Billiards and Pool Hall Insurance

Some of the top factors that affect the cost of billiards insurance include:

• Types of services: If your pool hall offers gambling or has a bartender, then you can expect to pay higher premiums.
• Annual revenue: Businesses that earn more revenue are associated with costlier claims, which means they pay more for insurance.
• Number of employees: A bigger workforce means an increased risk of accidents and injuries, which raises the cost of general liability, workers' comp, and similar policies.
• Equipment value and condition: The age, condition, and value of your pool or snooker tables and other property will determine how much it costs to insure them.
• Location: Localized factors such as crime rate, healthcare costs, foot traffic, risk of natural disasters, and property values can impact your insurance premiums.
• Risk management: Insurance companies may offer lower rates to pool halls that have video surveillance, sprinkler systems, and other security measures, including cybersecurity controls.
• Policy limits and deductibles: You can save money on insurance by opting for lower limits or higher deductibles on your policies, but make sure it's enough to cover a potential claim.
• Claims history: A billiard parlor that has filed an insurance claim in the past will cost more to insure than one with a clean claims history.

Many areas have license and permit requirements for pool halls. Here's what you likely need to run your business:

• Business license. Every business owner typically needs a business license to operate legally.
• Pool hall / amusement license. City police departments usually require a pool hall license or amusement center license to operate public pool tables.
• Health permit. If your billiard business sells food or drinks, then you'll need a health permit for your business and a food handlers card for your employees.
• Liquor license. Any business that sells or serves alcohol needs a liquor license.
• Gambling permit. If your business and local regulations allow sports betting, then you may need a gambling permit or license.

You or your employees can become certified as a billiard instructor through organizations like American Cue Sports (ACS) or the Billiard Congress of America (BCA). While it's not required, having a certification can help boost your business's reputation and attract competitive players.

Businesses that have pool tables open to the public typically need insurance to operate legally, but the specifics depend on your location and other factors.

Here are the policies you may need to comply with common insurance requirements:

• General liability insurance covers accidental bodily injuries and property damage at your pool hall. You might need proof of liability insurance to sign a commercial lease, get a business loan, or obtain a license or permit. Landlords and others may ask to be included in your policy as an additional insured.
• Workers' compensation insurance is required in New York, California, and most other states as soon as you hire your first employee. It pays for medical treatment if a worker is injured on the job and provides them with disability benefits while they're recovering.
• Commercial auto insurance covers accidents involving business vehicles. Almost every state requires this coverage for vehicles owned by a business.

Your pool hall may also need coverage for risks like gambling or alcohol. For example, liquor liability insurance pays for legal fees and other expenses if an intoxicated customer causes harm, and it's often required to get a liquor license. It's especially important in states with dram shop laws, which hold the business who served them responsible.

Even when it's not required, it's important to carry insurance to protect against unexpected accidents and lawsuits that could bankrupt your business. An insurance agent can answer your questions and help you find coverage that matches your specific needs.

Yes, you may need additional insurance coverage to host parties, tournaments, and other events outside of your typical business operations. General liability insurance covers normal day-to-day activities, but you need special event insurance for the extra liabilities introduced by events.

Many insurance providers offer one-day event insurance or short-term liability insurance that covers third-party accidents at events hosted by your business. For instance, you could buy event insurance for a retirement party or fundraiser, or seasonal insurance for a fall pool tournament.

Keep in mind, you'll always want year-round coverage for your business as well. Businesses that cancel their policies may see increased premiums or have difficulty restarting coverage, as it's a red flag for insurers.

Billiard hall owners often invest in the following insurance products to protect against unexpected out-of-pocket costs:

• Commercial property insurance covers burglaries, fires, storms, and similar incidents that cause property damage or losses.
• Business interruption insurance helps your business recover financially from a forced closure due to a burst pipe or other covered property claim. It's also called business income insurance.
• Product liability insurance covers legal costs if a customer is harmed by a product sold at your pool hall or injured by rented equipment.
• Equipment breakdown insurance protects against financial losses caused by the sudden failure of a point of sale (POS) device or other equipment.
• Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) pays for legal fees related to violations of employee rights, such as unfair hiring practices or wrongful termination.
• Directors and officers (D&O) insurance protects your board members and officers from lawsuits related to the decisions they make on behalf of your firm. You can bundle it with other types of management liability insurance, such as EPLI.
• Hired and non-owned auto (HNOA) insurance covers auto accidents involving a personal, rented, or leased vehicle used for business purposes.