Why do delicatessens need insurance?
A customer falls ill
Quality products are at the heart of your delicatessen. So, it’s a shock when a customer says they fell ill after eating items from your deli counter. You are confident your continental meats and antipasti are all fresh. However, you may have to defend your business against a claim.
A delicatessen owner can buy products liability insurance with public liability cover. It can help with the cost of defending a claim if someone says they’ve become ill from eating a product you’ve sold.
Deli employee injury
Following health and safety and workplace training protocols is important. That’s why you do so to the letter. However, accidents can happen. You may face a compensation claim if a staff member is injured, for example by cutting their hand on a meat slicer.
Employers’ liability insurance can help your deli with the cost of defence and settlement if an employee claims for illness or injury.
Smashed delicatessen counter
Opening an artisan shop like a deli can be a labour of love. You hand-pick every detail to align with your vision. This includes your fixtures and fittings. An accident in the deli sees your expensive counter smashed. As a focal point, you’ll need it fixed or replaced quickly.
Taking out business contents insurance for your deli can help. It can cover you for accidental damage as standard. Plus, incidents such as theft and even damage caused by a burst pipe.
What insurance is available for delicatessens?
Public liability insurance
Public liability insurance can protect a deli against customer-facing business risks. Any member of the public could claim against your business for an injury or damage to their property. This cover can help with paying up to £10 million in legal defence costs and compensation sums.
For instance, someone could trip on an A-board outside your shop. If they become injured, they may take you to court for compensation. Public liability insurance for your delicatessen offers protection against these unforeseen costs.
Business contents insurance
As a deli, insurance for stock, equipment and documents can be reassuring. Business contents cover can do just that. It works to protect items kept on your premises. This might be from damage caused by an accident, theft or a flood or fire.
Running a small business is built on passion. When stock you’ve meticulously chosen becomes damaged or stolen, it can have a significant impact. Business contents insurance can help with the cost of repairs and replacements.
Employers’ liability insurance
UK businesses with staff are legally required (external link) to have employers’ liability cover. So, when you employ anyone at your delicatessen, you’ll need this insurance by law (there are some exceptions). It can protect your business if an employee says they fell ill or were injured due to their work.
For instance, an employee may say they weren’t given training for a new veg prep machine. They could claim for a resulting injury. If so, you may need financial help with legal and compensation costs. Employers’ liability insurance can support your deli with up to £10 million.
Other insurance types are available for a delicatessen. This includes commercial property insurance if you own the building. Personal accident cover and legal protection insurance are also available.
Tell us about your delicatessen. We can help you build a tailored insurance quote.
Build my coverInsurance for delicatessens: FAQs
What is the difference between a deli and a café?
The difference between a deli and a café is what each predominantly sells. A deli focuses on selling quality foods such as cooked meats, cheeses and prepared salads.
Meanwhile, a café focuses on selling hot drinks such as coffee and tea. Small meals or snacks, such pieces of cake, are usually served alongside. A café will also often have facilities for their food and drink to be consumed on-site.
Does insurance for delicatessens cover the use of fryers?
Yes, if your insured premises has a deep fat fryer in use, your business insurance can cover it. For this to be the case, though, there are actions you must make for it to remain insured. These include:
- Every seven days – clean every grease trap, filter, canopy and extraction hood at least once
- Every six months – clean every extraction duct at least once.
For the full details of inclusions and exclusions, please check the policy wording.
Does delicatessen insurance cover stolen money?
Yes, the business insurance you take out for your deli can cover stolen money, if you add business contents insurance to your policy. It can help protect your delicatessen against the cost of losses or damage after theft, including damage to tills and safes.
Will I be insured for packaged and jarred food sold at my deli?
Yes, you can get cover for the packaged and jarred food you sell at your deli. If you take out products liability insurance, your deli can be insured for selling these items.
Products liability insurance is sold with public liability insurance. It helps if a customer claims that one of your products caused illness, injury, or even damage. Product manufacturers, suppliers and sellers can get cover up to £10 million. This cover applies to the defence and settlement of a claim.
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