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Pub Insurance

Pub Business Insurance

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What is pub insurance?

Pub insurance is an essential coverage for anyone running a licensed premises. It offers combined protection for the building, vital employers’ and public liability cover, and other risks faced when owning a pub. It keeps you compliant with the law and safeguards your finances and your reputation.

Why do pubs need specialist insurance?

Pubs need bar insurance because they face unique risks that aren’t covered by standard business insurance. There are heightened risks due to late-night activities, serving alcohol, and high footfall. Pubs store valuable stock and sometimes a significant amount of cash. These factors make it a high-risk venture which needs appropriate insurance coverage.

What does pub insurance cover?

The protection you get from this insurance depends on the level of coverage you choose. You can tailor your insurance to cover the size and unique risk profile of your pub. This way, you’ll only pay for the cover you need.

Core coverage options

  • Licensed premises cover – Buildings and contents cover for venues legally allowed to sell alcohol.
  • Employers’ liability insurance – a legal requirement if you employ staff. You’ll be covered for staff injuries or illness as a result of their work.
  • Public liability insurance – protects you if a customer, supplier, or member of the public is injured or if their property is damaged while on your property.

Additional coverage options

  • Business interruption
  • Product liability
  • Loss of licence
  • Money cover
  • Stock cover
  • Glass and signage cover
  • Legal expenses

Risks typically not covered

  • War, nuclear, and terrorism risks
  • Cyber and other electronic hacking risks
  • Claims arising from pandemics or communicable diseases
  • Wear and tear or poor maintenance
  • Illegal activities
  • Natural disasters like floods and earthquakes
  • Unoccupied pub

How much does pub insurance cost?

It’s difficult to give an accurate pub insurance average cost. That’s because every pub is different in size, facilities, and risk profile. Your premium will depend on several key factors unique to your business.

Location

Pubs in low-crime or minimal flood-risk areas will typically pay less.

Pub size

The building’s rebuild costs and contents value are considered.

Pub security

Adding reliable security features to your pub can lower your risk profile, potentially lowering your premiums.

Number of employees

Legally, you must have employee liability cover. More staff can mean a higher premium.

Opening hours and activities

Pubs that stay open until late or host live bands or other events typically pay more. Serving food can also increase your risk.

Level of cover

To save costs, you could opt for the minimum liability coverage that is legally required. However, your risks will be significantly higher. Comprehensive coverage may cost a bit more, but it might be worth the investment in the long run.

Claims history

If you don’t make claims in a policy year, you’ll typically be rewarded with a discounted premium.

How can I find cheap pub insurance?

Insuring a business can be a significant expense. However, there are a number of ways that you could potentially reduce your premiums.

Compare multiple quotes

It’s important to compare multiple insurance pub quotes. Using a platform like ours, you might find a deal that suits your needs and your budget best.

Only pay for what you need

Avoid unnecessary add-ons or high coverage limits if you don’t need them. Review and update your policy regularly.

Bundle policies

Insurers may offer discounts for taking out multiple types of business insurance. Bundling them together may cost you less.

Increase security measures

This includes alarms, cameras, and locks. Make sure you fit industry-approved equipment.

Implement risk management strategies

Good documented employee training and regular risk assessments can help reduce your risk.

Maintain a claims-free history

When you claim, your premiums increase. Avoid unnecessary claims to keep costs down. 

Pub and Bar Insurance FAQs

Do pub businesses need liability insurance?

If your pub employs even one staff member, you are legally required to have employee liability cover. Public liability insurance is not a legal requirement. However, your pub business insurance should ideally include a range of liability cover. It’s highly advisable to have it due to the high risks of running a pub. Product liability, occupier liability and legal liability are some of the other types of risks that can be included in a pub insurance policy.

What happens if I don’t have pub insurance?

Not having the right insurance for your pub could lead to significant legal battles and financial losses. Without employer’s liability cover, you could face legal penalties or even lose your licence. Pub insurance is an essential safeguard that ensures your business can continue without disruptions.

Can I get insurance for an unoccupied pub?

Yes. Sometimes a pub is unoccupied for extended periods because of things like refurbishments or awaiting new tenants. If your pub is empty for longer than 30 days, you’ll likely need to take out unoccupied pub insurance. Unoccupied commercial properties are considered a higher risk, so premiums may be higher.

What’s the difference between pub and restaurant insurance?

Pub and restaurant insurance have definite overlaps. The main distinction is that pub insurance is more focused on the specific risks of a licensed premises. Risks are related to serving alcohol, late opening hours, and entertainment. Restaurant insurance is more for food-focused businesses. However, combined premises can be covered on the same policy. 

Is thatched pub insurance available?

Yes. Some specialist insurers offer policies geared toward thatched-roof pubs. These policies typically cover buildings, contents, and liability risks, with special attention to fire risks. There may be stricter requirements around maintenance and fire safety measures. Insurance for thatched pubs will likely cost more than standard pub insurance.

Can I tailor my pub insurance policy?

Yes, insurance for a pub is highly customisable. You can select the level of cover that suits your pub and adjust your policy as your business needs change. It’s wise to review your policy annually. Doing so will ensure you’re only paying for the protection you really need. For example, if you’ve reduced your staff count, you can adjust your employer’s liability cover accordingly and likely pay less.

How can I make a claim on my pub insurance?

Gather key information about the incident. This includes your policy number, photos or videos of the damage, and witness statements. You may need a police report number, too. Contact your insurer as soon as possible. You’ll typically fill out a claims form, and your insurer will take it from there. With accurate information, your claim may be processed quickly and fairly.

Page last reviewed on 20th July 2025 

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