Host Liquor Liability Insurance vs. Liquor Liability Insurance

Understanding the Difference and Coverage for Alcohol-Related Incidents

“Host liquor liability insurance” vs. "Liquor liability insurance” are two types of insurance coverage that relate to the service of alcohol at an event or establishment. Here's a breakdown of each type and what they cover:

  1. Host Liquor Liability Insurance: This type of insurance typically applies to individuals or organizations that are not in the business of selling or serving alcohol but are hosting an event where alcohol is being served. It provides coverage for the host of the event in case of any alcohol-related incidents or accidents. Host liquor liability is name of the insurance add-on that most venues require from their renters (couples) and it is automatically included in all eWed liability insurance policies for no additional cost. Some key points to note about host liquor liability insurance include:

- Coverage: Host liquor liability insurance generally covers legal costs, medical expenses, and damages resulting from alcohol-related incidents caused by an intoxicated guest. This can include injuries, property damage, or accidents caused by an intoxicated individual who consumed alcohol at the event.

- Scope: This insurance coverage is typically limited to the specific event or time period during which alcohol is being served. It may have restrictions on the type of alcohol being served, such as prohibiting the service of homemade or home-brewed alcohol. eWed’s host liquor liability insurance does not have this restriction.

  1. Liquor Liability Insurance: Liquor liability insurance is designed for businesses or individuals that sell, serve, or distribute alcohol. This is the name of insurance that is required of anyone serving alcohol at your event. It is different than host liquor liability insurance. Liquor Liability can protect the business / individual serving the alcohol, you and your venue from potential legal claims and damages resulting from alcohol-related incidents. Key points about liquor liability insurance include:

- Coverage: Liquor liability insurance covers legal costs, medical expenses, and damages resulting from alcohol-related incidents caused by an intoxicated individual who consumed alcohol sold or served by the business or individual at your event. It can include injuries, property damage, or accidents caused by an intoxicated patron.

- Scope: Liquor liability insurance typically provides broader coverage than host liquor liability insurance and extends beyond a specific event. It applies to businesses and individuals that sell or serve alcohol, such as bartenders, bars, restaurants, catering services, and liquor stores.

If you are hosting an event where alcohol will be served, it is recommended that you make sure your event liability policy includes host liquor coverage and whoever is serving the alcohol has their own liquor liability insurance naming you and the venue as additional insureds on their policy.

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