Top ShelfInsurance Solutions
AGEMA Insurance Solutions division that specializes in bars, restaurants, and the hospitality industry. From managing employees to maintaining clean and safe environments, whatever the challenge, you still have to offer "Top Shelf" service to your clients. Let us return the favor.
Dedicated to Hospitality
Top Shelf Insurance Solutions is a division dedicated to the hospitality and bar/restaurant industry. We provide comprehensive yet competitive insurance solutions for any and everything hospitality and bar/restaurant related.
All while delivering the type of service you strive to provide your clients. Whether you're in the hotel/motel business or the bar and restaurant business, we can help!
The Top Shelf Advantage
Extensive Market Access
Top Shelf has virtually unmatched access to a full suite of hospitality and bar/restaurant programs. Several programs can only be accessed by other brokers via third party. Better access typically means better service, better price, and better terms.
Hospitality Specialists
We are a staff comprised of hospitality insurance specialists, whereas other brokers may be more of a generalist. We dedicate our time to staying up to date on the hospitality insurance marketplace, to ensure we are offering the best solutions in an ever-changing world.
Technology-Driven
Top Shelf consistently invests in technology, which results in better service and solutions for our clients. Our streamlined processes mean faster quotes and better insights for your business.
Liquor Liability Insurance
The Foundation of Protection
If you serve, sell, or furnish alcohol, liquor liability insurance is not optional—it is essential. Unlike general liability insurance, which excludes alcohol-related claims, liquor liability specifically protects you from the unique risks of the hospitality business. You can be held financially liable for injuries or property damage caused by intoxicated customers, even though you did not directly cause the harm.
What Liquor Liability Covers
- Claims from intoxicated patrons who cause injury to themselves or others
- Dram shop liability (legal responsibility under dram shop laws in many states)
- Drunk driving accidents where a patron left your establishment impaired
- Assault and battery incidents involving intoxicated customers
- Sexual harassment or sexual assault claims by intoxicated patrons
- Property damage caused by intoxicated customers
- Medical bills, legal defense fees, and settlement or judgment costs
- Alcohol poisoning and over-service claims
An intoxicated customer leaves your bar and causes a car accident, injuring another driver. The injured driver sues both the customer and your establishment under dram shop laws. Your liquor liability coverage covers the legal defense costs, settlement negotiations, and any judgment awarded. Without this coverage, you would pay these costs from your business and potentially personal assets.
Coverage Limits & Dram Shop Laws
In many states, you can be held liable if you served alcohol to someone who later caused an accident or injury. Coverage limits typically range from:
Who We Serve
Top Shelf provides insurance solutions for every type of hospitality business. From single-location establishments to multi-unit chains, we have the expertise and market access to address your unique operational risks.
Taverns & Pubs
Sports Bars
Nightclubs & Dance Venues
Casual Dining
Fine Dining
Breweries & Brewpubs
Wineries & Tasting Rooms
Distilleries
Food Trucks
Hotels & Motels
Bed & Breakfasts
Event Spaces & Venues
Catering Companies
Cafes & Coffee Shops
Quick-Service Restaurants
Country & Golf Clubs
Casinos & Gaming
Common Insurance Gaps That
Could Shut Down Your Business
Many restaurant and hospitality owners assume their standard business owner's policy (BOP) provides complete protection. It does not. These are some of the most common gaps that leave hospitality businesses dangerously exposed.
The Problem
Standard property insurance does not include spoilage or equipment breakdown. If your walk-in freezer fails overnight and spoils tens of thousands of dollars in inventory, or a power outage ruins your food, standard property insurance will often deny the claim.
Real Scenario
A restaurant's walk-in freezer compressor fails on a Friday night. By Monday morning, all perishable inventory—worth $35,000—is spoiled. Without spoilage coverage, the restaurant absorbs the entire loss. With proper coverage, the loss is reimbursed.
How We Fix It
We add spoilage coverage and equipment breakdown coverage to protect your food inventory and critical kitchen equipment.
What We'll Review During
Underwriting
When you work with Top Shelf, we conduct a thorough underwriting review to identify exposures and align your coverage with your real risks.
- Type of alcohol service (beer and wine, full liquor license, on-premise, off-premise, events)
- Hours of operation and peak customer volume
- Percent of revenue from alcohol sales
- Liquor license status and any prior violations
- Staff training on responsible alcohol service
- House policies on cutting off service and preventing over-service
Protecting Your Hospitality Business
The hospitality industry faces unique and significant risks. A single incident—whether a customer injury, food poisoning claim, or employee dispute—can severely impact a business without proper insurance.
Liquor Liability is Essential
If you serve alcohol, you may be subject to dram shop liability. You can be held financially responsible if a customer becomes intoxicated at your establishment and then causes an accident or injury. Without liquor liability coverage, these costs may have to be paid directly by the business or the owner.
Slip and Falls & Premises Liability
Wet floors, spills, and crowded spaces create constant slip and fall exposure. You have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe premises. Serious injuries can lead to large medical expenses and lawsuits.
Food Safety & Contamination
Foodborne illness or contamination claims can damage your reputation and finances. Even if a claim is ultimately disproven, legal defense and potential business interruption can be costly.
Equipment Failure & Spoilage
Refrigeration, cooking equipment, and HVAC systems are essential to your operation. Failures can spoil inventory and force temporary closure. Without spoilage and equipment breakdown coverage, these losses fall entirely on you.
Employee Injuries & Employment Claims
Kitchen and service work are physically demanding and risky. Workers' compensation helps protect you and your staff when injuries occur. Employment practices coverage helps protect against allegations of discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination.
Cyber Attacks & Data Breaches
Payment systems and online ordering platforms hold sensitive customer data. A breach can trigger notification requirements, credit monitoring for affected customers, and legal exposure.
Let's Protect Your
Hospitality Business
Contact Top Shelf Insurance Solutions today for a comprehensive insurance review and competitive quote.
Get a Quote