Overview of the Program From IPOA
RestaurantPro is a national program administered by IPOA and placed with a top-rated carrier on a non-admitted basis. As a Managing General Underwriter and Excess & Surplus Lines Broker with deep niche expertise, IPOA provides agents and brokers a consistent market for coastal restaurant accounts that standard admitted markets often decline or limit. The program combines restaurant-specific coverage enhancements with underwriting that understands storm, flood-adjacent, and hospitality exposures.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
This program is built for coastal restaurants that demonstrate sound risk management and an established operational history. Ideal accounts include:
- Full-service and casual dining restaurants located on or near coastlines
- Restaurants with at least three years of continuous ownership or operator experience
- Properties built in 1989 or later, or locations that have been completely gut-renovated
- Buildings with recent roof updates and functioning fire protection systems
- Operations that run in-house delivery (note: Hired & Non-Owned Auto is not included)
Example fits: a busy beachfront seafood restaurant in Florida that needs Named Storm protection, or a coastal bistro in the Carolinas seeking a competitive package with restaurant-specific extensions.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
RestaurantPro includes enhancements targeted to food service operations and coastal exposures, including:
- Exclusive restaurant insurance extensions tailored for dining operations
- Named Storm coverage available across all coastal states, including Florida
- Consideration for all construction types, with preferred pricing available for sprinkler-protected properties
- Support for Protection Classes 1–8
- Compliance-focused requirements such as Class K extinguishers in all kitchen areas
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
To maintain long-term sustainability and attractive terms for well-managed risks, the program requires:
- A minimum premium of $10,000
- Properties constructed in 1989 or later, or fully gut-renovated locations
- Roof updates completed within the last 15 years
- At least three years of ownership or operator experience
Delivery operations are eligible; however, Hired and Non-Owned Auto (HNOA) coverage is not provided by this program.
Territories and Availability
RestaurantPro is available nationwide in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., including high-exposure coastal and hurricane-prone regions such as Florida, the Gulf Coast, and the Eastern Seaboard. Policies are placed on a non-admitted (E&S) basis, giving agents broader flexibility to place coastal risks that admitted markets may limit.
Why Work With Insurance Programs of America
IPOA focuses on niche programs and long-term partnerships with agency customers. Working with IPOA gives you:
- Underwriting teams experienced in coastal and restaurant exposures
- Access to multiple carrier appetite through a streamlined program
- Responsive service and faster turnaround for submissions in high-exposure territories
- Program wording and extensions that address restaurant operations and storm-related perils
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this program?
Restaurants in coastal or storm-prone areas with solid ownership history, updated safety systems, and a minimum premium of $10,000 are typically a good fit.
Is this program available in Florida and other high-risk coastal states?
Yes. RestaurantPro offers Named Storm coverage in all coastal counties and states, including Florida.
Can restaurants with delivery services be covered?
Yes. Risks with in-house delivery operations are eligible, but the program does not include Hired and Non-Owned Auto (HNOA) coverage.
What construction types are eligible?
All construction types are considered. Properties with sprinkler protection may qualify for preferred pricing.
Who underwrites the policies in this program?
IPOA administers the RestaurantPro program and places policies with a top-rated national carrier on a non-admitted basis.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.