Spring and summer are busy seasons for restaurants across Virginia.
As temperatures warm up, many restaurants in Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico, and Midlothian open their patios for outdoor dining.
Outdoor seating can attract more guests and increase revenue. But it can also introduce new risks.
Reviewing your restaurant insurance in Virginia before patio season begins can help protect your business, employees, and guests.
The Risk: Why Patio Season Changes Liability Exposure
When restaurants add outdoor seating, activity increases.
More guests, servers, and movement can increase the risk of accidents.
Common patio season risks include:
- Slip and fall injuries
- Alcohol-related incidents
- Weather damage to equipment
- Guest injuries on uneven surfaces
According to the National Restaurant Association, restaurants are one of the largest employers in the United States, with millions of workers serving guests each year.
This level of activity is one reason restaurants rely on strong liability protection.
Business Owner’s Policy (BOP): The Foundation of Restaurant Insurance
Many restaurants start with a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP).
A BOP typically combines:
- General liability insurance
- Property insurance
- Business interruption protection
This coverage can help protect the restaurant if a guest is injured or property is damaged.
For restaurants with patios, this may include coverage for outdoor furniture, umbrellas, heaters, and other equipment.
Liquor Liability: A Critical Coverage for Many Restaurants
Restaurants that serve alcohol often need liquor liability insurance.
This coverage helps protect the business if a guest causes harm after being served alcohol.
Liquor liability claims can involve:
- Injuries to guests
- Property damage
- Auto accidents involving intoxicated patrons
Because many patios include alcohol service, reviewing liquor liability limits before the busy season can be important.
Workers’ Compensation: Protecting Your Staff
Patio season often means restaurants hire seasonal employees
Workers’ compensation coverage helps protect staff who may be injured while working.
Common restaurant injuries include:
- Slips on wet surfaces
- Burns from hot equipment
- Lifting injuries
The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission explains that most businesses with three or more employees must carry workers’ compensation coverage.
Typical Insurance Policies for Restaurants
Many restaurants rely on a combination of policies, including:
- Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)
- Liquor liability insurance
- Workers’ compensation insurance
- Commercial umbrella coverage
These policies work together to help protect the restaurant, employees, and guests.
Outdoor Property and Weather Risks
Patios often include equipment and furniture that remain outdoors.
This may include:
- Outdoor tables and chairs
- Patio heaters
- Umbrellas and lighting
- Decorative landscaping features
Storms, wind, and severe weather can damage these items.
Reviewing property coverage limits can help ensure outdoor equipment is properly protected.
Common Patio Season Claims
Restaurants sometimes experience claims such as:
- Guest slip-and-fall injuries
- Alcohol-related liability claims
- Weather damage to outdoor furniture
- Injuries to seasonal staff
Insurance helps reduce the financial impact of these unexpected events.
Typical Liability Limits for Restaurants
Many restaurants carry liability limits such as:
General liability:
$1,000,000 per occurrence
$2,000,000 aggregate
Liquor Liability:
Often $1,000,000 or higher, depending on alcohol sales.
Actual coverage needs vary based on restaurant size and operations.
Conclusion
Patio season is an exciting time for restaurants across Virginia.
Outdoor dining can bring more guests and new opportunities for growth.
But it also introduces new exposures that restaurant owners should review before the season begins.
A quick insurance review can help ensure your business is prepared for the busy months ahead.
If you’d like help reviewing your restaurant insurance coverage, we’re always happy to help.
You can schedule a quick policy review with our commercial agents today.
