Restaurant Insurance in North Dakota: 2026 Cost Guide

How Much Does Restaurant Insurance Cost in North Dakota?

Restaurant insurance in North Dakota averages $127 per month for general liability coverage alone. A comprehensive insurance package — including general liability, commercial property, and workers' compensation — typically runs between $1,757–$3,006 per year for a typical full-service restaurant.

Here's what you can expect to pay for individual coverage types in North Dakota:

These figures are based on a typical full-service restaurant with 10-20 employees and $500,000–$1,500,000 in annual revenue. Your actual costs will depend on your specific location within North Dakota, claims history, employee count, and coverage limits.

North Dakota-Specific Insurance Requirements

North Dakota is one of four monopolistic workers' comp states—you MUST purchase coverage from the North Dakota Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) and cannot use private insurers. This is a critical distinction that many out-of-state restaurant operators don't realize. Because monopolistic state funds typically don't include employers' liability coverage, restaurants should purchase a separate employers' liability policy (sometimes called 'stop-gap' coverage) from a private insurer to cover employee lawsuits not addressed by the state fund.

Required Coverages in North Dakota

• General Liability
• Workers' Compensation (from WSI—monopolistic state)

Recommended Additional Coverages

• Commercial Property
• Liquor Liability
• Business Interruption
• Employers Liability (separate from WC)

North Dakota Risk Factors That Affect Insurance Costs

North Dakota's extreme winter weather—with temperatures reaching -40°F and severe blizzards—creates significant property damage risks and slip-and-fall exposure.

The state's oil boom (western ND) has created rapidly fluctuating local economies that affect the restaurant market.

North Dakota's low population density limits insurer competition, though the state's moderate legal environment keeps costs low.

Best Restaurant Insurance Companies in North Dakota

We've identified the top insurance providers serving North Dakota restaurants. Simply Business is our top pick for most North Dakota restaurants based on coverage options, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

Workers' Compensation Rules in North Dakota

North Dakota is a MONOPOLISTIC STATE for workers' compensation. All employers must purchase coverage from the North Dakota Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI)—private workers' comp insurance is not permitted. Independent contractors must seek an annual exemption from WSI. Penalties for noncompliance include a $10,000 one-time fine plus $100/day for continued violations.