Restaurants & Food Service Workers' Comp · California
Restaurants & Food Service Workers' Comp Insurance in California
Requirements, class codes, and costs for restaurants & food service businesses in California — shopped across multiple carriers by a licensed agency.
Is workers' comp required for restaurants & food service in California?
California requires workers' compensation for every employer with at least one employee — with no exceptions based on business size or industry (Labor Code § 3700).
Operating without coverage is a criminal misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $100,000, stop-work orders, and personal liability for every injury claim.
Coverage is available from private carriers or the State Compensation Insurance Fund (State Fund), the insurer of last resort.
Restaurants & Food Service class codes
The right class code sets your rate. California classifies payroll under WCIRB — California uses its own rating bureau and class codes, not NCCI.
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 9080 | Restaurants — Full Service |
| 9083 | Restaurants — Fast Food / Fast Casual |
| 9084 | Bars or Taverns |
| 9082 | Caterers |
| 9081(2) | Food Trucks |
| 9101 | Restaurant NOC |
| 9102 | Restaurants — Fast Food |
| 9180 | Taverns or Night Clubs |
| 8078(1) | Sandwich Shops |
| 8078(2) | Beverage Preparation Shops |
| 8078(3) | Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt Shops |
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What restaurants & food service workers' comp costs in California
California has some of the highest workers' comp rates in the country and classifies payroll under WCIRB codes rather than NCCI.
The biggest drivers of your restaurants & food service premium:
- · Number of employees and total annual payroll
- · Specific class code(s) — full-service vs. fast food vs. bar
- · State where employees work (rates vary significantly)
- · Claims history over the past 3-5 years
Try our cost calculator for a rough estimate, or request a quote for an exact rate.
Common restaurants & food service claims
- ⚠ Slip-and-fall injuries on wet or greasy floors
- ⚠ Burns from fryers, grills, ovens, and hot liquids
- ⚠ Lacerations from knives, slicers, and broken glass
- ⚠ Repetitive motion injuries from prep work
- ⚠ Back and lifting injuries from carrying supplies
Frequently asked questions
Is workers' compensation required for restaurants & food service in California? +
California requires workers' compensation for every employer with at least one employee — with no exceptions based on business size or industry (Labor Code § 3700). Operating without coverage is a criminal misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $100,000, stop-work orders, and personal liability for every injury claim.
How much does restaurants & food service workers' comp cost in California? +
California has some of the highest workers' comp rates in the country and classifies payroll under WCIRB codes rather than NCCI. Your restaurants & food service premium ultimately depends on your class code, payroll, claims history, and experience modification rate — request a quote for an exact, carrier-underwritten rate.
How much does workers' comp cost for a restaurant? +
Restaurant workers' comp typically costs between $1.50 and $4.00 per $100 of payroll, depending on your state, class code, and claims history. A restaurant with $300,000 in annual payroll might pay $4,500-$12,000 per year. We shop multiple carriers to find you the best rate.
Do I need workers' comp if I only have part-time employees? +
In most states, yes. Workers' comp requirements apply to part-time, full-time, and seasonal employees. The threshold varies by state — some require coverage with just one employee. Contact us with your state and we'll confirm your requirement.
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