Frequently Asked Question:

Do Bars Need Assault and Battery Coverage?

Insurance Type
Related Industries
Related Coverages
General Liability

The Short Answer

In practice, yes. Fights are a common source of bar claims, and many liquor and general liability policies exclude assault and battery or cap it at a low sublimit, so bars generally need it confirmed or added separately.

The Full Answer

Assault and battery is one of the most frequent claim types for bars, and it is also one of the most commonly restricted. A patron injured in a fight can sue the bar for failing to prevent it, and the policy you assumed would respond may not.

Where bars find gaps:

Full exclusions. Some carriers exclude assault and battery entirely on bar policies, which leaves the bar paying defense costs from its own funds.

Low sublimits. Others provide coverage but cap it far below the main liability limit, so a serious injury can exceed it quickly.

Security staff. Claims alleging excessive force by a bouncer often fall under the same restriction, even if the security guard is your employee.

Defense costs. On some forms, legal defense reduces the available limit, so a contested claim can use up coverage before any settlement.

How Liberty structures your protection: We read the assault and battery wording on every bar quote, ask carriers for the limit and defense terms in writing, and place a dedicated or higher-limit form where the standard one falls short.

Related Questions

If you’re covered under an employer’s policy, you may not need one. Many NPs and PAs buy an individual policy anyway for coverage outside work and protection the employer’s policy doesn’t give.

Only a few states require it by statute. In practice, nearly every hospital, health system and many payers require it before you can work or bill.

Usually, while you’re employed there and acting within your job duties. It typically does not cover moonlighting, volunteer work, or claims filed after you leave.

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