General Liability responds to the core exposures most operations in this category face. A typical policy answers third-party claims and the defense costs that come with them, so a single incident doesn't put the business at risk.
State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave
California requires employers to participate in the State Disability Insurance program, funded through employee payroll deductions. SDI provides short-term disability benefits to workers who can't perform their jobs due to non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. The current employee contribution rate in 2026 is 1.1% of wages, with no taxable wage ceiling.
Paid Family Leave (PFL) falls under the same SDI umbrella and provides up to eight weeks of partial wage replacement for employees bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously ill family member. While employers don't pay premiums directly for SDI or PFL, they are responsible for proper payroll withholding and reporting. Getting this wrong can trigger audits from the Employment Development Department.
Florida's restaurant industry faces a unique collision of risks: hurricane season, high employee turnover, liquor liability exposure, and a litigation environment where social inflation is climbing at roughly 5.4% per year, pushing casualty costs well above normal economic inflation. If you're running a restaurant, bar, or food truck in the Sunshine State, getting your insurance right isn't optional: it's survival. The wrong coverage (or not enough of it) can wipe out years of work after a single claim. This guide breaks down the requirements, real-world costs, and compliance details that FL operators actually need to know heading into 2026 and beyond. Whether you're opening your first spot in Miami or expanding a chain in Tampa, the stakes are too high to guess.
Mandatory Insurance Requirements for Florida Restaurants
Florida doesn't have a single "restaurant insurance" mandate. Instead, the state layers several requirements depending on your staff size, whether you serve alcohol, and how food reaches your customers. Missing even one of these can result in fines, license suspension, or personal liability exposure that hits your own assets.
The big three for most FL restaurant operators: workers' compensation, liquor liability (if applicable), and commercial auto coverage for delivery operations. Each comes with its own thresholds and enforcement mechanisms, and the Florida Department of Financial Services doesn't give warnings: they issue stop-work orders.
Florida Workers' Compensation Laws for Food Service
Florida law requires workers' comp for any restaurant or food service business with four or more employees. That threshold drops to just one employee for construction-related work, but for hospitality, four is the magic number. Part-time, full-time, seasonal: they all count toward that total.
The penalty for non-compliance is steep. The state can issue a stop-work order that shuts your doors immediately, plus a fine equal to twice the premium you should have been paying. For a busy restaurant with 15 employees, that back-premium penalty alone can exceed $20,000.
One thing to keep in mind: even if you're under four employees, carrying workers' comp voluntarily protects you from personal injury lawsuits by staff. A line cook's burn or a server's slip-and-fall can generate claims in the $50,000 to $150,000 range fast.
Liquor Liability Standards for FL Establishments
If you serve alcohol, Florida's dram shop laws create direct liability for your business. You can be held responsible if an intoxicated patron causes injury or death after leaving your establishment, particularly if you served someone who was "habitually addicted" to alcohol or under the legal drinking age.
Standard general liability policies exclude liquor liability. You need a separate endorsement or standalone liquor liability policy, and most landlords and licensing authorities require proof of this coverage before you open. Typical limits start at $300,000 per occurrence, but many operators carry $1 million given Florida's plaintiff-friendly courts.
Bars and nightclubs with high alcohol-to-food ratios face even steeper premiums. GrayStone Insurance Group works specifically with these higher-risk hospitality venues that traditional carriers often decline, placing coverage where other agencies can't.
Commercial Auto and Delivery Driver Requirements
The post-pandemic delivery boom hasn't slowed down, and Florida requires commercial auto insurance for any vehicle used in business operations. Your personal auto policy won't cover a driver making deliveries in their own car on your behalf: that's a coverage gap that catches many restaurant owners off guard.
If you use third-party delivery apps, read the fine print. Most platforms carry their own insurance, but it typically only kicks in while the driver is actively on a delivery. Gaps exist during the "waiting for an order" phase. For restaurants running their own delivery fleet, hired and non-owned auto coverage is the minimum, with limits of at least $1 million recommended for Florida roads.
INDEX
GrayStone Insurance Group is fully licensed and permitted to provide specialty commercial insurance solutions for high-risk and hard-to-place businesses across 17 states.
We proudly serve high-risk and hard-to-place businesses from coast to coast. As an independent specialty brokerage, our team works with leading Excess & Surplus and specialty carriers to make sure restaurants, bars, contractors, trucking companies, manufacturers, and other hard-to-place operations receive coverage that fits their real risks in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Washington.
Every policy has boundaries. Knowing them up front is how you avoid an uncovered claim. Common exclusions include:
Every policy has boundaries. Knowing them up front is how you avoid an uncovered claim. Common exclusions include:
Every policy has boundaries. Knowing them up front is how you avoid an uncovered claim. Common exclusions include:
General Liability responds to the core exposures most operations in this category face. A typical policy answers third-party claims and the defense costs that come with them, so a single incident doesn't put the business at risk.
If your firm provides any design, engineering, or consulting services alongside construction, you need both. A GL policy won't cover a claim alleging your design specifications caused a building envelope failure. That's a professional liability exposure, and it's one of the fastest-growing claim categories in construction.
| Coverage Area | Standard Garage Policy | Motorsports-Specific Package |
|---|---|---|
| Test Ride Liability | Often excluded or limited | Included with defined protocols |
| Open Lot Coverage | Minimal or excluded | Full inventory protection |
| Off-Road Vehicle Liability | Typically excluded | Covered for ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes |
| Seasonal Inventory Fluctuation | Fixed limits year-round | Adjustable limits by season |
| Demo/Loaner Coverage | Rarely included | Available as standard endorsement |
| Parts & Accessories Inventory | Low sublimits | Higher limits reflecting actual value |
Essential Coverage Types and Comparison
Beyond the mandated coverages, most FL restaurant operators need a broader insurance portfolio. The two most common structures are standalone general liability policies and bundled Business Owners Policies (BOPs).
Comparison Chart: General Liability vs. Business Owners Policy (BOP)
| Feature | General Liability Only | Business Owners Policy (BOP) |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury/property damage | Included | Included |
| Commercial property coverage | Not included | Included |
| Commercial property coverage | Not included | Included |
| Business interruption | Not included | Included |
| Equipment breakdown | Not included | Often included |
| Typical annual cost (small restaurant) | $1,200 - $3,500 | $2,500 - $6,000 |
| Best for | Leased spaces, minimal equipment | Owned buildings, full kitchens |
| Customization | Add endorsements individually | Bundled discount, fewer gaps |
For most sit-down restaurants, a BOP saves money compared to buying each coverage separately. General liability alone can range from $1,200 to over $5,000 annually in Florida depending on your revenue, location, and claims history.
Property Insurance vs. Spoilage and Equipment Breakdown
Standard property insurance covers your building, furniture, and fixtures against fire, theft, and certain weather events. But it usually won't cover two things restaurants desperately need: spoilage and equipment breakdown.
A walk-in cooler failure on a Friday night can destroy $5,000 to $15,000 in inventory. Equipment breakdown coverage pays for both the repair and the lost product. Spoilage coverage specifically handles food loss from mechanical failure or power outages: a frequent problem during Florida's summer storm season.
These endorsements typically add $300 to $800 per year to your policy. Given that a single compressor failure can cost more than a decade of premiums, skipping this coverage is a gamble most operators shouldn't take.
The 2026 market has seen property catastrophe rates drop 14.7% in early renewals, which is good news for builders risk. But excess liability premiums have moved sharply in the other direction, with hikes ranging from 7% to well above that depending on the risk profile. Getting the right stack of coverage at the right price requires more than just calling your local agent.
| Feature | Standard Policy | High-Risk Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier Type | Admitted (regulated rates) | Often surplus lines (flexible rates) |
| Premium Cost | Lower, competitive pricing | Higher, reflecting elevated risk |
| Underwriting Process | Streamlined, often online | Detailed, may require inspections |
| Policy Customization | Limited endorsement options | Highly tailored to specific risks |
| Claims History Tolerance | Low tolerance for losses | More flexible with prior claims |
| Availability | Widely available | Limited to specialty brokers |
| CIGA Protection | Yes | No |
| Feature | General Liability (GL) | Professional Liability (E&O) |
|---|---|---|
| What it covers | Bodily injury, property damage, personal injury | Errors, omissions, negligent advice |
| Who needs it | Nearly every business | Service-based and professional firms |
| Common claims | Slip-and-fall, product damage, advertising injury | Missed deadlines, bad advice, contract disputes |
| Typical limits | $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate | $1M per claim / $1M aggregate |
| Required by law in SC? | Not mandated but often contractually required | Not mandated but often required by clients |
| Claims-made vs. occurrence | Usually occurrence-based | Usually claims-made |
| Cost range (annual) | $500 - $3,000+ for small businesses | $500 - $3,000+ for small businesses |
Unique Florida Risks: Weather and Seasonal Compliance
Running a restaurant in Florida means accepting weather risk that operators in most other states simply don't face. Hurricane season runs June through November, and the insurance implications go far beyond wind damage.
Hurricane and Windstorm Deductibles
Here's where Florida insurance gets tricky. Most property policies in the state carry a separate hurricane or windstorm deductible, calculated as a percentage of your insured property value rather than a flat dollar amount. A 2% hurricane deductible on a property insured for $500,000 means you're paying the first $10,000 out of pocket before coverage kicks in.
Some policies set this at 5% or even 10% in high-risk coastal zones. That $500,000 property? You could be responsible for $50,000 before your insurer pays a dime. Read your declarations page carefully and budget accordingly.
Brokers with deep Florida experience, like those at GrayStone Insurance Group who average 20 years in the market, can often negotiate lower percentage deductibles or find carriers with flat-dollar options that provide more predictable out-of-pocket costs.
Flood Insurance Needs in Coastal Counties
Standard property and BOP policies do not cover flood damage. Period. If your restaurant sits in a FEMA-designated flood zone (and a surprising number of inland Florida locations qualify), you need a separate flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood insurer.
Flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect, so buying it the week before a named storm won't help. Premiums in high-risk zones can run $3,000 to $10,000 annually for commercial properties, but a single flood event can cause six-figure losses that would otherwise come entirely out of your pocket.
Every policy has boundaries. Knowing them up front is how you avoid an uncovered claim. Common exclusions include:
Every policy has boundaries. Knowing them up front is how you avoid an uncovered claim. Common exclusions include:
Every policy has boundaries. Knowing them up front is how you avoid an uncovered claim. Common exclusions include:
General Liability responds to the core exposures most operations in this category face. A typical policy answers third-party claims and the defense costs that come with them, so a single incident doesn't put the business at risk.
How GrayStone Specialized Programs Bridge the Gap
GrayStone Insurance Group has built specific programs for contractors that standard carriers won't write. With brokers averaging 20 years of experience in hard-to-place commercial lines, the approach is different from what you'll get at a generalist agency. Rather than trying to fit tree care into a standard contractor program, GrayStone works with surplus lines carriers and specialty markets that actually understand arborist operations.
Factors Influencing Insurance Costs in Florida
Insurance pricing for FL restaurants isn't random. Underwriters look at specific, quantifiable risk factors, and understanding them gives you some control over your premiums.
Impact of Location and Square Footage
A 1,500-square-foot cafe in Gainesville and a 4,000-square-foot restaurant in Miami Beach will see dramatically different premiums, even with identical menus and revenue. Coastal locations carry higher wind and flood risk. Urban locations in South Florida face higher crime rates and litigation frequency.
Square footage matters because it correlates with foot traffic, slip-and-fall exposure, and property replacement costs. A larger dining room means more customers, more potential incidents, and higher general liability premiums. Restaurants in strip malls typically pay less for property coverage than standalone buildings because the landlord's master policy covers the structure itself.
Menu Type and Alcohol Sales Volume
A sushi bar and a wood-fired pizza restaurant present very different risk profiles. Open flames, deep fryers, and wood-burning ovens increase fire risk and push property premiums higher. Restaurants where alcohol accounts for more than 30% of revenue face significantly steeper liquor liability costs.
EPLI (Employment Practices Liability Insurance) is another cost driver that's becoming increasingly important for Florida restaurants facing wage disputes and discrimination claims. High employee turnover in food service creates more opportunities for employment-related lawsuits, and Florida's restaurant industry has one of the highest turnover rates in the country.
Why does my insurance keep going up even though I haven't had any claims? Claims in the broader construction industry drive rate increases across the board. Even with a clean loss history, you're affected by market-wide trends like nuclear verdicts and increased material costs that inflate claim values.
Can I save money by classifying workers as subcontractors instead of employees? This is one of the most common and dangerous mistakes contractors make. Misclassification can result in audit penalties, uncovered workers' comp claims, and state fines. If a worker is functionally an employee, treat them as one.
What limits should I carry for general liability? Most commercial contracts require $1M per occurrence and $2M aggregate at minimum, with an umbrella policy bringing total limits to $5M or more. Your specific needs depend on project size and contract requirements.
Do I need a separate policy for each project? Not usually. A practice policy covers all your operations, though large projects may require project-specific coverage or wrap-ups. Your broker should review each contract to determine what's needed.
What happens if my subcontractor's insurance lapses mid-project? You're exposed. Your policy may respond, but you'll likely face a deductible and potential premium increase. Continuous certificate tracking is essential, and many contractors now use automated verification platforms.
How long does completed operations coverage last? Typically tied to your policy period, but statutes of repose vary by state: some allow construction defect claims up to 10 years after completion. Make sure your coverage extends long enough to match your state's statute.
When admitted carriers decline your application, the surplus lines market becomes your path to coverage. Surplus lines insurers aren't bound by the same rate and form regulations as admitted carriers, giving them flexibility to write policies for unusual or high-hazard risks. The U.S. surplus lines market has grown substantially as more businesses find themselves unable to secure standard market coverage.
Working with a broker who has established surplus lines relationships is critical. GrayStone Insurance Group, for example, specializes in placing coverage for hard-to-place contractors through its surplus lines partnerships, using data-driven risk modeling to match operators with the right carrier. Not every surplus lines broker understands construction, so look for one with specific trade experience.
Navigating the Surplus Lines Market
Impact of Claims History on Future Premiums
Your loss history follows you. A single large claim can increase premiums for three to five years, and multiple claims within a short window can make you virtually uninsurable in the standard market. Your experience modification rate (EMR) in workers comp directly reflects your claims history relative to peers in your classification.
The good news: you can improve your EMR over time by reducing claim frequency and severity. Implement return-to-work programs, contest questionable claims, and invest in loss control. Brokers with deep industry knowledge, like those averaging 20+ years of experience at firms such as GrayStone, can help you build a narrative around your risk improvement efforts that resonates with underwriters.
Start with your safety program. Documented training, proper PPE protocols, and a clean claims history are the fastest path to lower premiums. Beyond that, working with a broker who understands risk assessment for specialty construction trades can help you avoid overpaying for coverage you don't need while making sure you're not exposed on the coverages you do.
Bundling your GL, inland marine, and commercial auto with a single carrier or program often yields better pricing than buying each separately. Raising your deductible from $1,000 to $2,500 can also reduce premiums by 10-15% on general liability.
FAQ: How can I lower my insurance costs without losing coverage?
What This Means for Your Business
Concrete finishing is a skilled trade that deserves insurance coverage designed for its actual risks, not a generic contractor policy with half the important coverages stripped out. The difficulty in placing this insurance isn't a reflection of your business: it's a reflection of a market that doesn't understand your trade well enough to price it fairly.
If you're paying too much, carrying policies with critical exclusions, or getting declined altogether, the problem is almost certainly your current broker's market access, not your operation. GrayStone Insurance Group specializes in exactly these hard-to-place risks, connecting concrete contractors with carriers who actually want to write this business.
The right policy protects your equipment, your completed work, your crew, and your reputation. Don't settle for less just because a few carriers said no. Reach out to GrayStone and get a quote built around what your concrete business actually does.
How much does GL insurance cost for a real estate developer? Expect to pay between $15,000 and $75,000 annually for a standard GL policy, depending on project size, location, and construction type. Mixed-use and residential projects in litigation-heavy states will land at the higher end.
How long does it take to place coverage for a new development? Simple projects with experienced developers can be placed in 2-4 weeks. Complex or distressed risks may take 6-8 weeks, especially if surplus lines markets need to be accessed.
What's the most common coverage gap developers miss? Completed operations coverage that extends beyond project completion. Many developers let this lapse after the certificate of occupancy, leaving them exposed to defect claims that surface years later.
Do I need separate pollution coverage? Almost always, yes. Standard GL policies exclude pollution, and brownfield or infill sites carry environmental risk even with clean Phase II reports. A site-specific pollution legal liability policy typically runs $5,000-$15,000 annually.
Can I add my lender as an additional insured? Yes, and your lender will require it. Make sure the additional insured endorsement matches the exact entity name on the loan documents, or you'll face delays at closing.
What happens if my carrier non-renews mid-project? You'll need to find replacement coverage quickly, usually within 30-60 days. This is where having a broker with deep market relationships pays off - a cold submission to unfamiliar carriers during a non-renewal is a tough position.
FAQ: Cost, Timelines, and Coverage Gaps
Do I need separate insurance for each type of vehicle I sell? Not necessarily. A well-structured dealer policy can cover multiple vehicle types under one program, but the policy language needs to specifically include each category: motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, PWCs, etc. Don't assume a generic "motorsports" label covers everything.
What liability limits should a motorsports dealership carry? Most dealers should carry a minimum of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate for general liability. If you offer test rides on high-performance vehicles, higher limits or an umbrella policy are worth the investment.
Does my policy cover vehicles in transit? Standard dealer policies often exclude vehicles being transported between locations or from auctions. You'll need inland marine or motor truck cargo coverage to fill this gap, especially if you're moving inventory between multiple locations.
Are demo rides covered under my garage liability? It depends entirely on your policy language. Many standard policies exclude or severely limit demo ride coverage. Make sure your policy explicitly addresses customer test rides and staff demonstrations.
What happens if a customer is injured during a test ride? Your garage liability policy should respond, but only if test ride liability is included. If the customer was riding without a helmet or outside an approved area, coverage disputes can arise. Written test ride agreements help protect your position.
Can I get coverage if I've been non-renewed? Yes, but you'll likely need to work with a surplus lines broker who has access to specialty markets. A non-renewal isn't the end of the road, though it will require more effort and potentially higher premiums initially.
FAQ: Coverage Limits and Requirements
Workers' Compensation for High-Climbing Crews
Workers' comp for tree climbers is one of the most difficult placements in the industry. GrayStone's data-driven underwriting approach uses AI-powered risk modeling to match operations with carriers that specialize in high-hazard classifications. This means faster quotes and more competitive pricing than you'd typically find shopping the market on your own. The 94% client retention rate speaks to the fact that these placements stick: contractors aren't getting non-renewed every year.
A commercial wood chipper costs $30,000 to $80,000. A bucket truck runs $80,000 to $150,000. Inland marine coverage protects this equipment whether it's on a job site, in transit, or stored at your yard. Standard auto policies don't cover mounted equipment, and many contractors don't realize this gap exists until they file a claim. GrayStone structures inland marine policies that cover the full replacement value of your fleet, including rented or leased equipment.
Equipment Coverage for Chippers and Aerial Lifts
You need both. They protect against completely different risks, and neither one fills the gap left by the other. The construction state of the market report for 2026 emphasizes that carriers are increasingly scrutinizing coverage gaps during underwriting, so having both policies properly structured matters more than ever.
Common Questions About FL Restaurant Insurance
How much does a basic policy cost for a small cafe?
A small cafe with under $500,000 in annual revenue, no alcohol service, and fewer than 10 employees can expect to pay between $3,000 and $7,000 per year for a BOP with general liability. Add liquor liability and workers' comp, and you're looking at $8,000 to $15,000 total.
Do I need insurance if I only have a food truck?
Yes. Florida requires commercial auto insurance for the vehicle itself, and most commissary kitchens and event venues require proof of general liability (usually $1 million per occurrence) before you can operate on their property. Many food truck operators also need cyber liability coverage if they process credit card payments, which is increasingly standard.
Is Workers' Comp required if I have fewer than four employees?
Not technically required for restaurant operations under four employees, but strongly recommended. Without it, an injured employee can sue you personally. The cost for a small crew is often under $2,000 per year: far less than a single workplace injury claim.
What happens if my restaurant is sued for food poisoning?
Your general liability policy typically covers food-borne illness claims, including legal defense costs and settlements. Most policies cover this under "products-completed operations" liability. The key is having adequate limits: a multi-plaintiff food poisoning incident can quickly exceed a $500,000 policy limit.
Does my lease require me to have specific coverage limits?
Almost certainly. Most commercial leases in Florida require tenants to carry general liability of at least $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, plus property coverage for your contents. Your landlord should be listed as an "additional insured" on your policy. Failing to meet these requirements can trigger a lease default.
Every policy has boundaries. Knowing them up front is how you avoid an uncovered claim. Common exclusions include:
Every policy has boundaries. Knowing them up front is how you avoid an uncovered claim. Common exclusions include:
Every policy has boundaries. Knowing them up front is how you avoid an uncovered claim. Common exclusions include:
General Liability responds to the core exposures most operations in this category face. A typical policy answers third-party claims and the defense costs that come with them, so a single incident doesn't put the business at risk.
How GrayStone Specialized Programs Bridge the Gap
GrayStone Insurance Group has built specific programs for contractors that standard carriers won't write. With brokers averaging 20 years of experience in hard-to-place commercial lines, the approach is different from what you'll get at a generalist agency. Rather than trying to fit tree care into a standard contractor program, GrayStone works with surplus lines carriers and specialty markets that actually understand arborist operations.
Risk Mitigation and Safety Training Programs
Insurance isn't just about transferring risk: it's about reducing it. GrayStone works with franchisees to implement safety protocols that directly affect premium pricing. Documented training programs for new hires, slip-and-fall prevention checklists, and food safety audit records all give underwriters confidence that the operation is well-managed.
A franchisee who can demonstrate a 12-month track record of daily temperature logs, incident reporting procedures, and quarterly safety meetings will get materially better pricing than one who can't. GrayStone helps clients build that documentation trail so it's ready when renewal time comes.
Can I get a bond if I have bad credit?
Yes, but expect to pay more. Sureties view credit score as a primary indicator of risk. A score below 600 might push your premium to 10-15% of the bond amount instead of 1-3%. Some surety companies specialize in "bad credit" bonds, though the terms are less favorable.
Making the Right Choice for Your Venue
Getting restaurant insurance right in Florida requires more than checking boxes. The state's unique combination of weather exposure, aggressive litigation trends, and complex liquor laws means your coverage needs to be specific to your operation: not a generic template.
Start by auditing your actual risks. A beachfront seafood restaurant with a full bar and 30 employees has a completely different profile than a family-owned Cuban cafe with five staff and no alcohol. Your insurance should reflect those differences in both coverage and cost.
Work with a broker who understands high-risk hospitality placements. GrayStone Insurance Group's data-driven approach to underwriting helps FL operators get accurate pricing without overpaying for coverage they don't need or, worse, underpaying and discovering gaps after a claim. Their 94% client retention rate speaks to the kind of ongoing support that matters when hurricane season arrives or a liability claim lands on your desk.
The right policy isn't the cheapest one: it's the one that actually pays when something goes wrong. Get it sorted before you need it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
CHAD KRAMER
I started GrayStone Insurance Group in 2018 with a simple conviction: the businesses everyone else turns away deserve a broker who won't. What began as a one-person operation has grown into a specialty commercial brokerage with offices across the country — but the mission hasn't changed. We find solutions for high-risk and hard-to-place businesses when other agencies run the other way.
I built this agency on integrity, hard work, and the tenacity to do the hard things well. Through our access to Excess & Surplus and specialty markets, my team and I place coverage standard carriers can't — and I treat every client's business like my own.
If you've been declined, non-renewed, or told your business is too complicated to insure, let's talk.
Coverages & policies
Plain-language coverage, expertly placed.
We lead with commercial lines and round out personal coverage where you need it. Every policy comes with an explanation — not jargon.
Contractors
Third-party bodily injury & property damage — the foundation for any operation.
Liquor Liability
Critical for bars, restaurants and venues serving alcohol — including A&B.
Commercial Property
Buildings, contents and equipment — including distressed and vacant risk.
Workers' Compensation
Statutory coverage for your crew — including high-mod and high-hazard classes.
Commercial Umbrella
Extra liability limits over your primary policies — essential for high-exposure risk.
Products Liability
Manufacturers, CBD and consumer-product exposure — including imports.
What clients say
Brokers who actually place it.
FAQ
Answers for the risks others won't cover
Getting declined, non-renewed, or told your business is "too high-risk" is frustrating — but it doesn't mean you're out of options. Here are answers to the questions we hear most from business owners who need coverage the standard market won't provide.
What kind of insurance does GrayStone specialize in?
We're a specialty commercial brokerage built for high-risk and hard-to-place businesses — the risks standard carriers often turn away. Through our access to Excess & Surplus (E&S) and specialty markets, we place coverage that everyday agencies can't. Hospitality and construction are among our deepest areas of expertise.
My business was declined or non-renewed elsewhere. Can you still help?
That's exactly what we do. A decline, a non-renewal, or a tough claims history doesn't mean you're out of options — it means your risk needs a broker with the right market access. Tell us your situation and we'll get to work finding a fit.
What is Excess & Surplus (E&S) insurance?
E&S is specialty coverage for risks that standard "admitted" carriers won't write — often because a business is higher-risk, unusual, or has a complex history. As an independent broker, we tap into these specialty markets to place coverage where a typical agency hits a dead end.
What industries do you work with?
We cover a wide range of commercial industries — from restaurants, bars, and hospitality to contractors, trucking, manufacturing, cannabis, and more. If your industry is considered high-risk or hard-to-place, there's a good chance we've handled it.
Will you work with businesses that have prior claims or losses?
Yes. Prior claims and losses are part of many of the risks we place every day. Every business is evaluated on its own merits — and a rocky history is often exactly why a specialty broker can help where others won't.
Are you an independent broker?
Yes. We're not tied to a single carrier, so we shop your risk across multiple specialty and E&S markets to find coverage that actually fits — instead of forcing you into a one-size-fits-all policy.
Insights & resources
Know your risk before you buy.
