Covington & Slidell Independent Insurance Agents
A Louisiana restaurant can serve 400 covers on a Friday night without a single problem, then lose a line cook for six weeks because of a slip near the dish pit on Saturday morning. That one claim can change your workers compensation costs for the next three years. For many owners in Covington, Slidell, and across St. Tammany Parish, the Louisiana Restaurant Association Self Insurers Fund (LRA SIF) is one way to manage that risk.
The quick answer is this: the LRA SIF is a workers compensation program owned by Louisiana hospitality businesses. Members pool premiums, follow shared safety standards, and may receive dividends when the fund performs well. Local independent agents help restaurants decide whether it fits better than a standard carrier.
The sales pitch for any fund usually focuses on dividends. The questions that matter more are about eligibility, safety expectations, and what happens in a rough year. This guide is written for restaurant owners who want to understand the LRA SIF before they sign anything. It covers how the fund operates, who qualifies, what the kitchen safety programs involve, and how to read the dividend history without getting swept up in it.
Understanding the Louisiana Restaurant Association Self Insurers Fund
The LRA SIF is a member-owned workers compensation fund built for the Louisiana hospitality industry. Restaurants, bars, and related businesses join together instead of buying from a traditional carrier. Local agents like Kyle Beerbohm at Aubert Insurance Agency, a St. Tammany fixture since 1910, help owners evaluate whether the fund fits.
The fund is not a loose handshake arrangement. It is authorized under La. R.S. 23:1195 and regulated by the Louisiana Department of Insurance under Regulation 42. That oversight covers how the fund holds reserves, reports finances, and pays claims.
The fund is designed around restaurant work. A general carrier may write policies for roofers, accountants, and daycare centers in the same book. A restaurant-focused fund deals with burns, knife cuts, back strains from lifting produce cases, and wet-floor falls every day. That focus shapes everything from safety training to claims handling.
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Aubert Insurance Agency is a local, independent agency, licensed to serve individuals and businesses across Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida and Texas.
We serve clients from our offices in Covington and Slidell and throughout St. Tammany Parish — working with dozens of carriers and wholesale markets to help homeowners, drivers, contractors, restaurant owners, property investors, auto shops, professional practices and many other personal and commercial clients find coverage that fits.
Licensed in Louisiana #3661 · Mississippi #15039075 · Florida #W0772236 · Texas #2381820
The jump from minimum limits to 100/300/100 often costs less than riders expect, because liability is typically priced per added layer rather than doubling with the limits. Ask for quotes at two or three levels side by side before you decide.
Here's a common scenario: you misjudge a curve and clip a late-model pickup, injuring the driver. A single ambulance ride, ER visit, and follow-up imaging can eat through $15,000 quickly. Anything above your limit can become your personal responsibility, which may put your savings, wages, or home at risk.
| Scenario | Dwelling limit | All-other-perils deductible | Named-storm deductible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newer build, inland St. Tammany | $350,000 | $1,000 | 2% |
| Newer build, higher wind zone | $350,000 | $1,000 | 5% |
| Older home, updated roof | $275,000 | $2,500 | 2% |
| Older home, original roof | $275,000 | $2,500 | 5% |
| Fortified roof designation | $400,000 | $1,000 | 2% |
| Rebuilt after a prior claim | $400,000 | $2,500 | 5% |
| Bundled with auto | $350,000 | $1,000 | 2% |
Louisiana Specialized Vehicle Insurance Comparison
Bogalusa grew up around its paper mill, and many of the older homes built for mill workers sit on lower ground close to the creek and drainage channels. Plenty of these houses are on slab or low pier foundations built decades before modern elevation standards. When water has nowhere to go, these streets often feel it first.
For homeowners in these areas, the elevation of your lowest floor typically has a big effect on your premium. An elevation certificate may help, especially if your home sits higher than surrounding lots suggest. We also see buyers of older mill-area homes skip flood coverage because the lender didn't require it, which leaves a serious gap if the property sits just outside a mapped high-risk zone.
How the Restaurant Association Self Insurers Fund Works
A traditional insurance company is owned by shareholders or policyholders spread across many industries and states. When it collects more premium than it pays out, that money stays with the company. The SIF works differently. It is a group of Louisiana business owners who pool their resources to provide workers compensation coverage for each other, and they share in the financial outcomes of the fund.
In practice, the arrangement usually works like this:
- You pay a premium based on payroll, job classifications, and your claims history, just as you would with a standard policy.
- Premiums go into a shared pool that pays injured employees' medical bills and lost wages, along with administration costs.
- The fund sets aside reserves for open claims, since a serious injury can stay open for years.
- Surplus may be returned to members when claims come in lower than expected.
There is a tradeoff. Members typically benefit when the whole group runs safe kitchens, and the group can feel it when claims spike. Your own safety record matters, but so does the record of every other member. That shared stake is the reason the fund invests heavily in loss control.
With no lender to satisfy, the decision is yours, and so is the entire loss. A total rebuild in this parish runs well into six figures.
Homeowners who own outright
Your lender requires coverage at least equal to the loan, and will buy a policy on your behalf at your expense if yours lapses.
Homeowners with a mortgage
| Coverage Area | State Minimum | Common Higher Option | Stronger Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Injury, one person | $15,000 | $50,000 | $100,000 |
| Injury, per accident | $30,000 | $100,000 | $300,000 |
| Property damage | $25,000 | $50,000 | $100,000 |
| Who it fits | Legal compliance only | Riders with modest assets | Homeowners, families, higher earners |
Here's a common scenario: you misjudge a curve and clip a late-model pickup, injuring the driver. A single ambulance ride, ER visit, and follow-up imaging can eat through $15,000 quickly. Anything above your limit can become your personal responsibility, which may put your savings, wages, or home at risk.
Minimum Coverage vs. Actual Protection Needs
The jump from minimum limits to 100/300/100 often costs less than riders expect, because liability is typically priced per added layer rather than doubling with the limits. Ask for quotes at two or three levels side by side before you decide.
Membership Requirements for LRA SIF Participation
You cannot buy into the fund off the street. The first requirement is membership in the Louisiana Restaurant Association. If you are not a current LRA member, you will need to join and keep your dues active to stay eligible for the self-insured fund.
Beyond association membership, the fund typically looks at whether your business is a good risk for the group. Expect underwriting to review:
- Prior claims history, usually several years of loss runs from your current carrier
- Business type and operations, such as full-service dining, quick service, catering, or bar service
- Safety practices, including whether you have written procedures and actually train staff on them
- Financial standing, since members need to pay premiums reliably and on schedule
- Payroll and classification accuracy, because misclassified employees cause audit surprises later
Many owners make the same mistake: they request a quote without pulling loss runs first. That delays the process by weeks. Ask your current carrier for five years of loss runs before you start. If your history includes a large claim, do not hide it. Explain what changed afterward, such as new mats, a revised fryer-cleaning procedure, or a different lifting policy. Underwriters tend to respond better to a fixed problem than to an unexplained one.
The jump from minimum limits to 100/300/100 often costs less than riders expect, because liability is typically priced per added layer rather than doubling with the limits. Ask for quotes at two or three levels side by side before you decide.
One tip: keep a dated list of serial numbers and photos of your tools. Claims with documentation move much faster than claims built on memory.
| Feature | Commercial Property | Inland Marine (Tool Floater) |
|---|---|---|
| Where it applies | Your fixed shop location | Jobsites, truck, in transit |
| Typical items | Stationary machines, inventory, building | Portable saws, nailers, hand tools |
| Theft from vehicle | Usually not covered | Often covered, with conditions |
| Fire or storm at shop | Typically covered | May be covered if tools are there |
| Who needs it | Carpenters with a shop | Nearly every working carpenter |
How Deductible Types Compare
Comparison of NFIP vs. Excess Flood Coverage
| Feature | NFIP Policy | Excess Flood Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Building limit | Up to $250,000 | Typically adds coverage above $250,000 |
| Who issues it | Federal program, sold through agents | Private carriers |
| Waiting period | Generally 30 days | May be shorter, varies by carrier |
| Additional living expenses | Not included | May be included, depending on policy |
| Basement coverage | Very limited | May be broader on some policies |
| CRS premium credit | Applies in Mandeville | Typically does not apply |
| Best fit for | Base layer for most homes | Higher-value or lakefront homes |
Classes of Business GUARD Typically Writes
GUARD's appetite generally leans toward small to mid-sized businesses with predictable risk. Eligibility depends on underwriting, location, and claims history, but these Louisiana business types often fit:
- Retail: Boutiques, gift shops, hardware stores, and specialty retailers along Columbia Street or in Slidell's shopping centers.
- Professional services: Accounting firms, insurance offices, consultants, and real estate offices.
- Artisan contractors: Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, painters, and carpenters.
- Restaurants and food service: Cafes, bakeries, and many full-service restaurants, subject to cooking and liquor exposure review.
- Office-based businesses: Medical offices, dental practices, and similar low-hazard operations.
Contractors deserve special mention. In June 2026, GUARD rolled out a
Contractors General Liability and Inland Marine solution for artisan contractors working at third-party job sites. Inland marine matters more than most tradespeople realize. A $6,000 set of tools stolen from a truck parked in a Covington subdivision usually isn't covered by a basic liability policy at all.
Kitchen Safety Programs and Loss Control Services
Safety support is often the most underrated part of the fund. Because every member's claims affect the pool, the fund has a direct reason to help you prevent injuries. Members may have access to specialized training and on-site inspections built around restaurant hazards rather than generic workplace checklists.
What the Programs Typically Cover
Loss control visits often focus on where restaurant claims actually come from:
- Slips on wet or greasy floors near prep lines, walk-ins, and dish stations
- Burns from fryers, flat tops, and hot oil disposal
- Lacerations from knives, slicers, and broken glassware
- Strains from lifting delivery cases and kegs
- Workplace violence and robbery risks for late-night operations
Why It Matters for Your Experience Mod
Your experience modification factor (the "mod") compares your claims to similar businesses. A mod above 1.0 raises your premium, and a mod below 1.0 lowers it. One lost-time injury can push your mod up for about three years. Training that prevents even one serious fryer burn can protect your pricing long after the visit ends.
General liability covers physical harm: fires, shocks, and property damage from your work. Professional liability, sometimes called errors and omissions, may cover financial loss from design mistakes or bad advice, such as an undersized service you specified on a load calculation. Electricians who do design-build work, panel sizing for solar, or consulting often need both, because a general liability policy typically will not respond to a pure financial loss.
The most common mistake is buying limits sized for the center you opened, not the center you run now. Enrollment grows, a second van shows up, an after-school program starts, and the policy stays the same. A yearly review against your actual operations catches that drift before a claim exposes it.
General Liability vs. Workers Compensation
The NFIP's biggest strength is stability. It isn't going to pull out of Louisiana, and its policies typically transfer to a new buyer when you sell, which can help with resale. Private policies may offer more coverage for the money, especially for homes that would exceed federal limits or families who would need hotel costs paid during repairs.
One common mistake: buying building coverage and skipping contents. If your furniture, appliances, and clothes are ruined, building coverage alone won't replace them. Ask for both.
Dividend History and Financial Benefits for Members
Dividends get the attention, and for good reason. The fund has declared a surplus for over 30 consecutive years, and a portion of that surplus has been returned to members as dividends. For a restaurant running on thin margins, a returned premium check can make a real difference.
Restaurant owners have said so directly. Melvin Rodrigue, CEO of Galatoire's, noted in 2026 that the annual dividend provides a "spike in the bottom line" for businesses with rigorous safety standards. The phrasing matters: the benefit goes to members who keep claims down.
Dividends are never guaranteed. They depend on the fund's annual performance, which includes claims, investment results, and reserve needs. Your individual record counts too. Members typically need to maintain a loss ratio of 70% or less to qualify for a payout. If you paid $40,000 in premium and your claims cost $32,000, your loss ratio is 80%, and you may not see a check that year even if the fund did well.
Ask your agent for the fund's dividend history over at least ten years, along with the qualifying rules. Do not budget a dividend into next year's operating plan.
The jump from minimum limits to 100/300/100 often costs less than riders expect, because liability is typically priced per added layer rather than doubling with the limits. Ask for quotes at two or three levels side by side before you decide.
One tip: keep a dated list of serial numbers and photos of your tools. Claims with documentation move much faster than claims built on memory.
| Feature | Commercial Property | Inland Marine (Tool Floater) |
|---|---|---|
| Where it applies | Your fixed shop location | Jobsites, truck, in transit |
| Typical items | Stationary machines, inventory, building | Portable saws, nailers, hand tools |
| Theft from vehicle | Usually not covered | Often covered, with conditions |
| Fire or storm at shop | Typically covered | May be covered if tools are there |
| Who needs it | Carpenters with a shop | Nearly every working carpenter |
The jump from minimum limits to 100/300/100 often costs less than riders expect, because liability is typically priced per added layer rather than doubling with the limits. Ask for quotes at two or three levels side by side before you decide.
LRA SIF vs. Traditional Workers Compensation Insurance
Neither option is right for every restaurant. A new operation with no claims history may get a different reception than a 20-year-old family restaurant with clean loss runs. This side-by-side view shows the structural differences.
| Feature | LRA SIF | Standard Market Carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Owned by participating Louisiana hospitality members | Owned by shareholders or a broad policyholder base |
| Dividend potential | Possible when the fund and member perform well; not guaranteed | Some carriers offer dividend plans; many do not |
| Industry focus | Restaurants and hospitality only | Typically writes many industries |
| Eligibility | LRA membership plus underwriting approval | Underwriting approval only |
| Safety services | Restaurant-specific training and inspections | Varies by carrier; often general |
| Regulation | Louisiana Department of Insurance, Regulation 42 | Louisiana Department of Insurance |
| Shared outcomes | Group results affect surplus | Your premium is tied to your own risk |
An independent agency can quote both paths side by side. That comparison is often where the real answer shows up, since the premium, the mod, and the dividend odds all need to be weighed together.
General liability covers physical harm: fires, shocks, and property damage from your work. Professional liability, sometimes called errors and omissions, may cover financial loss from design mistakes or bad advice, such as an undersized service you specified on a load calculation. Electricians who do design-build work, panel sizing for solar, or consulting often need both, because a general liability policy typically will not respond to a pure financial loss.
The most common mistake is buying limits sized for the center you opened, not the center you run now. Enrollment grows, a second van shows up, an after-school program starts, and the policy stays the same. A yearly review against your actual operations catches that drift before a claim exposes it.
General Liability vs. Workers Compensation
The NFIP's biggest strength is stability. It isn't going to pull out of Louisiana, and its policies typically transfer to a new buyer when you sell, which can help with resale. Private policies may offer more coverage for the money, especially for homes that would exceed federal limits or families who would need hotel costs paid during repairs.
One common mistake: buying building coverage and skipping contents. If your furniture, appliances, and clothes are ruined, building coverage alone won't replace them. Ask for both.
Common Questions About Louisiana Restaurant Insurance
How do I join the LRA? You apply for membership through the Louisiana Restaurant Association and pay annual dues. Once you are an active member, your agent can submit you for fund underwriting.
What happens if the fund has a bad year? The fund pays claims from reserves, so injured workers still get covered. The likely impact is a smaller dividend or none for that year, and premium adjustments may follow.
Can I keep my local agent? Yes, in most cases. You can work with a local independent agent in Covington or Slidell who handles your application, renewals, and questions.
Are dividends taxable? Returned premiums can affect how you report your workers comp expense, so the tax treatment depends on your situation. Talk to your CPA before you deposit the check.
Does joining the fund change my workers comp benefits for employees? No. Louisiana sets the benefits injured workers receive, and the fund must provide them regardless of how you buy coverage.
Can a brand-new restaurant qualify? It may, depending on the owner's experience and safety plan. Expect closer review if there is no prior claims history to show.
The jump from minimum limits to 100/300/100 often costs less than riders expect, because liability is typically priced per added layer rather than doubling with the limits. Ask for quotes at two or three levels side by side before you decide.
One tip: keep a dated list of serial numbers and photos of your tools. Claims with documentation move much faster than claims built on memory.
| Feature | Commercial Property | Inland Marine (Tool Floater) |
|---|---|---|
| Where it applies | Your fixed shop location | Jobsites, truck, in transit |
| Typical items | Stationary machines, inventory, building | Portable saws, nailers, hand tools |
| Theft from vehicle | Usually not covered | Often covered, with conditions |
| Fire or storm at shop | Typically covered | May be covered if tools are there |
| Who needs it | Carpenters with a shop | Nearly every working carpenter |
The jump from minimum limits to 100/300/100 often costs less than riders expect, because liability is typically priced per added layer rather than doubling with the limits. Ask for quotes at two or three levels side by side before you decide.
Making the Right Choice for Your Hospitality Business
The LRA SIF can be a strong fit for Louisiana restaurants that take kitchen safety seriously and want a stake in how their workers comp dollars perform. It is regulated, focused on hospitality, and has a long record of returning surplus to members. The tradeoffs are real too: you need LRA membership, you share outcomes with the group, and dividends depend on clean claims and a good year for the fund.
Before deciding, gather your loss runs, review your current mod, and compare the fund against at least one or two standard carriers. Ask about qualifying rules, safety program details, and ten years of dividend history. That full picture tells you more than any single number.
Aubert Insurance Agency has worked with St. Tammany businesses since 1910 and compares options from multiple carriers in one place. Start a Quote with our team in Covington or Slidell to find out whether the LRA SIF fits your specific Louisiana restaurant. A short conversation now can prevent an expensive surprise at your next audit.
About the Author
Kyle Beerbohm
President
We've been independent since 1910, and four generations of local ownership have kept us that way. We're one of the oldest agencies in St. Tammany Parish and the fourth oldest business in the City of Covington. I treat that history as a responsibility rather than a plaque on the wall. My job is to keep us answering to the families and business owners who walk through our doors, and to keep serving this parish for another hundred years.
Louisiana Insurance Questions, Answered
Questions clients ask us
Short, plain answers to what people ask before they call. Anything else, phone the office and ask.
What does an independent insurance agency do?
We represent you, not one insurance company. We gather your information once, then compare coverage and price across the carriers we hold contracts with. You get choices, and one agent handles the paperwork.
Which types of insurance does Aubert offer?
We write 13 personal lines, including home, auto, flood, boat, and life. We write 15 commercial lines, including business owners policies, general liability, workers compensation, and commercial property.
Do I need flood insurance in St. Tammany Parish?
Your homeowners policy excludes flood, and much of the Northshore has flooded outside mapped high-risk zones. Lenders require it inside those zones. We check your flood zone and quote NFIP and private options.
Which states are you licensed in?
We hold licenses in Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, and Texas. License numbers appear in the footer of every page on this site.
How do you find me a competitive rate?
We take your details once and market them to the carriers and wholesale brokers that fit your risk. We compare the offers, explain the differences in coverage, and recommend the strongest fit.
How do I file a claim or request a certificate?
Call the office or use the Client Center on this site. We report the claim, follow the adjuster, and send certificates of insurance to whoever needs them.
Personal Insurance in Louisiana
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Thirteen personal lines sit under one roof. Start with the coverage you need most, and we price it across our markets.
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Cover every driver and vehicle in your household, and compare limits and deductibles side by side before you buy.
Flood Insurance
Standard home policies exclude flood. We write NFIP and private flood coverage for St. Tammany Parish properties.
Umbrella Insurance
Add a layer of liability above your home and auto limits, so one serious claim never reaches your savings.
Boat Insurance
Cover your hull, motor, trailer, and liability on the lake, the river, and the Gulf, wherever you launch.
Life Insurance
Replace your income for the people who depend on it, with term and permanent options we quote across carriers.
Business Insurance in Louisiana
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Fifteen commercial lines, written for the payrolls, fleets, and buildings that Louisiana carriers ask hard questions about.
Contractors Insurance
General contractors, trade contractors and specialty crews. We cover the liability, tools, vehicles and workers your jobs depend on.
Business Owners (BOP)
One policy bundling property and liability for a small business. Straightforward cover for the building, the contents and the risk.
Professional Liability
Protection when your advice or professional work is challenged. A staple of any commercial package for a service business.
Commercial Property
Landlords and commercial real estate investors. We insure the building, the habitation risk and the income it produces.
Workers Compensation
Protecting your employees protects your business. Medical costs and lost wages covered when someone is hurt on the job.
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Trucks, vans and fleets. We shop a wide range of commercial auto markets to match your vehicles and your drivers.
Business Insurance by Industry
We protect hundreds of businesses of all shapes and sizes
We know the exposures, the contract language, and the markets that write these trades on the Northshore.
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Builders risk, general liability, and comp for homebuilders and remodelers working across St. Tammany Parish.
Plumber Insurance
Plumbers, electricians, roofers, and painters get liability, tools, and auto coverage that satisfies job requirements.
Restaurants
Property, liquor liability, spoilage, and comp for kitchens, bars, and cafés, including Louisiana association programs.
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614 E. Boston St., Covington, LA 70433. (985) 892-3101
58418 Tyler Drive, Slidell, LA 70461 · (985) 641-0520
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614 E. Boston St., Covington, LA 70433
58418 Tyler Drive, Slidell, LA 70461
