HIGH-RISK DISTILLERY
& BREWERY
SOME PRODUCERS ARE TOO COMPLEX FOR STANDARD MARKETS.
A distillery with open-flame equipment near high-proof spirits, a brewery with significant loss history, or a producer with an unusual operation often exhausts standard market options quickly. That is not the end of the road — it is the point where specialty and excess and surplus lines markets become the right resource.
Distilleries working with high-proof spirits near open heat sources carry a fire exposure that many standard markets will not write.
Prior claims — especially fire, liquor liability, or product claims — limit standard market access and require specialty placement.
Non-traditional structures, alternating proprietors, mobile operations, and unique facility types often require E&S placement.
A prior decline or non-renewal from a standard carrier is a signal to go to specialty markets, not to stop looking.
TAP EACH SITUATION TO SEE THE PLACEMENT APPROACH.
Different high-risk profiles require different placement strategies. Tap each. A general illustration — not a coverage guarantee.
HOW THE PROGRAM IS BUILT.
Direct access to excess and surplus lines markets that underwrite high-risk and non-standard distillery and brewery accounts.
Building a complete program — property, liability, liquor, and product — through specialty markets for complex producers.
Declined and non-renewed accounts reviewed on their merits and placed through the markets that write the risk.
Identifying risk mitigation steps — security, documentation, facility improvements — that can improve placement terms over time.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR OPERATION.
Complete the form and a Kelly Insurance Group specialist will follow up to begin your review.
EVERY KIND OF ALCOHOL OPERATION.
STRAIGHT ANSWERS.
What makes a distillery or brewery high-risk for insurance?
Fire exposure from open-flame operations near high-proof spirits, significant loss history, non-standard facility types, large aging inventory, or a prior decline or non-renewal are the most common factors that move a producer into the high-risk or hard-to-place category.
Can a declined producer still get coverage?
Yes. A decline from a standard market is not the end — it is a signal to go to specialty and excess and surplus lines markets that are specifically designed to underwrite risks that standard carriers will not. E&S markets write producers that admitted carriers decline.
Does a distillery with open-flame equipment need specialty coverage?
Distilleries that operate with open flame near high-proof spirits during distillation are typically placed in specialty or E&S markets from the start. Standard carriers often exclude or heavily limit this exposure.
How does prior loss history affect placement?
Prior claims — especially fire, liquor liability, or product liability claims — limit the standard markets available and often require placement in specialty or E&S markets. The severity and recency of the claims shape the terms available.
Can a new or startup distillery get coverage?
Startup distilleries without operating history face limited standard market options but can often be placed through specialty markets that underwrite new operations. The facility type, planned production, and ownership experience all factor into the review.
How do I get coverage if I've been declined?
Completing the form on this page starts the review. A Kelly Insurance Group specialist will assess the account and approach the specialty and E&S markets most likely to write it.
A DECLINE IS NOT THE LAST WORD.
Kelly Insurance Group places high-risk and hard-to-place distillery and brewery accounts through specialty and E&S markets.
The availability of coverage and eligibility for coverage can depend on numerous factors. We cannot guarantee that all customers, individuals, and businesses looking for coverage will be successful in these efforts when contacting our team. All policy coverages and terms need to be fully reviewed by the respective consumer to ensure the coverage asked for is what is specifically being quoted or provided by any insurance policy. Insurance Policies, Coverage Changes, and their terms and conditions are not bound or altered until written confirmation is provided by one of our licensed team members or underwriters. This page does not offer legal advice, legal opinions, or policy interpretations. Rather, this page is meant as a resource to help provide customers and insurance consumers with additional considerations that may help in their insurance buying or pursuit of insurance information. Kelly Insurance Group does not employ or direct attorneys.
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Disclaimer: Coverage availability and eligibility may depend on underwriting review, carrier guidelines, policy terms, state requirements, business operations, risk characteristics, and other information provided during the application or quoting process. Kelly Insurance Group cannot guarantee that every individual, customer, organization, or business seeking coverage will qualify for, receive, or successfully place insurance coverage. All policy coverages, exclusions, conditions, limits, endorsements, and terms should be carefully reviewed by the consumer, insured, or applicant to confirm that the coverage requested is the coverage being quoted, offered, or provided. Insurance coverage, policy changes, endorsements, cancellations, and other policy terms are not bound, changed, confirmed, or altered unless and until written confirmation is provided by a licensed Kelly Insurance Group team member, the applicable insurance carrier, or an authorized underwriter. This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice, legal opinions, insurance coverage opinions, or policy interpretations.