What you need to know
The hospitality sector carries one of the most diverse combinations of insurance risk of any industry. From the kitchen to the dining room, the bar to the events space, the exposures are constant and the consequences of being underinsured can be significant. A fire in the kitchen or a prolonged closure following storm damage can be business-ending without the right cover in place.
Stainton & Co. works with restaurants, cafés, bars, and hospitality businesses to structure insurance programmes that reflect how the business operates not a generic package that leaves gaps where they matter most.
What we help with
A comprehensive hospitality insurance programme, designed to protect your premises, equipment, and stock against damage and business interruption, with liability cover including liquor liability — ensuring your business has the financial resilience to absorb the unexpected and keep your doors open when it matters most.
What's generally covered
Material Damage
Covers the physical fit-out, kitchen equipment, furniture, and contents of the premises for fire, water damage, storm, and other insured events. For leased premises, the policy should reflect what the tenant is responsible for under the lease.
Business Interruption
For hospitality businesses, business interruption is one of the most critical covers on the programme. A forced closure whether from fire, storm damage, or other insured events can result in significant revenue loss while fixed costs continue. The indemnity period and sum insured need to reflect the real cost of being closed.
Public Liability
Covers legal liability for property damage caused to customers or third parties spilled food or drink on clothing, damage to a customer's belongings, or accidental damage to a neighbouring premises. Essential for any customer-facing operation.
Employers Liability
Covers legal liability to employees kitchen staff, front of house, bar staff, and management for claims that fall outside of ACC. Essential for any hospitality business with paid staff.
Machinery Breakdown
Commercial kitchen equipment, refrigeration, coffee machines, and cellar cooling systems are expensive to repair or replace and a breakdown can force a closure. Machinery breakdown cover protects against mechanical and electrical failure of critical equipment, with business interruption extension available.
Statutory Liability
Covers defence costs for regulatory proceedings under statutes including the Food Act and Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act, along with any insurable fines or reparation costs ordered by the Courts. Fines imposed under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, Employment Relations Act 2000, or any legislation where indemnification is prohibited by law are not covered.
Food Deterioration
Covers the cost of spoiled food and beverage stock following a breakdown of refrigeration or cold storage equipment, or a power failure. For hospitality businesses carrying significant perishable stock, this cover can prevent a substantial uninsured loss.
Consequential Loss
Extends liability cover to include the financial losses flowing from a covered liability event such as lost revenue, additional operating costs, or third-party financial loss claims. Particularly relevant where a single liability event could generate claims well beyond the immediate physical or bodily injury.
Money / Cash
Covers cash on the premises, in transit to the bank, and in electronic tills for loss by theft or other insured events. Relevant for hospitality businesses that handle significant cash volumes.
Management Liability
For larger hospitality operations, management liability covers directors, owners, and managers for claims arising from their management decisions including employment disputes, regulatory investigations, and wrongful act allegations.
The covers outlined above represent what is generally available to hospitality businesses in the New Zealand market. Every programme is different not all clients will require every cover, and the right combination will depend on your specific operation, lease obligations, and circumstances. We'll work with you to identify what's appropriate for your business.