To most consumers, a craft brewery, winery, or distillery looks like any other business. But from an insurance perspective, these operations come with highly specific risks and coverage needs. If you’re in the craft beverage industry, having the right insurance isn’t optional—it’s essential to protect your equipment, employees, products, and customers.
At Arthur Blake Insurance, we specialize in custom insurance policies for breweries, wineries, and distilleries. We understand the nuances of the industry and tailor each policy to meet your unique needs. Here’s what you should know when building an insurance policy that works for your craft beverage business.
Core Coverages Every Craft Beverage Business Needs
Whether you’re running a taproom, tasting room, or full-service production facility, there are foundational coverages every operation should carry:
- Commercial Property Insurance – Protects buildings, inventory, and production equipment
- Commercial Auto Insurance – Covers delivery vehicles and employee drivers
- General Liability Insurance – Shields against legal claims from accidents or injuries
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Provides benefits for work-related injuries
- Business Interruption Insurance – Reimburses lost income during disruptions
- Product Recall Coverage – Handles the cost and impact of recalling contaminated or faulty products
These essential policies serve as your first line of defense and ensure your operations are legally compliant and financially protected.
Why Craft Beverage Insurance Must Go Beyond the Basics
What makes insuring a craft beverage business more complex than other food manufacturers? One word: interaction. Breweries, wineries, and distilleries often host customers on-site through taprooms, tasting rooms, and even full-scale restaurants. This creates a layer of public-facing risk that standard food production insurance just doesn’t cover.
To fully protect your business, consider adding the following specialized coverages:
- Liquor Liability Insurance – Protects you from alcohol-related incidents
- Restaurant Insurance – Covers operations if you serve food
- Spoilage & Temperature Loss Coverage – Guards against inventory loss due to climate issues
- Event Liability Insurance – Protects you during special events, festivals, or facility rentals
These additional coverages ensure you’re not left vulnerable in situations that are common in the craft beverage world but rare elsewhere.
Building the Right Commercial Property Insurance Policy
Standard property insurance often falls short for breweries, wineries, and distilleries. You need a policy designed for your production environment and equipment. When customizing your commercial property insurance, make sure to include:
- Equipment breakdown & tank collapse
- Utility service interruptions
- Power outages & temperature fluctuation
- Wines, trellises, and fermentation tanks
- Product contamination and spoilage
- Theft, vandalism, or natural disaster coverage
- Fleet and delivery vehicle protection
- Coverage for inventory and stock
Having comprehensive property insurance safeguards your investment and helps you recover faster if disaster strikes.
How to Get Affordable Craft Beverage Insurance
Worried about the cost? You don’t have to be. Working with a knowledgeable insurance broker who understands the craft beverage industry can help you get the protection you need without overpaying. The right agent will assess your specific risk profile and negotiate directly with carriers on your behalf.
Trust the Experts at Arthur Blake Insurance
At Arthur Blake Insurance, we’re here to help your brewery stay protected and grow with confidence. Our experienced team of agents at Arthur Blake Insurance are awaiting to assist you! If you would like to learn more, contact us today at 972-954-6383. Let us help you secure better coverage at a price you can afford!