Do I Need Insurance to Have a Pizza Restaurant Deliver?
If you run a pizza restaurant and offer delivery, the answer is simple: yes, you absolutely need proper insurance. Here’s why—and how to pick the best coverage for your needs.
🍕 Why Delivery Changes Your Insurance Needs
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Personal auto policies usually exclude commercial use, meaning they won’t cover accidents if your employees deliver pizzas using personal cars
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Without coverage, your business—and even your drivers—could face massive personal liability after a crash during delivery.
Essential Coverages Used in Pizza Delivery
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Non‑Owned/Hired Auto Liability
Extends your general liability policy to cover vehicles your employees use on your behalf -
Commercial Auto (if you own vehicles)
Needed to protect company‑owned cars, bikes, scooters used for delivery General Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury or property damage that occurs as part of your operations—like a slip in the restaurant or food poisoning. Policies typically start at $450–$1,000/year for $1 M coverage Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Essential for any delivery employees—covers medical treatment and lost wages if drivers are injured while on duty -
Product Liability (part of General Liability)
Protects against claims related to food‑borne illness—often bundled into standard restaurant general liability
How Much Does Delivery Insurance Cost?
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Non‑Owned Auto Liability: Often a modest endorsement on a general liability policy—adding a few hundred dollars annually. General liability itself runs $1,000–$3,000/year .
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Commercial Auto Insurance: Rates vary—typical car used for delivery ranges $50–$200/month; fleet vehicles cost more
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Workers’ Compensation: Based on payroll—often $0.75–$2 per $100 of payroll
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Total Monthly Cost: Most pizza places spend between $100–$400/month for combined commercial auto, liability, and workers’ compensation. Expect higher if you have a fleet or higher sales volume.
Getting a Quote: Insurance for Restaurants Doing Delivery
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Ask insurers for a restaurant insurance quote with delivery endorsements included.
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Compare multiple restaurant insurance companies to find competitive pricing.
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Make sure your quote includes:
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Restaurant general liability insurance
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Hired & non‑owned auto liability, or commercial auto insurance
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Workers’ compensation insurance
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Tips for Smart Coverage
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Bundle policies (like BOP: liability + property) to reduce restaurant insurance cost per month.
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Check restaurant insurance coverage levels—$1 M liability is standard; higher if you own cars or bikes.
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Shop local: “restaurant insurance near me” helps find brokers familiar with local delivery laws (like California-specific rules for restaurant insurance California).
Final Takeaway
Operating delivery changes your risk profile dramatically. Insurance isn’t optional—it’s essential. Without it, your pizza restaurant could face large legal and financial exposure. By adding restaurant delivery insurance to your policy mix—restaurant insurance cost, average restaurant insurance cost, and comparing quotes—you protect your drivers, your business, and your bottom line.