Craft brewing has taken off in the US and the rest of the world. Not long ago your choices of beer were Miller, Coors or Budweiser. Now, there are over 160 breweries in Ohio alone. I am a fan of craft beer and a homebrewer myself so I couldn’t be more happy with the development! However, this means a number of new brewer/owners starting up businesses that need insurance protection so that the beer can continue to flow even after a claim. Let’s take a look at important insurance coverages for every craft brewery.
One of every brewer’s largest assets are the tanks or mash tun, lauter tun and fermenters. Due to the weight of wort and beer in addition to the pressure created during fermentation, these can collapse for any number of reasons. Fortunately, you can purchase coverage for Collapse of Tanks! What if the tanks don’t collapse but the beer or wort leaks out due to poor seals, installation, etc.? Well fortunately, you can purchase coverage for Leakage – Other than Collapse as well!
One of the most important variables to a brewer is temperature. Beer must be boiled, lautered, fermented and stored (lagered, aged, etc.) at specific temperatures to ensure a quality product. What if the temperature drastically increases or decreases due to faulty temperature controls, power outage, etc.? Well, once again insurance companies have provided coverage for changes in or extremes of temperature or humidity.
You can also purchase coverage for contaminated beer as well as the cost to recall beer for any defects in the finished product. These coverages can be included or part of a coverage package designed for crafter breweries. You do everything you can to produce a quality and consistent product but sometimes the unforeseen occurs and you don’t want to be left with the bill and a bad taste in your customers mouths!
Another important part of every craft brewery is the suppliers used by the brewery. What if the supplier suffers a loss and is unable to get malt, hops or yeast to your brewery? There is business income from dependent properties coverage which would provide coverage if the supplier suffers a loss covered by the breweries policy. This way, you may not be able to keep the beer flowing to your customers but you can be compensated for the loss of income that may result.
Insurance is an important part of every business and a brewery is no different. If you are not sure what coverage you need or if your current policy is covering you properly, contact the Frederick Agency today at 419-732-3171. Cheers!
By Brennan Madison