For those who operate a bar, winery, brewery, restaurant, bartending service, or any other business that offers the public alcoholic beverages, they could be in the running for a number of costly lawsuits. Whether it’s an inebriated patron who causes a fight or gets in a car accident after drinking at your establishment, the injured party or whoever is affected could turn around and bring a claim against you. This piece will cover how liquor liability impacts restaurants and bars.
It’s important for businesses to protect their future business and their current assets with local coverage, such as liquor liability insurance.
Breaking Down Liquor Liability Insurance
Liquor liability covers the types of liquor-related claims that are usually excluded by general liability insurance. The standard liquor liability program covers damages against the insured because of injury caused in some way by the business. The could be due to selling, serving or furnishing any alcoholic beverage that in some way causes a liability, like an injury or dispute.
It’s important to note that you need to make sure that your liquor license is current as liquor liability insurance excludes injuries coming from any alcoholic beverage that’s sold while a license is not in effect.
What to Look for in Coverage
When looking for the right coverage, it helps to know what you need to be aware of and what should be included in a hospitality insurance Florida program for liquor liability. Here are some examples to look for:
Assault and Battery Exclusion
Many claims against businesses that sell liquor result from fights. However, some insurers add an assault and battery exclusion to their policies. Businesses should be sure to ask their carrier about this exclusion.
Defense Costs
One way in which liquor liability insurance can help provide coverage is to provide the right resources for better legal counsel. The cost of defending a liquor liability claim can be highly costly. The standard form covers the cost of defending claims in addition to the liability limit. Essentially this means that attorneys’ fees and other expenses related to legal help won’t reduce a policy limit.
Occurrence
Policies cover claims that come from injuries that happen during the policy period. Some insurers offer liquor liability insurance on claims-made forms. These can be more restrictive because they limit the coverage to claims made while the policy period is in place.
Safety Training
Insurers who offer this coverage to bars and restaurants may offer free risk management training to those they cover and their employees. Policyholders that complete this can be eligible for a reduction in their premiums.
About The Hilb Group
Deciding what coverage you need and what limits and deductibles make the most sense can be tricky. Founded in 2009, the Hilb Group has been helping clients to make sense of their options and make the smartest choices for their circumstances. Whether you need Warehouse Insurance or any other type of business or personal coverage, we encourage you to contact our friendly, experienced, and capable team today. Call us at (800) 776-3078 for a consultation.