What Kind of Insurance Do I Need for a Liquor Store?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Oct 1
- 2 min read
Owning a liquor store comes with unique risks—from alcohol-related liability to high-value inventory and customer foot traffic. Whether you're just starting out or expanding your retail footprint, having the right insurance coverage is essential to protect your business, your assets, and your future.
At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in helping liquor store owners find tailored insurance solutions that meet state regulations and industry-specific risks. This guide breaks down the essential types of insurance every liquor store should consider.
Liquor liability insurance is one of the most critical policies for any business that sells alcohol. It protects your store if a customer causes harm after consuming alcohol purchased from you—whether it's a DUI, assault, or property damage.
Covers legal fees, settlements, and medical costs
Required in most states with dram shop laws
Not included in general liability policies—must be purchased separately
This foundational policy protects your business from third-party claims unrelated to alcohol sales, such as:
Slip-and-fall injuries
Property damage caused by employees
Advertising injury (e.g., libel or slander)
Your inventory is valuable—and fragile. Commercial property insurance protects your building, fixtures, and stock from:
Fire and smoke damage
Theft and vandalism
Natural disasters (some exclusions may apply)
If you have employees, most states require workers’ comp insurance. It covers:
Medical expenses for job-related injuries
Lost wages
Rehabilitation costs
Liquor stores face risks like lifting heavy boxes, slips from broken bottles, and robbery-related injuries.
5. Business Interruption Insurance
If your store is forced to close due to a covered event (e.g., fire or flood), business interruption insurance helps cover:
Lost income
Ongoing expenses like rent and payroll
Temporary relocation costs
If your liquor store offers delivery or uses company vehicles, commercial auto insurance is essential. It covers:
Accidents involving your delivery vehicle
Property damage and bodily injury
Legal defense costs
Final Thoughts
Running a liquor store is rewarding—but it comes with serious risks. From alcohol-related liability to inventory protection and employee safety, the right insurance coverage is your safety net. At Wexford Insurance, we help liquor store owners find comprehensive, affordable policies tailored to their business model and state requirements.
Whether you're opening your first store or expanding to a new location, our team is here to help you protect your investment and operate with confidence.
Ready to protect your liquor store?
Contact us today.
