Can anyone recommend the best commercial insurance company to me?

That's an exciting project! Congratulations on starting your Italian pizzeria.

Instead of recommending a single best company (which varies wildly based on your location, specific risks, and desired price point), the most crucial step is understanding the type of insurance your pizzeria needs and then using an insurance broker or an online service that specializes in restaurant coverage to get quotes from multiple providers.

Here is a guide to the essential commercial insurance you'll need and some popular carriers/brokers in the US that focus on small business/restaurant coverage.

🍕 Essential Insurance for a Small Pizzeria Startup

For almost all small restaurants, the most cost-effective solution is a Business Owner's Policy (BOP), which bundles the three core policies into a single package, often at a discount.

1. The Core Package (Business Owner's Policy - BOP)

Type of CoverageWhat it ProtectsWhy it's Essential for a PizzeriaGeneral Liability (GL)Covers legal costs and damages if a third party (customer, vendor, etc.) is injured or their property is damaged on your premises.Slip-and-Falls: A customer slips on a wet floor near the salad bar. Food-borne Illness: A customer sues due to food poisoning or an undisclosed allergen.Commercial PropertyCovers the physical assets of your business, including the building (if you own it), your equipment, furniture, and inventory.Kitchen Fire: Covers the cost to replace your pizza oven, dough mixer, refrigerators, and ingredients after a fire or severe storm.Business Interruption (or Business Income)Provides financial support (lost profits, fixed expenses like rent/payroll) if you have to temporarily close due to a covered property loss (e.g., fire, major plumbing issue).If a covered event forces you to close for three months, this helps keep you afloat and pay your staff/rent.

2. Mandatory and Highly Recommended Policies

Type of CoverageWhat it ProtectsWhy it's Essential for a PizzeriaWorkers' CompensationCovers medical expenses and lost wages for your employees if they suffer a work-related injury or illness (e.g., a server cuts their hand, a cook gets a burn).Required by law in almost every state as soon as you hire your first employee. Protects your business from employee injury lawsuits.Commercial Auto (Hired and Non-Owned Auto - HNOA)Provides liability coverage if a vehicle is used for business purposes.If you offer delivery, your employees' personal auto insurance will not cover them while working. HNOA covers liability for accidents involving personal or hired vehicles used for delivery.Equipment BreakdownCovers the cost to repair or replace critical machinery (oven, freezer, HVAC) if it breaks down due to an internal issue like a power surge.A pizza oven is the heart of your business—if it breaks, you're out of commission. This is often an add-on to the BOP.Spoilage/Food ContaminationCovers the cost of spoiled food/inventory due to a power outage or equipment failure (like a refrigerator breaking down).Crucial for any restaurant with large amounts of perishable ingredients. Also often an add-on to the BOP.Liquor LiabilityCovers damages and legal costs if an intoxicated customer causes injury or property damage after being served alcohol at your pizzeria.Required if you plan to sell beer, wine, or spirits.

🏆 Recommended Companies and Avenues

The "best" company is often the one that gives you the most comprehensive coverage at the best price. National carriers with strong small business offerings are a good starting point.

1. Major National Carriers (Known for Small Business)

These companies have dedicated restaurant and small business policies and a reputation for stability:

• The Hartford: Very strong reputation for small business and restaurant BOPs and Workers' Compensation.

• Travelers

• Chubb

• Liberty Mutual

• GEICO (through partners): While known for personal insurance, they partner with major carriers to offer commercial insurance and are worth a quote.

• Progressive Commercial: Excellent if delivery is a major part of your model, as they specialize in commercial auto/delivery vehicle policies.

2. Specialized Brokers/Online Services (Recommended)

For a startup, using an insurance brokerage or an online service is often the best strategy because they can quickly compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best deal for your unique risks:

• Insureon

• Next Insurance

• Trusted Choice (for connecting with a local independent agent)

My Recommendation for Your Next Step:

Your best move is to contact an independent commercial insurance agent or use an online brokerage service (like Insureon) that specializes in restaurant insurance.