Liquor Liability Insurance
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Who Needs Liquor Liability Insurance?
Anybody who serves or sells alcohol needs liquor liability coverage. Several states legally require you to have it, and many employers expect those who serve alcoholic beverages (like mobile bartenders) to carry insurance before they can work.
Liquor liability insurance can save you from paying hundreds of thousands — or even millions — of dollars in the event of an alcohol-related claim.
Insurance Canopy offers liquor license insurance for a wide array of alcohol-serving businesses.
Don’t see your business listed here? We may still be able to write a policy for you. Call us at 844.520.6993 to speak with one of our U.S.-based, licensed agents today!
What Is Liquor Liability Insurance Coverage?
Liquor liability insurance is designed to protect businesses that sell, serve, or provide alcohol from the cost of lawsuits stemming from alcohol-related injuries or property damage caused by intoxicated customers.
Even though you didn’t directly cause these damages, you can still be sued because you served alcohol to the person who did. Liquor liability insurance can absorb some or all of your out-of-pocket costs for claims like these.
What Does Liquor Liability Insurance Cover?
Your alcohol liability insurance kicks in if you are held financially responsible for bodily injuries or property damage caused by an intoxicated customer. It can cover the resulting expenses, such as:
- Medical bills
- Legal fees
- Judgments
- Repair costs
What Does Liquor Liability Insurance Not Cover?
Liquor liability insurance does not cover claims unrelated to alcohol. For example, if a customer trips over a barstool or has an allergic reaction to a drink garnish, your general liability insurance would respond to those claims.
This policy’s exclusions include, but are not limited to:
- Expected or intended injuries
- Incidents that occur while you do not have a valid liquor license
- Your employees’ work-related injuries
- Assault and battery (unless you purchase this optional add-on coverage)
How Much Does Liquor Liability Insurance Cost?
The cost of liquor liability coverage starts as low as $35.42 per month for an annual policy. Insurance Canopy also offers a 1–3 day policy starting at $275 per event.
Our annual policy includes both general and liquor liability insurance, so your business is covered from all angles.
Get the Best Liquor Liability Insurance With Insurance Canopy
- Affordable, comprehensive coverage
- Free online liquor liability insurance quote
- Both short- and long-term policy options
- Customizable coverage
- Instant access to your Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Liquor Liability Coverage Details
*Pricing varies depending on limits selected.
Liquor Liability Insurance Limits Options
Occurrence Limit*
$100,000 – $1,000,000
Aggregate Limit*
$300,000 – $2,000,000
General Liability Limits
Products & Completed Operations Aggregate
$1,000,000
Personal & Advertising Injury
$1,000,000
Each Occurrence Limit
$1,000,000
Damage to Premises Rented to You
$100,000
Medical Expense Limit
$5,000
Have questions?
Our non-commissioned, licensed agents are available to answer any questions you may have!
Monday to Friday, 8 am – 8 pm EST
FAQs About Liquor Liability Coverage
Is Liquor Liability Insurance Required by Law?
Some states, such as New York and Michigan, require you to carry liquor liability coverage if you sell, serve, or provide alcohol. Other states may not have a statewide mandate, but specific counties could require proof of insurance before issuing a liquor license.
What Are Dram Shop Laws?
Dram shop laws hold alcohol-serving businesses and individuals legally responsible for damages caused by intoxicated patrons or for serving alcohol to minors. This includes medical costs, court fees, legal judgments, and repair expenses.
42 states and the District of Columbia have dram shop laws, and regulations vary from state to state.
Can I Get Liquor Liability Insurance for a Single Event?
Yes! Insurance Canopy offers short-term and annual liquor liability insurance to suit your business. Our 1–3 day policy starts at $275 and provides the essential coverage you need to participate in events.
Is Host Liquor Liability Insurance the Same as Liquor Liability Insurance?
No, these are two different types of coverage. Host liquor insurance is short-term coverage for event hosts who want to serve alcohol at a gathering, and they aren’t in the business of selling alcohol.
Like liquor liability insurance, it can cover the cost of bodily injury or property damage caused by an intoxicated guest, but it only covers people and businesses who do not usually provide or sell alcoholic beverages.
How Can I Reduce the Cost of My Liquor Liability Insurance?
The best way to reduce your liquor insurance costs is to manage your risk. If you have a history of making claims, your premiums could increase. Taking preventative and proactive measures decreases the chances of an accident.
The best ways to mitigate your risk include:
- Always check identification
- Never serve a visibly intoxicated guest
- Ask security to remove belligerent or inappropriate customers
- Offer snacks and water to reduce the chances of over-intoxication
How Do I File a Liquor Liability Claim?
To submit a claim, follow these steps:
- Log in to your online account
- Find the “Manage Policies” section
- Click on “File a Claim” and fill out your info
- Submit your claim
A claims adjuster will contact you within 24–48 hours to discuss your claim and answer any questions you may have.
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