The limitations of commercial general liability

Most businesses rely solely on the cover of a commercial general
liability policy. While the latter has earned the moniker for always
coming through in times of need, it however only works incase of
bodily injury, property damage, etc. The CGL clearly includes a
clause, which relieves it from covering claims that arise out of certain
scenarios. One should thoroughly check the policy and find out its
limitations.

The benefits of liquor liability insurance

You can expect this policy to cover all the types of alcohol related
claims that won’t be covered in a regular CGL policy. You’ll find that it
is written on a basic ISO form. It covers damages that arise out of
alcohol related incidents. Do ensure that your liquor license is an
active one. As the liquor liability coverage excludes all damages that
arise out of the beverage sold from your establishment while your
license was not in effect. Many large insurance companies offer liquor
liability insurance as part of a business insurance package. If your
current general liability insurer does not provide you with this type
of coverage, an agent or broker can certainly help you attain it.

What to look for while shopping

These are some features you should look out for when hunting for a
liquor liability cover.

1. No assault and battery exclusion

Majority of the claims against liquor selling businesses stem from
fights. Strangely, some insurers very discreetly put in a clause that
exempts them from providing cover against any assault or battery
related lawsuit. Any business that primarily earns its revenue from
the sale of alcohol should strictly avoid a policy, which has such an
inbuilt clause.

2. Covering costs outside the limit

The overall cost for defending a liquor liability claim can sometimes
scale over the roof. And the standard ISO form usually also covers
any additional cost that might occur when defending claims. Which
means that the extra lawyer’s fee or any other additional legal
expense won’t drain your limit.

3. Coverage for mental injuries

Some claimants might seek compensation for damages incurred in
non-physical ways such as mental stress and fatigue. And a few
policies out there exclude covering such injuries whereas some
specifically cover them. So, we suggest you look for the latter.

. Rewards for following safety measures

Insurance companies that cater mainly to bars and restaurants might
offer free training programs to policyholders and for employees
under them. On completion of the training program, the policyholder
might be given concessions on the premium amount as a form of
reward.

Lawsuits against liquor selling establishments are more likely to
succeed in some states as opposed to others. For instance a Liquor
Store Insurance in California, which is a one of the more lenient
states when compared to say Massachusetts, may cost significantly
less. So, as a general rule of thumb you can safely assume that the
stricter states, the more costlier the policy. However, it is absolutely
beneficial for the owner and establishment in the long run, and a
wise investment to make due its several benefits.

As history often reminds us, the world during past economic crises presented people with only limited affordable health options. Fortunately, recent measures taken by Congress present us with opportunities to get us ourselves covered.

Here’s a complete guide to all the available options in hand.

Continuing a job-based coverage policy

If you wish to keep the coverage, know that you can do so for as long as 18 months under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. However, you can avail of this option only if you choose to pay the total amount of your premium, which is what you would by default have to pay & also that what your employer would pay towards your premium. This is an excellent option that tends to cost more than Obama Care. However, it is better suited for Americans with an ongoing treatment as it enables you to visit the same doctor.

If you have no income as a result of job loss

As of today, if you reside in one of these 36 states, you can enjoy the benefit of a state health insurance program called Medicaid. Obamacare now enables residents of most states to avail of Medicaid if their monthly household income falls below a fixed amount – around $1400 for a single person or $2950 for a family of four. This should include all regular unemployment benefits, but not the $600 a week paid under the new relief legislation. As it happens to be, the ideal way to apply for Medicaid is through your state’s authorized agency. Typically, Medicaids have zero premiums, low co-payments, and also cover fewer doctors as compared to job-based insurance plans. You may find it harder to get covered if you live in a state outside the 36 and might have site parenthood or have to meet other criteria to get a single or affordable family insurance cover.

(Insert: MAP & cite source)

Don’t have health insurance but would like to get one 

Under normal circumstances, you can enroll for an insurance policy once a year. However, in case of an unexpected change such as a job loss or divorce, you could apply for one when in need. The global pandemic has led many employers to stretch the rules and allow for more employees to apply for an insurance cover. The states of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia are now permitting uninsured residents to enroll for Obamacare. Simply, visit their insurance marketplace sites to get started. Also, do check with your company’s HR staff if you are in fact eligible for a work-based insurance policy.

In need of a more comprehensive health plan

Insurance plans that are short term in duration presumably won’t cover the testing and treatment costs incurred for the coronavirus. With the pandemic not showing signs of slowing down anytime soon, we should armour ourselves with the necessary tools. Now would be the perfect time to switch to a comprehensive health plan such as Medicaid & Obamacare that ßare best suited for the current times we live in.

As a licensed restaurant or liquor store owner, if you serve guests who are under the state’s legal drinking age, you stand chances of being indicted in several lawsuits, which will lead to fines, criminal penalties, and even jail term. The worst-case scenario will see you losing your liquor license for good. These and many other similar risks are the reasons you should take great care while operating your liquor store or restaurant, including getting a liquor store insurance in California. Here are some tips that would help you out in this case.

Understand And Follow State Rules

The first duty should be to become familiar with the state rules, laws, and regulations, as well as the standards of care, of the province in which your restaurant is located. You should also read and understand all the rules under which the license has been issued to you. Your next duty is to follow these rules and regulations and operate within the same to avoid legal hassles later on.

Draft A Strong Alcohol Policy

Write an active alcohol policy, which would highlight your restaurant’s commitment to providing a safe, responsible service to customers by following responsible business practices. Make sure to note down service procedures and policies, along with penalties for violating the same. Distribute copies of this policy to all the employees in your restaurant and brief them about the same. Ask them to sign a document stating that they acknowledge these policies and will follow the same.

Apply For And Buy Liquor Liability Insurance

It is essential to purchasing liquor store insurance in Anaheim in case of untoward incidents, which find yourself facing a liquor liability lawsuit. This insurance will help pay for costs related to employee coverage, assault/battery coverage, and attorney’s fees while potentially helping you avoid a bankruptcy scenario.

Ask For Identity Cards 

Enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy in the restaurant for underage drinkers by asking every patron to show a government-issued ID card. If a person refuses to show his ID card, you have every right to deny him/her service. Stick to this rule and note down the incident on a logbook for future reference.

Hire A Taxi For Patrons

A massive liability for a restaurant is an intoxicated driver who has had too many drinks and is intoxicated to drive back home by himself. Failing to take care of the safety of patrons and others around them can increase the risks of your restaurant facing charges on negligence. Cut down this risk by hiring a taxi for a patron who is unfit to travel back home alone.

Take the initiative and hire a ride for any patron who should not be driving in a drunken state. The money paid for the trip would be far less when compared to the costs related to legal procedures for any litigation issues that might crop up.

You can also partner with companies like Uber and Lyft to offer transportation for patrons. Display the phone numbers for the same inside the restaurant at all times.