Running a liquor store can be a lucrative business venture, but it also comes with unique risks and challenges. To protect your investment and ensure the long-term success of your business, it’s crucial to have the right insurance coverage in place. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about liquor store insurance, including legal requirements, types of coverage, cost factors, and the best providers in the industry.
- 5 best business insurance companies for beer, wine, and liquor stores
- Legal requirements for liquor store insurance
- Types of business insurance coverage for wine, beer, and liquor stores
- How much does liquor store insurance cost?
- How to find cheap liquor store insurance?
5 best business insurance companies for beer, wine, and liquor stores
- Simply Business: Best for comparing several quotes from top-tier carriers and excellent customer satisfaction ratings
- NEXT: Best for general liability insurance and excellent digital experience
- The Hartford: Best for comprehensive BOP policy for business renters
- Certainly: Best for a combination of comprehensive coverage and great digital experience
- Smart Financial: Best brokerage firms to work with independent and knowledgeable agents
Simply Business: Best for comparing several quotes from top-tier carriers and excellent customer satisfaction ratings
Simply Business offers a convenient platform for comparing multiple quotes from leading insurance carriers, allowing you to find the best coverage for your needs. They are known for their excellent customer satisfaction ratings and provide a wide range of coverage options for wine, beer, and liquor stores, including general liability insurance, commercial property coverage, BOP, and others.
Pros:
- Easy comparison of multiple quotes from top-tier carriers
- Excellent customer satisfaction ratings
- Wide range of coverage options for various industries
Cons:
- May not offer specialized coverage for certain risks
- Limited to carriers in their network
NEXT: Best for general liability insurance and excellent digital experience
NEXT Insurance specializes in providing affordable general liability insurance for small businesses, with an emphasis on a seamless digital experience. Their online application and policy management system streamline the process of obtaining and maintaining insurance coverage, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking convenience and affordability.
Pros:
- Affordable general liability insurance
- Excellent digital experience
- Customizable coverage
Cons:
- May not offer the same breadth of coverage options as other providers
- Customer service may be limited compared to larger carriers
The Hartford: Best for comprehensive BOP policy for business renters
The Hartford is a well-established insurance provider that offers comprehensive Business Owners Policies (BOP) tailored for business renters. Their BOP policy combines general liability, property, and business interruption coverage, providing a comprehensive solution for businesses seeking robust protection in one package. The Hartford has vast experience in insuring more than 1 million small businesses and is known to be one the most ethical company in the world.
Pros:
- Comprehensive BOP policies tailored for business renters
- Excellent reputation and customer service
- Customizable policies
Cons:
- May be more expensive than some competitors
- Not specifically focused on business renter’s insurance
Certainly: Best for a combination of comprehensive coverage and great digital experience
Certainly combines comprehensive coverage options with an outstanding digital experience, making it easy for businesses to obtain and manage their insurance policies. They offer a wide range of coverage options, including general liability, property, and business interruption insurance, catering to the needs of wine, beer, and liquor stores.
Pros:
- Comprehensive coverage options
- Great digital experience
- Wide range of coverage options for various industries
Cons:
- May be more expensive than some competitors
- Not specifically focused on business renter’s insurance
Smart Financial: Best brokerage firms to work with independent and knowledgeable agents
Smart Financial is a leading insurance brokerage firm that connects businesses with independent and knowledgeable agents. They offer a personalized approach to insurance, helping you find the best coverage for your needs from a wide range of carriers. Their industry expertise and access to numerous insurance providers make them an excellent choice for wine, beer, and liquor stores seeking tailored solutions.
Pros:
- Works with independent agents for personalized service
- Access to a wide range of carriers and coverage options
- Expertise in various industries
Cons:
- Not a direct insurance provider
- May not offer the same digital experience as some competitors
Tips for choosing the best liquor store insurance provider
Assessing your unique risks and coverage needs
Before choosing an insurance provider, evaluate your liquor store’s specific risks and determine the coverage types and limits you need to protect your business adequately.
Comparing quotes from multiple providers
Request quotes from several insurance providers to compare coverage options and costs. This will help you find the best policy for your needs at the most affordable price.
Evaluating provider reputation and customer service
Consider the reputation and customer service of each insurance provider. Look for reviews and testimonials from other liquor store owners to gauge their satisfaction with the provider’s claims handling, policy management, and customer support.
Working with an experienced insurance agent or broker
An experienced insurance agent or broker can help you navigate the complexities of liquor store insurance and find the best coverage for your unique needs. They can also provide valuable advice on risk management and help you find the best policy at the best price.
Legal requirements for liquor store insurance
State and local regulations
Each state and local jurisdiction may have different insurance requirements for liquor stores. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure you’re operating within the law. Some states may require specific types of coverage, such as liquor liability insurance, while others may have minimum coverage limits that must be met.
Licensing requirements
Liquor stores are required to obtain a liquor license to operate legally. The licensing process often requires proof of insurance, such as general liability and liquor liability coverage. Make sure you understand the insurance requirements for obtaining and maintaining your liquor license.
Types of business insurance coverage for wine, beer, and liquor stores
Wine, beer, and liquor stores are exposed to several types of risks which need to be protected appropriately by different types of insurance coverage. Below are the main one that these stores should consider:
General liability insurance
General liability insurance protects your liquor store from claims related to third-party injuries, property damage, and advertising injuries. This coverage is essential for any business, including liquor stores.
Example: A customer slips and falls on a wet floor in your liquor store, injuring themselves. They decide to sue your store for medical expenses and lost wages. General liability insurance would help cover the legal fees, settlements, or judgments associated with the claim.
Commercial property insurance
Commercial property insurance covers the physical structure of your liquor store and its contents, such as inventory, fixtures, and equipment, in the event of damage or loss due to events like fire, theft, or natural disasters.
Example: A fire breaks out in your liquor store, damaging the building and destroying a significant portion of your inventory. Property insurance would help cover the costs of repairing or replacing the damaged property, including the building (if owned) and the inventory.
If the store owner rents a space for the liquor store, they will need to have commercial rental property insurance.
Liquor liability insurance
Liquor liability insurance is specifically designed to protect liquor store owners from claims arising from the sale of alcohol. This coverage is vital, as it covers legal fees, settlements, and medical expenses in cases where customers become intoxicated and cause harm to themselves or others.
Example: A customer purchases alcohol from your store and then gets into a car accident while intoxicated, causing injuries to others. The injured parties sue your store, claiming that you contributed to the accident by selling alcohol to the customer. Liquor liability insurance would help cover the legal costs and any settlements or judgments resulting from the lawsuit.
Workers’ compensation insurance
If you have employees, workers’ compensation insurance is required in most states. This coverage provides benefits to workers who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses, including medical expenses and lost wages.
Example: One of your employees injures their back while lifting a heavy case of alcohol. Workers’ compensation insurance would help cover their medical expenses and a portion of their lost wages while they recover from their injury.
Business interruption insurance
Business interruption insurance compensates you for lost income and additional expenses if your liquor store is forced to close temporarily due to a covered event, such as a fire or natural disaster.
Example: A natural disaster, such as a hurricane, damages your store and forces you to temporarily close for repairs. Business interruption insurance would help cover the lost income during the closure, as well as any ongoing expenses, such as payroll or lease payments.
Commercial auto insurance
If your liquor store uses vehicles for business purposes, such as making deliveries or transporting inventory, commercial auto insurance is necessary to protect against auto-related accidents and damage.
Crime insurance
Crime insurance covers losses resulting from crimes such as theft, burglary, and employee dishonesty. Liquor stores can be attractive targets for criminals, so this coverage is essential for protecting your assets.
Example: An employee steals cash from your store’s register or inventory. Crime insurance would help cover the financial losses resulting from the theft.
Commercial umbrella insurance
Commercial umbrella insurance provides additional liability coverage beyond the limits of your other policies. It can be a valuable safeguard if you face a large claim that exceeds your general liability or liquor liability coverage limits.
How much does liquor store insurance cost?
The average cost of a general liability insurance policy for beer, wine, and liquor stores is $85 per month, or $1,020 per year. Most liquor stores pay between $57 to $112 for their general liability insurance.
As we see above, beer, wine, and liquor stores may need more than just general liability insurance. Below are the average costs of these coverages:
| Liquor store insurance coverage | Average costs |
| General liability insurance | $85 per month |
| Commercial property insurance | $97 per month |
| Liquor liability insurance | $128 per month |
| Workers comp insurance | $54 per month per employees |
Keep in mind that these are just the averages. Your rates will be different. Be sure to shop around with a few companies or work with a top broker like Simply Business or Smart Financial to compare several quotes to find the cheapest one for you.
Factors affecting liquor store insurance costs
Below are the main factors affecting the liquor store insurance costs:
Location
The location of your liquor store can significantly impact insurance costs. High-crime areas or regions prone to natural disasters may result in higher premiums.
Store size and layout
The size and layout of your store will also affect insurance costs. Larger stores with more inventory and a more complex layout may require higher coverage limits, leading to increased premiums.
Security measures
Implementing security measures, such as alarm systems, surveillance cameras, and secure storage for high-value items, can help lower your insurance costs by reducing the likelihood of theft or other losses.
Claims history
If your liquor store has a history of insurance claims, you may face higher premiums due to the increased risk associated with your business.
Coverage limits and deductibles
The coverage limits and deductibles you choose for your policies will also impact your insurance costs. Higher coverage limits provide more protection but typically come with higher premiums. Similarly, lower deductibles result in higher premiums, while higher deductibles can lower your premium costs.
How to find cheap liquor store insurance?
Finding cheap liquor store insurance requires research, comparison, and a thorough understanding of your business’s specific needs. Here are some steps you can take to find affordable coverage:
- Assess your risks: Start by evaluating the risks your liquor store faces. This will help you determine the types of coverage you need, which in turn will help you avoid paying for unnecessary insurance.
- Shop around: Obtain quotes from multiple insurance providers to compare rates and coverage options. Online platforms like Simply Business or Smart Financial can make it easy to compare quotes from various carriers. Be sure to provide accurate information about your business and its risks to get the most accurate quotes.
- Bundle policies: Many insurance providers offer discounts if you purchase multiple policies from them. Consider bundling your general liability, property, and other insurance policies with a single provider to take advantage of these discounts.
- Choose a higher deductible: Opting for a higher deductible can lower your premium costs. However, be cautious when selecting a deductible, as you’ll need to be prepared to cover that amount out-of-pocket in the event of a claim.
- Review your coverage annually: As your business grows and evolves, your insurance needs may change. Regularly review your coverage to ensure it still meets your needs and adjust it accordingly. This can help you avoid paying for unnecessary coverage or being underinsured.
- Implement risk management practices: Insurance providers may offer discounts or lower premiums for businesses that demonstrate a commitment to minimizing risks. Implementing risk management practices, such as employee training, proper inventory management, and security measures, can help lower your premium costs.
- Work with an insurance agent or broker: An experienced insurance agent or broker can help you navigate the complexities of liquor store insurance and find the best coverage for your needs at the most affordable price. They can leverage their industry knowledge and relationships with various carriers to negotiate better rates on your behalf.
By following these steps, you can increase your chances of finding affordable liquor store insurance that provides the right coverage for your business.
Conclusion
Investing in the right liquor store insurance is crucial for protecting your business and ensuring its long-term success. By understanding the legal requirements, coverage types, cost factors, and top providers, you can make an informed decision when selecting your insurance policies. Remember to assess your unique risks, compare quotes from multiple providers, and consider working with an experienced insurance agent or broker to find the best coverage for your needs. With the right insurance in place, you can focus on growing your business with confidence and peace of mind.
