Don't try to save money on kitchen fire suppression system inspections!

Written by: Steve Jeffreys

I have a great sports bar, located north of Longmont off Hwy 287, that somehow forgot, or ignored, the need to have the UL-300 system inspected twice a year as is required by, not only all insurance carriers, but also all Fire Departments.  Yes, there is an out of pocket expense that sometimes you might be tempted to stretch out a bit during slow periods, but is it worth it?

One Saturday afternoon the cook has a burger on the griddle.  While he goes to wash dishes or have a long smoke, the grease from the burger gets so hot that it burst into flames. At that moment the UL-300 system should have engaged, but the spring jammed, and the system would not activate.  The fire cost the bar owners’ insurance carrier $75,000.  In turn, the owner had to pony up his deductible and absorb any increase in premium, all because the owner did not have the system inspected for the previous 18 months.  It also earned him a hefty fine from local Fire Marshall. It’s never a good idea to think you can save money on safety inspections.

If you have any questions on any issues with your establishment please feel free to e-mail or call me anytime.

Table Dancing

Written by: Steve Jefferys

“Table dancing” brings about a suit with a  $125,000 settlement

About a year ago, a family, accompanied by their 82 year old grandmother, came into a great sports bar up north to try some of the excellent BBQ that was served.  When lunch was over, granny stood up and as she was walking out, she allegedly “leaned” on a pedestal  table.  She claims that table tipped over, causing her to break her hip.

The settlement was for $125,000, which brought about a non-renewal from the insurance company.  I marketed this bar to over 7 companies and all but 2 declined to offer a quote.  The bar’s insurance premium before the incident was under $8000; after the incident, the quotes I was able to obtain were for $23,000 and $16,000.  If this client stays claim free for a few years, I will be able to bring this premium back in line.

The owner, trying to be proactive, went to Home Depot and bought some clamps that allowed him to screw the legs of his pedestal tables into the floor and now no one can tip a table over.. This was a very good idea on how to prevent this type of incident in the future, but was too late for the “table dancing granny”.

I believe, being an ex-boy scout myself, that in identifying customers with physical problems and giving a helping arm to anyone who might benefit from a walk in and out of the establishment mitigates the potential for this kind of claim and is excellent customer service. All of your customers who see this will remember and love you for the action.

If you have any questions about an incident that has happened to you and would like some feedback on how to stop a potential loss please feel free to contact me.

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It’s a dog eat dog world!

Written by: Steve Jeffreys

When I first moved to Colorado I loved that you could walk into almost any bar or tavern and find one or more dogs lying around peacefully, buuut maybe it’s not the best idea.

Last summer, at one of my client’s bars, a customer brought his good sized 80 to 90 lb. dog into the establishment. Later we were told other customers had mixed stories about how friendly the critter was, his name was Butch.

Then two more customers enter who are staying at the motel across the parking lot and they decide to go get their dog that is locked up all alone in the motel room to let the 2 dogs play. The second dogs name is FiFi, the name gives you and idea of its size. FiFi,s owner picks up FiFi thinking to introduce the dogs but what she really does is shove FiFi into the jaws of death. Butch doesn’t like other dogs and grabs FiFi out of the owners hand and kills poor little FiFi instantly. When the two owners try to defend their precious FiFi Butch seriously mauls one owners hand and the others leg requiring surgery for both FiFi owners.

It’s your insurance and your bar buuut do you really want dogs in your place of business.  You  can’t predict  all of the wild and crazy things that can happen. Is it worth the law suit and additional premium?

Alliance Insurance Group is a coalition of independent insurance professionals working together to provide our clients with a broad range of insurance products and services. Our combined strength makes it possible for us to access an ever-growing number of insurance providers and have them compete for your business. We shop the insurance marketplace so that you don't have to.

The products and services we provide are designed to give you superior coverage at the most competitive pricing, allowing you to concentrate on growing your business. No matter what your business is, we have insurance products to protect your assets with General Liability, Property, Business Auto Coverage, Professional Liability and specialized programs designed with your business operations in mind. Whether you are just getting started on your dream or have an established business, our agents have the experience and expertise to help you.

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