The impact of streamlined insurance on a restaurant chain

About the restaurant

An existing fine dining client introduced Howden to a potential new client – a restaurant chain spanning seven countries that specialises in serving high-quality fresh lobster. The chain asked Howden to review their existing restaurant and hospitality insurance programme to see how the insurance policies across all the sites could be streamlined, strengthened, and to identify any gaps in cover that may leave them exposed.

One Howden solution for numerous problems

A thorough review of the existing restaurant insurance cover revealed that there were separate policies per site, and there were instances of duplicated cover, such as Public Liability. All of this could be more efficiently arranged under one policy. 

But in addition to the duplications, a substantial gap in cover was also exposed during the review – with one particularly fishy issue requiring attention.

Solving the lobster delivery dilemma

The chain had always air freighted their fresh lobster stock in from Europe to a central UK distribution centre, ensuring all were of the highest quality. These would then be distributed across the restaurants.

However, Howden’s review quickly revealed that the number of lobsters in transit exceeded the limit of their existing policy. This had potentially far-reaching consequences for the restaurant chain. If a delivery was lost or spoiled, lack of adequate cover would mean they would need to cover the cost of the missing/ruined crustaceans, which would not only be expensive, but possibly financially ruinous for the chain.

The client trusted Howden’s initial findings and ordered a full market review which included a tailor-made proposal to provide cover under one policy - loss of lobster very much included!

Full cover, no gaps, one policy

The restaurant chain showed their gratitude for the review and specialist advice by appointing Howden as their insurance broker. They now have the confidence that their thriving seafood business is not only fully protected but also in the hands of a specialist team that really understands the hospitality sector. And by partnering with an insightful insurance team, they are no longer swimming against the tide of uncertainty, inefficiency, or potential cover gaps.

Want to know more about how we can support your restaurant, hospitality, or leisure business? Get in touch with our Hospitality team on [email protected] or call us on +44 (0)330 008 1331.