Bottling Plant Insurance Policy Information

Bottling Plant Insurance. and alcoholic beverages, into bottles so that these products can subsequently be distributed. Industrial-scale bottling machines with massive outputs are employed for this purpose.

While that might sound simple to laypeople, bottling is, in fact, a rather delicate and complex process. Bottling companies have to take steps to ensure completely sanitary conditions as well as working to keep pollution to a minimum, for instance.

Bottling plants produce nonalcoholic drinks (such as soft drinks, juices, or water) and drink concentrates. Water quality is critical as it affects the taste of the final product. Water is filtered, sterilized, and dechlorinated before being mixed with sugars and flavorings. Carbon dioxide is added to carbonated drinks.

The drinks are bottled (using glass, plastic, aluminum, steel, or treated paper), labeled, and stored or distributed to retailers, concessionaires, and vending machines.

The bottler may hold a franchise to manufacture and distribute a particular brand of soft drink or be a captive bottler owned by the concentrate maker or a parent company. Operations may include a number of warehouses for storage of finished goods.

Bottling plants play a crucial role in the global sale of diverse types of drinks and can be extremely successful, but they also face numerous hazards - not all of which can successfully be avoided.

That is why it is so crucial for bottling companies to arm themselves with a comprehensive bottling plant insurance plan that offers an efficient buffer against devastating financial blows. What types of insurance are needed, though, and why? Find out more in this brief guide.

Bottling plant insurance protects your facility from lawsuits with rates as low as $57/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked broom and brush manufacturing insurance questions:

What Is Bottling Plant Insurance?
How Much Does Bottling Plant Insurance Cost?
Why Do Bottling Plants Need Insurance?
What Type Of Insurance Do Bottling Plants Need?
What Does Bottling Plant Insurance Cover & Pay For?

What Is Bottling Plant Insurance?

Bottling Plant insurance is a type of insurance coverage designed for businesses that operate bottling plants. This insurance typically covers various aspects of the business, such as property damage, liability for product defects, and loss of income in the event of a shutdown.

The coverage also provides protection for machinery, equipment, and other assets used in the production process. This insurance can help protect the business from financial losses due to unforeseen events such as natural disasters, fires, and equipment breakdowns.

How Much Does Bottling Plant Insurance Cost?

The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small broom and brush manufacturing businesses ranges from $57 to $79 per month based on location, size, revenue, claims history and more.

Why Do Bottling Plants Need Insurance?

Bottling plants will go to great lengths to ensure that their activities unfold smoothly and safely. Despite that, they face, just like any other business, a range of threats that could lead to such overwhelming expenses that the bottling plant would not be able to cover the costs on their own.

A bottling plant could fall victim to an act of nature, such as a hurricane, hailstorm, or earthquake, leading to extensive damage as well as costly business interruptions. Criminal acts like theft or vandalism could impact the facility, or a malfunction may lead essential equipment - without which the bottling process cannot continue - to break down.

Employees may sustain occupational injuries, and third parties who enter your facility, such as clients, contractors, or vendors, may be hurt. Bottling plants can face lawsuits for any number of reasons, from allegations of environmental pollution to damaging the quality of the beverages they bottle.

The simple fact is that not mishaps, accidents, and disasters can be prevented, no matter how competent the management team. That is why it is so essential to carry the right bottling plant insurance, alongside which the costs that accompany major perils will be greatly reduced, allowing the bottling company to continue to thrive.

What Type Of Insurance Do Bottling Plants Need?

Because each business is unique, there is no simple answer to this question. The types of insurance coverage a bottling plant will need to carry depend on factors like the jurisdiction within which the facility is based, the number of workers the plant employs, and the value of their equipment.

For this reason, it is vital to talk to a commercial insurance broker who is familiar with your branch of industry. Together, you can craft the insurance plan that will best protect your business.

With that in mind, some of the types of bottling plant insurance that are indispensable include:

Commercial Property: This essential type of insurance safeguards your bottling plant from financial losses caused by property damage. Should covered acts of nature, theft, vandalism, or accidents damage or destroy either your facility or the smaller assets within, these policies will pay for a substantial portion of the total costs.
Commercial General Liability: This broad kind of bottling plant insurance covers claims of bodily injury or property damage made against your company by third parties, in case those events took place on your property or as a direct result of your actions. It helps pay for attorney fees, medical and repair costs, and other legal expenses.
Product Liability: Bottling manufacturers will be responsible for the safety of their bottles even once they are on the market, housing a product manufactured by a different company. Should one of your bottles cause injury to a third party, for reasons you could be liable for, product liability insurance covers the resulting legal costs.
Workers Compensation: In the event that an employee sustains a workplace injury or illness, workers' comp is vital in covering their medical bills as well as any income they may lose as they recover.

While these kinds of insurance will be invaluable for bottling plants, it is important to keep in mind that they will not fully meet your insurance needs. Bottling plants may additionally require commercial auto insurance, equipment breakdown insurance, and inland marine insurance, to name just a few.

For further information, and to craft the bottling plant insurance plan that will optimally protect your business, partner with an experienced commercial insurance broker.

Bottling Plant's Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposure is light if visitor access is limited. Should tours be held, the bottler should meet all life safety codes to assure visitor safety, especially from exploding containers. Good housekeeping and nonslip flooring finishes are critical to minimizing slips and falls. Spills of liquids should be promptly cleaned up and warning signs posted.

Exits should be clearly marked and free of obstacles. Adequate interior and exterior lighting should be available in the event of a power outage. Parking lots and sidewalks need to be in good repair, with snow and ice removed, and generally level. The off-premises exposure is high if delivery drivers stock shelves for customers, deliver canisters of compressed carbon dioxide, or install vending machines.

Vending machines should be grounded to prevent shocks and secured to prevent tipping. Canisters should be inspected prior to delivery and be equipped with safety collars to prevent valves from being broken off. Contractual liability may be a concern if there is a sidetrack agreement.

Products exposures are moderate due to the possibility of contamination, spoilage, foreign objects in containers, or explosion from a pressurized canister. Incoming raw materials should be inspected before accepted. Some may be imported from foreign countries.

The workplace must meet all FDA specifications for sanitary working conditions and be arranged to prevent foreign substances from entering the processing area. An on-site testing laboratory is recommended to verify quality control.

Pest control and the chemical applications used are key processes to evaluate. Stock dating and rotation are important factors. An effective recall program must be in place that can be activated immediately.

Environmental impairment exposure is from underground fuel storage, leakage of refrigerants such as ammonia and chlorofluorocarbons, and waste disposal. Storage and waste disposal must comply with all federal and state requirements. Waste should be removed from the plant on a regular basis by outside contractors. If wastewater is discharged into public waterways, a permit must be obtained from the EPA. The presence of underground storage tanks may require a UST policy.

Workers compensation exposure can result from burns caused by the machinery and equipment, cuts or accidental dismemberment from rotating blades or moving parts on machinery, back injuries or hernias from lifting, foreign objects in the eye, and slips and falls from inadequate housekeeping in processing areas.

All machinery must be properly guarded. Employees may be exposed to chemicals or excessive noise. Adequate safety equipment should be required for employees in processing areas. Forklifts should be equipped with backup alarms and be refueled in well-ventilated areas. As with products liability exposure, there is a potential injury to workers from exploding pressurized containers.

Employees delivering goods to customers can be injured in vehicle accidents, robberies, or while servicing vending machines.

Property exposures are high. Ignition sources include electrical wiring, heating and air conditioning systems, production equipment and machinery, and the fuel sources for the equipment. All machinery and equipment must be inspected and maintained regularly to avoid wear and tear or losses from overheating. Wiring must be up to date and of sufficient capacity.

All machinery should be grounded to prevent static buildup and discharge. Due to its combustibility, an ammonia detection system should be in place if ammonia is used as a refrigerant. With any food product, even a small fire can result in a large loss as state, local or federal regulations may require the disposal of major portions of stock and raw materials that have been exposed to fire, smoke, heat or water.

Because carbon dioxide is under pressure, it must be stored away from heat to prevent explosions. Vending machines may invite vandalism. The business income exposure can be very high as some production equipment may be difficult to repair or replace quickly.

Equipment breakdown exposure is high due to the automated machinery and equipment which can malfunction or break down. All machinery and equipment must be regularly inspected and maintained as a lengthy breakdown could result in a severe loss, both direct and under time element. If there are boilers, operational safety valves must be in place.

Crime exposure is from employee dishonesty of both inventory and money. Background checks should be conducted on all employees. The inventory must be under the supervision of more than one individual so that there are checks and balances. There must be a separation of duties between persons handling deposits and disbursements and handling bank statements.

Regular audits by an outside firm should be conducted. Loading docks should be supervised to minimize employee theft of finished goods. If drivers pick up checks or accept money, there is both an employee dishonesty and theft of money and securities concern. Receipts should be issued for any cash payments received.

Inland marine exposure comes from accounts receivable if the bottler bills customers, computers (which may include computer-run production equipment), contractors' equipment for forklifts, goods in transit, and valuable papers and records. Overturn or collision of company-owned vehicles transporting finished stock could result in a total loss due to the fragility of glass bottles and the possibility of contamination.

All loads must be secured to prevent shifting during transport. Valuable papers and records include proprietary formulas, inventory records, customer files, and contracts with suppliers and distributors.

Commercial auto exposures are usually high as delivery is an ongoing part of the operation. Deliveries may be made in darkness, during inclement weather, or on narrow roads or streets where there is little margin for error. Drivers should be assigned to routes to increase their familiarity with traffic patterns.

Because many deliveries are made to grocery stores and schools, drivers must be trained to be aware of the presence of children around and behind the vehicles.

Drivers must have a commercial license and acceptable MVR. For long-haul deliveries, drivers may not exceed DOT standards for the number of hours worked per day and per week. If canisters of carbon dioxide are transported, they must be secured in the cargo area to prevent asphyxiating the driver if there is leakage. All vehicles must be well maintained with records kept in a central location.

What Does Bottling Plant Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Bottling plants, like many other businesses, may face lawsuits due to a variety of reasons. Some common reasons include:

Product Liability: If a consumer is injured by a product, they might sue the bottling plant for damages. This could occur if a product is contaminated, if a bottle is improperly sealed and causes harm, or if a consumer has an allergic reaction to an undeclared ingredient. Product liability insurance can help protect bottling plants in such cases. It covers the costs associated with defending against such claims, including any settlements or judgments. For example, if a consumer becomes sick due to a contaminated beverage and sues the plant, the insurance would cover legal defense costs and any awarded damages up to the policy limit.

Workplace Accidents: In the event of an accident at the plant causing injury or even death to an employee, the company might face a lawsuit. Workers' compensation insurance is a mandatory type of insurance that provides employees with benefits if they become injured or ill at work. This insurance covers medical costs and a portion of lost wages, protecting the company from being sued for these costs. In some cases, having this insurance can limit the ability of employees to sue the employer directly for workplace injuries.

Equipment Failure: Bottling plants rely heavily on their machinery. If equipment fails and leads to a production halt or significant business interruption, they could face lawsuits from stakeholders such as suppliers or distributors. Equipment breakdown insurance (or boiler and machinery insurance) can cover the costs of repairing or replacing the machinery, as well as any associated business interruption costs.

Environmental Damage: If a bottling plant causes environmental harm, such as water pollution due to improper waste disposal, it could face a lawsuit from affected parties or regulatory authorities. Environmental liability insurance can help cover the costs of cleaning up the pollution, any fines imposed by regulatory bodies, as well as legal costs associated with the lawsuit.

Supply Chain Disruption: If a bottling plant fails to deliver products to its distributors or retailers due to supply chain issues, it could face lawsuits for breach of contract. Supply chain insurance or business interruption insurance can cover losses related to such disruptions, protecting the company from potential lawsuits.

For each type of insurance, the specific coverage and how it would respond to a lawsuit would depend on the terms and conditions of the policy. It's crucial to understand the policy limits, what is covered, and what is excluded. Consulting with a knowledgeable insurance agent or broker can help bottling plants ensure they have appropriate coverage for their risks.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

SIC CODE: 2086 Bottled And Canned Soft Drinks And Carbonated Waters
NAICS CODE: 311930 Flavoring Syrup and Concentrate Manufacturing, 312111 Soft Drink Manufacturing, 312112 Bottled Water Manufacturing
Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 2157 Beverage Manufacturing - Carbonated - All Operations, Route Supervisors, & Drivers

Description for 2086: Bottled And Canned Soft Drinks And Carbonated Waters

Division D: Manufacturing | Major Group 20: Food And Kindred Products | Industry Group 208: Beverages

2086: Bottled And Canned Soft Drinks And Carbonated Waters: Establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing soft drinks and carbonated waters. Establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing fruit and vegetable juices are classified in Industry Group 203; those manufacturing fruit syrups for flavoring are classified in Industry 2087; and those manufacturing nonalcoholic cider are classified in Industry 2099. Establishments primarily engaged in bottling natural spring waters are classified in Wholesale Trade, Industry 5149.

Beer, birch and root: bottled or canned
Carbonated beverages, nonalcoholic: bottled or canned
Drinks, fruit: bottled, canned, or fresh
Ginger ale, bottled or canned
Iced tea, bottled or canned
Lemonade: bottled, canned, or fresh
Mineral water, carbonated: bottled or canned
Soft drinks, bottled or canned
Tea, iced: bottled or canned
Water, pasteurized: bottled or canned

Bottling Plant Insurance - The Bottom Line

Not all bottling plant insurance policies are the same. You can discover if your operation has the best fit insurance policies by talking to an experienced commercial insurance agent.

Often they are able to save you on premiums and offer you better policy options than you currently have.

Additional Resources For Manufacturing Insurance

Learn all about manufacturing insurance. Manufacturers face many unique risks such as product libility and/or product recall exposures due to the nature of their business operations.

The manufacturing industry is a vital part of the economy and plays a significant role in the production of goods and services. However, it is also an industry that is prone to risks and accidents, which can result in costly damages and lawsuits. Therefore, it is essential for businesses in the manufacturing industry to have insurance to protect them against potential losses.

Business insurance can cover a wide range of risks, including property damage, liability, and worker injuries. For instance, if a fire were to break out in a manufacturing facility and destroy equipment or inventory, commercial insurance could cover the costs of replacing or repairing the damages. Similarly, if a worker were to be injured on the job, business insurance could cover medical expenses and lost wages.

In addition to protecting against physical damages, insurance can also provide financial protection against legal liabilities. If a customer were to sue a manufacturing business for a faulty product, the commercial insurance could cover the costs of legal fees and settlements.

Overall, insurance is essential for the manufacturing industry as it helps to mitigate risks and protect against unexpected costs. Without it, businesses in the industry could face financial ruin in the event of an accident or lawsuit.

Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Building, Business Personal Property, Business Income with Extra Expense, Equipment Breakdown, Employee Dishonesty, Accounts Receivable, Computers, Goods in Transit, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Employee Benefits Liability, Environmental Impairment Liability, Umbrella Liability, Hired and Non-owned Auto Liability & Workers Compensation.

Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Earthquake, Flood, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practices Liability, Business Auto Liability and Physical Damage and Stop Gap Liability.

Buy Bottling Plant Insurance

Bottling Plant Insurance Policy Information

What Is Bottling Plant Insurance?

How Much Does Bottling Plant Insurance Cost?

Why Do Bottling Plants Need Insurance?

What Type Of Insurance Do Bottling Plants Need?

Bottling Plant's Risks & Exposures

What Does Bottling Plant Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

Description for 2086: Bottled And Canned Soft Drinks And Carbonated Waters

Bottling Plant Insurance - The Bottom Line

Additional Resources For Manufacturing Insurance

Company

Information

Resources

Compare

Licensed States

Partner States