Bar & Tavern Insurance

Yes — liquor liability is the single most important coverage any bar or tavern can carry. Illinois dram shop laws hold establishments liable when an over-served patron causes injury or property damage to a third party. One claim without coverage can exceed $1 million. Pro Insurance Group writes liquor liability for bars of all sizes and sales volumes, including high-liquor-ratio operations.

Most bars and taverns pay $5,000–$15,000 per year for a complete insurance package. Cost depends on your square footage, annual revenue, hours of operation, whether you have live entertainment, your liquor-to-food sales ratio, and your claims history. Pro Insurance Group works with specialty markets that write coverage for liquor-heavy operations at competitive rates.

Assault and battery coverage pays legal fees and settlements when a physical altercation occurs on your premises or parking lot. Standard general liability policies specifically exclude assault and battery — bars must add this as a separate endorsement. Pro Insurance Group writes this into every bar policy by default because it is one of the most common claims bars face.

Illinois dram shop laws (235 ILCS 5/6-21) hold bars, taverns, restaurants, and other alcohol-serving establishments liable for damages caused by an intoxicated patron they served. This means if a patron leaves your bar and causes a car accident, your establishment can be held financially responsible. Liquor liability insurance is your primary protection against these claims.

Most bar insurance quotes from Pro Insurance Group are ready within 1-2 business days. To get started we need your business address, annual revenue, square footage, hours of operation, number of employees, and whether you have live entertainment or a dance floor. Fill out the form at the top of this page and an agent will contact you the same business day.

It depends on your liquor-to-food sales ratio. If your bar sales are below 45% of total revenue, you likely qualify for restaurant insurance rates which are typically lower than bar rates. If your liquor sales exceed 45% of revenue, bar insurance rates apply. Pro Insurance Group will review your sales mix and find the most advantageous classification for your operation across our 20+ carriers.