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Get Tailored Insurance for Your Bar in South Carolina (SC) From The Allen Thomas Group
For over two decades, The Allen Thomas Group has been a trusted partner for South Carolina bar owners, providing comprehensive commercial insurance solutions that safeguard your establishment, staff, and patrons.
Our experienced bar insurance brokers understand the unique challenges and risks faced by bars and restaurants in South Carolina, and we’re committed to crafting tailored coverage that meets your specific needs.
Bars that serve alcohol in South Carolina are required to carry liquor liability insurance, regardless of their size or location.
The Justice Act has made it more difficult for bar owners to obtain affordable insurance. But we are here to make life easier for you.
From liquor liability to property insurance, we offer a wide range of essential insurance types at the best insurance rates to protect your business against unforeseen events.
Get a quote now!
What is the Cost of Bar Insurance in South Carolina?
Bar insurance costs in South Carolina have skyrocketed, with liquor liability premiums increasing dramatically in recent years. For example, some bar owners have reported their annual liquor liability insurance costs rising from around $5,000-$9,000 to $30,000-$60,000 in just a few years, forcing some establishments to close due to the financial burden.
Table of Contents
Essential Insurance Coverage for South Carolina Bars and Restaurants
General Liability Insurance guards against accidents and injuries on your premises.
If a customer slips on a spilled drink or a delivery person trips over a misplaced bar stool, this coverage helps manage medical expenses and potential lawsuits.
A liability insurance policy is essential for any bar or music venue in South Carolina serving alcohol after 5 p.m.
Liquor Liability Insurance protects your bar or restaurant from alcohol-related claims.
South Carolina law requires bars serving alcohol for on-premises consumption after 5 p.m. to carry at least $1 million in liquor liability coverage.
This policy safeguards your business if a patron causes harm after consuming alcohol at your establishment.
Property Insurance covers your bar’s physical structure and contents. From kitchen equipment to furnishings, this policy protects your investments against fire, theft, and natural disasters.
Case in point – the Great Charleston Fire of 1861?
While we can’t turn back time, we can ensure your bar recovers swiftly from any modern-day catastrophe.
The state law requires businesses with four or more employees to take workers’ Compensation Insurance. It covers medical costs and lost wages for staff injured on the job.
Whether it’s a bartender with a cut from broken glass or a bouncer strained from breaking up a fight, this policy has your team covered.
Business Interruption Insurance covers lost income during unexpected closures.
Whether it’s a kitchen fire that shuts you down for repairs or a mandatory evacuation due to a hurricane, this policy helps keep your finances afloat.
Commercial Auto Insurance is necessary if your bar uses vehicles for business purposes, such as catering events or making deliveries.
It covers accidents, property damage, and liability risks. Business auto covers you if someone is injured by a drunk driver using your commercial vehicles.
Cyber Liability Insurance protects your bar from data breaches and cyberattacks.
In an era where many bars use digital systems for orders, payments, and customer data, this coverage is crucial.
Imagine if your point-of-sale system was hacked, exposing customer credit card information – this policy would help manage the fallout.
You could be held responsible if you lack this policy coverage.
Understanding SC Bars Unique Risks
Bars in South Carolina face specific risks that require specialized insurance coverage. These risks include:
1. Liquor liability incidents
2. Property damage
3. Employee injuries
4. Patron accidents
5. Theft and vandalism
6. Natural disasters
7. Cybersecurity threats
We’ve seen it all, from a rowdy patron accidentally shattering an antique mirror to a tropical storm flooding a beachfront bar in Myrtle Beach.
Our team crafts insurance plans for businesses serving alcohol past 5 p.m.
Risk Management Strategies for South Carolina Bars & Dram Shops
South Carolina’s joint and several liability law as well as the dram shop law hold bar owners responsible for the entire amount of damages caused by intoxicated patrons, even if they were not directly involved in the incident.
Liquor liability rates for South Carolina bars have been on the rise due to factors such as increased litigation and the state’s joint and several liability laws. South Carolina’s liquor liability laws have placed a significant financial burden on bar and music venue owners.
Many insurance companies have become reluctant to offer liquor liability coverage to South Carolina bars due to the high risk and potential for large payouts.
A 1 million liability policy may not be sufficient to cover the potential costs of rising liquor liability claims in South Carolina.
Implementing effective risk management strategies can reduce your insurance premiums and policy cost and and create a safer environment.
Here are some key practices:
1. Train staff regularly on responsible alcohol service
2. Implement strict ID checking procedures
3. Maintain a well-lit, clean, and hazard-free environment
4. Install security cameras and hire trained security personnel
5. Develop and enforce clear policies on handling intoxicated patrons
6. Regularly inspect and maintain all equipment and facilities
7. Create a cybersecurity plan to protect digital assets
The Allen Thomas Group Advantage
Our deep understanding of South Carolina’s bar scene sets us apart. We know the difference between insuring a laid-back beach bar in Folly Beach and a high-energy nightclub in downtown Columbia.
Our tailored approach ensures you get the right coverage for your unique establishment.
We pride ourselves on our responsive service.
When you call us, you won’t get lost in an automated system.
You’ll speak directly with an experienced commercial insurance agent who knows South Carolina’s bar insurance landscape inside and out.
Our commitment to education means we don’t just sell you a policy – we help you understand it.
We’ll walk you through your coverage, explain the fine print, starting from scratch, and offer advice on risk management.
The Claims Process: We’ve Got Your Back
Whether you are a bar or restaurant owner across the state of South Carolina, we’re here to guide you through every step of the claims filing process.
Our streamlined process includes:
1. Immediate claim reporting
2. Thorough documentation assistance
3. Swift claim investigation
4. Regular updates on claim status
5. Advocacy on your behalf with insurance carriers
We aim to resolve claims quickly and fairly, allowing you to focus on running your bar.
Local Expertise: We Know South Carolina Bars
From the historic taverns of Charleston to the college bars of Columbia, we understand the diverse South Carolina bar scene.
We’ve insured beachfront tiki bars in Myrtle Beach, upscale wine bars in Greenville, and everything in between.
Our local knowledge means we can anticipate risks specific to your area.
South Carolina’s strict liquor liability laws, coupled with the Dram Shop Bill, have created a challenging environment for bar owners.
The legislature passed a law requiring bars to pay high insurance premiums.
Passed in 2017 during a legislative session, the dram shop law, also called the dram shop bill, increased the potential liability for bars serving alcohol.
A surge in insurance premiums and high insurance rates has forced many bars and music venues across the state to go out of business or operate on razor-thin margins.
Planning to open a rooftop bar in Charleston?
We’ll make sure your policy accounts for potential hurricane damage.
Running a sports bar near Williams-Brice Stadium?
We’ll help you address the issue for game day crowds.
Getting The Right Insurance For Your Bar in South Carolina
We know how frustrating and complex the process of finding the right coverage can be and how it slows down your ability to care for your customers.
Let us help fix it for you in 3 easy steps.
Tell us about your specific needs and we will find the right policy for you.
Review the results of our search.
We will walk you through your new policy step by step.
Our Carrier Partners
That allows us to find the best insurance rates for food and beverage companies.
Get Your Free Insurance Quote Today From The Allen Thomas Group
Ready to protect your South Carolina bar with insurance tailored to your needs?
Remember, in the world of bar insurance, we’re always here to help you raise the bar.
Don’t let insurance worries leave you shaken or stirred – let The Allen Thomas Group mix up the perfect coverage cocktail for your SC bar that serves alcohol at the best insurance cost.
Call The Allen Thomas Group at (440) 826-3676 for a free, no-obligation quote.
Our team is ready to craft an insurance solution for business owners to help you focus on what you do best – running a great restaurant and bar.
Get a quote now!
People also ask
What's the minimum liquor liability coverage required for bars in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, arcades and bars are required to maintain a minimum of $1 million in liquor liability coverage if they serve alcohol after 5 p.m.
This mandate was established to protect against claims stemming from dram shop liability, which holds establishments accountable for incidents involving intoxicated patrons.
Do food trucks serving alcohol at events need bar insurance?
Does bar insurance cover employee theft?
Bar insurance typically does not cover employee theft under standard policies, but it can be included through employee theft coverage or commercial crime insurance. This specialized coverage protects against losses resulting from dishonest acts by employees, such as stealing cash or inventory.
Popular Cities In South Carolina We Provide Commercial Insurance To Bar Owners
Abbeville
Aiken
Anderson
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Taylors
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Welcome
West Columbia
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York
