six-figure events; pay small stuff out of pocket to keep your loss history attractive.

Bundle…strategically

Sometimes splitting property/liquor beats the bundle. Compare both paths instead of assuming.

Carrier quality matters

At the same price, one carrier can be a dream at claims—and another a nightmare. Choose value, not just price.