If you operate a business that serves or sells alcohol, you need coverage to protect against financial risks. Bars, restaurants, and nightclubs can purchase liquor liability coverage to protect their assets. Here are a few reasons to get liquor liability insurance:
1. Protect Against Lawsuits
If an intoxicated patron gets harmed or causes an accident inside or outside your bar or nightclub, they can file a lawsuit against your business. Liquor liability insurance helps pay attorney costs, court fees, and other legal expenses. This coverage also caters to settlements if the victims agree to a direct payment instead of taking the claim to court. If you can’t pay for lawsuit costs, some states may revoke your license, but this coverage protects you from such risks. Because you don’t have to pay for all these expenses out-of-pocket, your business can continue to operate without financial loss.
2. Pay for Third-party Injuries
Third-party injuries take place when an intoxicated customer harms someone else after consuming alcohol served by your business. Such incidents include vehicle collisions, physical assaults, and accidental injuries that force the other person to seek medical attention. Liquor liability coverage helps pay for the injured party’s hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, or ongoing medical treatment. This type of insurance also compensates the injured party for income lost when they cannot work. You can also be held liable for emotional distress due to the injury caused, but insurance can pay for such issues.
3. Cover Property Damage
When a patron consumes alcohol at your establishment and damages property within your business or someone else’s, insurance provides financial assistance. If vehicles are damaged, this coverage helps pay for repair and replacement costs. It also covers structural repairs, such as fixing broken windows, doors, or furniture destroyed after excessive drinking. If some personal items were ruined, such as electronics, artwork, or jewelry, insurance reimburses you, depending on the extent of the damage. To get sufficient insurance that pays for all the damages, an insurance agent may assess the risks your business faces.
4. Comply With State and Local Laws
When obtaining a liquor license, many states and municipalities require businesses to have liquor liability coverage. This insurance is legally required so that businesses serving alcohol take responsibility for risks like accidents or injuries caused by intoxicated customers. When you have the right coverage, it prevents issues, such as your license getting revoked or being fined.
A compliant business helps attract customers and partners because you have demonstrated that you operate responsibly. To maintain compliance, update your insurance regularly if your bar or restaurant grows or changes to offer new services. You may also talk to an experienced agent to help you check if your coverage meets local legal requirements.
Buy Sufficient Liquor Liability Insurance
To prevent large financial losses from claims raised by intoxicated individuals, it’s beneficial to buy liquor liability coverage. This type of insurance allows you to pay for medical bills, legal costs, and property damage without using too much of your resources. To get a customized insurance package, call a trusted company to evaluate your needs.