Owning a bar in Wisconsin means you’re managing employees, serving alcohol responsibly, protecting your property, and providing a safe environment for guests who may not always make safe decisions. With so many risks in play, having the right insurance is critical to keeping your doors open and your business secure.
At Colonial Insurance Agency, we provide bar insurance designed specifically for Wisconsin establishments. Whether you operate a corner tavern in Eau Claire, a sports bar in Madison, or a music venue in Milwaukee, we’ll help you put together a plan that reflects the realities of running a bar. Our team has more than 40 years of experience working with local business owners, and as an independent agency, we shop multiple carriers to bring you options, not cookie-cutter coverage.
Commercial property insurance protects your assets in the event that they are stolen, damaged or destroyed in a fire or natural disaster.
No matter the size and nature of your business, there are always uncertainties. We will work with you to determine your business risks and put together an insurance package that ensures protection.
Whether you have one vehicle or a whole fleet, we can help you implement custom coverage that will protect your business and personal assets from the additional exposure that commercial vehicles bring.
Workers’ compensation insurance covers employees injured on the job or in auto accidents while on business. It also covers work-related illnesses.
Every company is a potential target for crime. We’ll work with you to design insurance coverage that helps minimize your risk and protect your business.
Commercial umbrella insurance is designed to supplement your existing insurance policies, giving you an additional layer of protection for your business.
Errors and omissions liability insurance protects any business that gives advice, makes educated recommendations, designs solutions or represents the needs of others. We’ll offer coverage that ensures that one simple mistake does not cause financial ruin.
As an employer, you face a rising tide of employment practice litigation with various allegation issues. We will work with you to help you assess and manage your risk proactively.
Directors and officers liability insurance covers directors and officers for claims made against them while serving on a board of directors and/or as an officer. We work with you to protect your organization’s important asset: your senior leadership.
Bars face unique risks that go beyond standard business exposures. Serving alcohol creates liability concerns that require special attention, and high customer volume increases the chances of property damage, accidents, or claims. We help you combine coverages that address both everyday and high-risk scenarios.
This is one of the most important coverages for any Wisconsin bar. Your business can be held legally responsible if a patron causes an accident or injury after being served at your establishment. Liquor liability coverage helps with legal defense, settlements, and medical expenses tied to alcohol-related incidents.
General liability protects you if a guest is injured on your premises. Slip-and-fall accidents, broken glass, or trip hazards are common in busy bars. This coverage helps pay for medical bills, legal costs, and damages if your bar is held responsible.
Your building, equipment, furniture, signage, and inventory are critical to daily operations. Commercial property insurance protects these assets from fire, theft, vandalism, and weather damage, events that can cause significant disruption if uninsured.
If a fire, storm, or covered incident forces your bar to close temporarily, this coverage helps replace lost income and pay fixed expenses like rent, utilities, and payroll while you recover.
Standard liability policies may exclude fights or altercations between patrons. Assault and battery coverage helps protect your business from claims related to these incidents, which are unfortunately more common in late-night establishments.
If you have employees in Wisconsin, workers’ compensation is required by law. It covers medical expenses and lost wages for staff injured while on the job, whether from lifting kegs, slips behind the bar, or kitchen accidents.
Bars often have high employee turnover, seasonal staff, and varying schedules, all of which can lead to employment disputes. EPLI helps cover claims related to harassment, discrimination, or wrongful termination.
Refrigeration units, beer taps, and HVAC systems are essential to your operations. If equipment breaks down unexpectedly, this coverage helps repair or replace it so you don’t lose income or inventory.
Bars handle significant cash flow and valuable inventory. This coverage protects against losses from burglary, robbery, or employee dishonesty.
If you run digital payment systems, loyalty programs, or take online reservations, you face cyber risks. This coverage helps if you experience a data breach, hack, or theft of customer payment information.
Bars are at the heart of Wisconsin’s social culture, from neighborhood taverns to college-town pubs. But with high foot traffic, late hours, and alcohol service, you also face some of the highest risk profiles in the hospitality industry.
Wisconsin’s harsh winters can damage property and increase liability risks with icy entryways. Alcohol service creates exposures that many insurers won’t cover under a standard liability policy. And with staff working long hours under pressure, employee injuries are a real possibility.
Having the right insurance makes sure that one incident doesn’t jeopardize your business. Colonial Insurance Agency understands these risks and helps you prepare for them with coverage that fits your exact needs.
Colonial Insurance Agency is committed to providing our clients with the exceptional service that they deserve.
Dan provides exceptional service and expertise! He tailors the perfect coverage to fit needs and budget, explaining everything clearly and promptly addressing any questions. I highly recommend him for anyone seeking reliable insurance guidance.
We have been with Colonial Insurance for many, many years and have received nothing but five-star service. Don and Dan MacLeod and their staff have been amazing to work with. Our two children are also with Colonial and are very happy as well.
Jack Larsen has done a great job quoting everything from auto, home, and business insurance for me and my family. He is professional, knowledgeable, and prompt with his communication and work. I would recommend Jack and Colonial for any and all insurance needs.
At a minimum, you’ll need liquor liability, general liability, and property insurance. You’ll also need workers’ compensation if you employ staff. Many bars also benefit from assault and battery coverage, business interruption insurance, and EPLI.
Yes. If a patron you served causes a drunk driving accident, liquor liability coverage helps protect your business from the resulting claims. Without it, you could be held personally responsible for damages.
Costs vary depending on your location, size, staff count, annual revenue, and claims history. Bars that stay open late or serve large volumes of alcohol may pay more. We shop multiple carriers to find the best fit for your budget.
Yes. You may need additional liability coverage if your bar hosts events, concerts, or private parties. We can add endorsements or temporary policies to make sure you’re covered.
We’re a Wisconsin-based agency with decades of experience serving local businesses. As an independent agency, we compare multiple carriers and explain your options clearly, helping you avoid gaps in coverage while staying cost-effective.
Your bar is a gathering place. Protect it with insurance that covers your property, staff, customers, and reputation. At Colonial Insurance Agency, we make it simple to get comprehensive coverage, with personal guidance every step of the way.
Call (262) 255-3770 or request your free Wisconsin bar insurance quote online today. Let’s build a plan that keeps your business safe and your doors open.
Colonial Insurance Agency specializes in all aspects of business and personal insurance. Contact us anytime for the best service and advice for all your insurance needs.