Overview of the Bars/Taverns Insurance Program
Built for establishments that serve alcohol and face elevated liability exposures, our Bars/Taverns Insurance program supports a variety of hospitality operations. From neighborhood pubs and sports bars to busy taverns and nightlife venues with occasional entertainment, Advanced E&S works with agents to secure non-admitted placements through our network of surplus lines carriers. Whether your client is a new operator or an established location, we help find tailored coverages that address day-to-day operations and higher-risk scenarios.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
We are actively writing accounts in the following categories:
- Bars, taverns, and lounges
- Nightclubs with limited entertainment or small dance areas
- Sports bars and pubs that serve food and alcohol
- Establishments with incidental live music, DJs, or low-key entertainment
We are less competitive for risks that include extensive adult entertainment, 24-hour operations, aggressive crowd profiles, or venues with repeated, significant liquor-related losses. If you’re unsure about a particular account, our underwriting team can advise on fit and submission requirements.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
We offer both package and monoline options with access to a broad set of coverages commonly needed by bars and taverns:
- Assault & Battery
- Liquor Liability
- Commercial General Liability (CGL)
- Property — Fire and Real & Business Personal Property
- Business Income & Business Interruption
- Crime and Theft
- Equipment Breakdown / Boiler & Machinery
- Spoilage
- Excess Liability and Umbrella
Our access to multiple surplus lines carriers and flexible program structures allows us to address common exposures — property damage, liquor-related incidents, assault & battery — as well as operational threats like equipment failure that can interrupt business.
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
Minimum premiums vary by account size, location, and exposure. We prioritize submissions that include a completed application, current loss runs, and clear operational details (hours, staffing, security protocols, entertainment schedule). Providing this information up front speeds underwriting and improves placement outcomes.
Territories and Availability
This program is available in the following Midwest states: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin. All placements are written on a non-admitted basis through various surplus lines carriers.
Why Work With Advanced E&S?
Advanced E&S combines hospitality-focused underwriting experience with broad surplus lines carrier access. As a wholesale partner, we help independent agents place challenging bar and tavern accounts that may not fit admitted markets. Our underwriters take a pragmatic approach to risk, balancing targeted coverage with practical underwriting terms to help you secure placements for complex or high-exposure operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this Bars/Taverns program?
We’re a strong market for bars, taverns, pubs, lounges, and sports bars—especially those with liquor sales and incidental entertainment such as pool tables, jukeboxes, or live music.
Do you offer Assault & Battery and Liquor Liability coverage?
Yes. Both Assault & Battery and Liquor Liability are available and are often essential for these risks.
Is this program available on an admitted basis?
No. Coverage is placed on a non-admitted basis through various surplus lines carriers.
In which states can I write business through this program?
The program is available in IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NE, OH, and WI.
What information is needed to submit a risk?
Submit a completed application, current loss runs, and details about operations — hours, security measures, staffing, entertainment, and any alcohol service practices.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.