No restaurant owner wants to go through the trauma of a break-in, or the effects of water damage from a burst pipe, or the hassle of dealing with spoiled and rotting food when the freezer fails. But, sooner or later, most restaurateurs will have to deal with some if not all these scenarios.

If you’re on top of your insurance needs and have the correct and adequate coverage, you will at least be able to mitigate the financial fallout from the event. And if you’ve done your due diligence in the relaxed days before the damage event, making a claim will be straightforward.

So, what are some of the things you can do before you need to make a claim?

Make sure you have the correct coverage for your circumstances. For example, if your restaurant does not serve alcohol, you do not need liquor liability insurance, but if it does you most assuredly do. If you have any employees, you will need Workers Compensation Insurance. If you offer valet parking or garage parking you will need Garage Keepers Liability Insurance. Make sure to review your insurance policies on a regular basis with your broker, and if any of your restaurant’s circumstances change be sure to update any affected policies.

If you have mechanical equipment make sure you stay up-to-date with the maintenance. If your restaurant uses any kind of technology—from a desktop computer to a hi-tech booking system to an electronic payment setup—make sure all of the log-ins and other relevant information are kept offsite in a secure protected environment.

When making an insurance claim the more documentary evidence you can provide the better. Keep careful note of equipment receipts, model numbers, warranties, etc. Take photographs of equipment, furnishings, and decor. If you do, then in the event of a catastrophic event such as a fire or flood, you can prove how things were before they were damaged. If you have items that are regularly serviced and maintained, be sure to keep detailed records of the work done—don’t depend on your service provider, they may not keep records beyond the date and outline of any service visit. If you have individual items of significant monetary value make sure that your insurance coverage provides for them and keep photographs and documentation that authenticates their value-–no insurer is going to rely on just your word when you tell them that those few cases of wine were worth thousands of dollars.

Finally, make sure that all your records and documents are kept safe-–ideally offsite and in a secure fireproof, waterproof location.

It sounds like a lot, but with all the right evidence and insurance coverage for your restaurant, bar, kitchen equipment, and valuables, when the worst happens you will at least know that you will get the right compensation as swiftly as possible so that you can focus on getting back to work.

For more information on making a claim and more contact Vozza Agency for restaurant insurance coverage in New Jersey.