Why Liquor Liability Insurance Makes Sense for Texas Alcohol Servers

It’s no secret that plenty of alcohol gets consumed in the Lone Star State, many of it in sports bars, restaurants, hotels, and social clubs. What you may not know, however, is that just 1 out of every 3 alcohol servers in the state carries liquor liability insurance. This simple omission can turn into big trouble for your dram shop or other business – even as it places extra burdens on your clientele and community.

The most obvious hazard in not carrying liquor liability insurance is vulnerability to lawsuits. Take cases like the recent incident in Galveston, in which bartenders who served an intoxicated patron got slapped with charges after the patron caused a fatal car crash. Cases like these frequently lead, not only to criminal prosecution, but also to massive lawsuits from plaintiffs whose lives have been ruined. Contrary to what some might assume from the state’s political climate, Texas is actually one of the more lawsuit-friendly states in these cases.

It only takes one multi-million dollar lawsuit to destroy a business – which is why purchasing liquor liability insurance just makes good sense. You’re not only protecting your own establishment from potential ruin; you’re also sparing your customers from the need to sue in the first place because of their overwhelming medical bills. You’re also helping local medical services, which not be able to extend or get recompensed for those services without some form of financial coverage in place.

Different insurance have different ways of writing liquor liability coverage. For example, one policy may cover damages related to assault and battery, while another may not. Some force you to pay defense costs out of your insurance limits, while others cover defense costs separately. Don’t just go with the lowest price; ask an insurance expert which coverage options you’ll need in order to protect your business!

Who Should Carry Personal Insurance?

Most people are familiar with the standard insurance products available such as life, home, and auto, but there is another type of insurance that protects you from financial losses if you unexpectedly become disabled or die as a result of an unforeseeable accident or incident. 

Who Needs Personal Insurance?

If you have a family or you have significant debts and responsibilities, you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to carry personal insurance. If you are injured, disabled, or killed, you can provide for yourself, family, or survivors. It is an extra layer of protection for everyone. If you are considering purchasing personal insurance, you need to work with an experienced company and agents who can outline your need and insurance products to cover those needs. 

Quality Insurance Services 

The quality of the insurance and the service work together to offer you peace of mind by purchasing personal insurance. If you live in the Austin, TX area, you should work with Southwest Insurance Center to get the guidance and products you need. They can work with you individually to ensure you get the level of protection necessary to prevent loss during a covered event. They will even help you or your loved ones file a claim in the future. 

Personal insurance is a great strategy for protecting you and your loved ones in the event of an accident or injury that would create a burden. Southwest Insurance Center is proud to serve the residents around the Austin, TX area and look forward to working with you to find coverage that works for your situation. Call or stop by the office today to speak with an agent. 

Does Flood Insurance Cover Burst Dams?

There are a large number of Austin, TX dams that, while generally safe, could burst and cause severe floods. We’ve seen this problem happen at Southwest Insurance Center, and want to protect you from this danger by providing high-quality flood insurance.

Dams are Not Considered in Flood Risk Assessment

Flood maps are drawn up by FEMA to gauge parts of a city or county that are the highest risk of floods. These are based on the location of rivers, lakes, streams, and ponds, and the intensity of rain in an area. However, FEMA does not take the location of dams into account when drawing up these maps.

As a result, somebody who lives near a dam may be, technically, in a low risk area. However, a burst dam will cause severe and life-threatening flooding throughout an area. As a result, anybody living near these areas needs to look into flood insurance right away.

Floods Caused By Dams are Covered 

Flood insurance typically doesn’t limit what kinds of floods that it covers. The only types that it usually doesn’t include are those caused by a homeowner’s negligence. Therefore, flood insurance will pay to repair damage caused by a burst dam. 

This type of coverage will pay for essential items in the home, such as the electrical, plumbing, and heating systems. They also help pay for appliances like refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers. Carpets, window treatments, and other types of permanent items are also covered. Personal property is also included, including clothing and much more. 

Find the Coverage That You Need

If you live downstream from a dam in Austin, TX and are worried about what will happen if it bursts, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Southwest Insurance Center. Our experts will find you a flood insurance policy that meets your needs and provides you with a maximum level of protection.