Bowling Alley Insurance Policy Information
Bowling Alley Insurance. Ever since the first indoor bowling alley opened its doors in New York in 1840, bowling alleys have been wonderful places to not only bowl, but also relax and socialize.
Bowling alleys offer recreational facilities for bowling. These generally have snack bars, restaurants, and bar operations. Many bowling alleys have a pro or retail shops for sales and repair of bowling items and for offering lessons. Rental of shoes is common.
Alleys may be open to the public through leagues, competitions, contests, and other events. There may be banquet rooms for parties or fundraisers. Some have vending machines or video arcades. Child care services may be available.
Modern bowling alleys - also called bowling centers or lounges - often feature private party rooms, bars, and even dining rooms. Some become popular venues for live music, and bowling shoes can be rented at all of them. For many of the millions of people who enjoy bowling, the sport - and therewith the venues where it is played - is synonymous with fun. Bowling alleys may provide an important recreational outlet for numerous people, but that does not mean that owning and operating a bowling alley is not without risk.
That is why it is extremely important for the owners of bowling alleys to carefully consider their insurance options. What types of bowling alley insurance coverage might be needed? Read on to find out more.
Bowling alley insurance protects bowling centers from lawsuits with rates as low as $47/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.
Below are some answers to commonly asked bowling alley insurance questions:
- What Is Bowling Alley Insurance?
- How Much Does Bowling Alley Insurance Cost?
- Why Do Bowling Alleys Need Insurance?
- What Type Of Insurance Do Bowling Alleys Need?
What Is Bowling Alley Insurance?
Bowling alley insurance is a type of insurance specifically designed to protect bowling alleys and their owners from financial losses due to unexpected events such as accidents, theft, damage to property, and liability claims. This insurance policy provides coverage for physical damage to the building and its contents, lost income due to business interruption, medical expenses for injured parties, and legal fees if a lawsuit is brought against the bowling alley.
It is important for bowling alley owners to have this insurance in place to protect their business and to ensure they can recover from any unforeseen events that may occur.
How Much Does Bowling Alley Insurance Cost?
The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small bowling alleys ranges from $47 to $79 per month based on location, size, revenue, claims history and more.
Why Do Bowling Alleys Need Insurance?
Running any business is inherently fraught with risk, and bowling alleys are no exception. If you own and run a bowling alley, you could be impacted by some of the same perils that would face any other business owner, but you also have to consider some risks unique to your field of business.
Examples of nearly universal hazards that could also strike a bowling alley would be theft or vandalism. Even alongside security systems and guards, the risk of these crimes can never be reduced to zero. Acts of nature, like earthquakes, hurricanes, or serious floods may impact any business as well.
Then, there is always the possibility of accidents; should, for instance, a fire that started in a neighboring business spread to yours, the damage could be severe.
Some of the hazards more exclusively to bowling alleys would be the possibility that an employee has an accident while operating automated lane machines; this heavy equipment can lead to serious bodily injury.
Should a customer reach into a ball return, this too can cause significant bodily harm. Even the risk that someone spills a drink on the approach and indirectly causes another customer to slip and hurt themselves has to be considered. In all cases, lawsuits may follow, even if your bowling alley has clear safety instructions in place.
Because you can never predict when your business may be impacted by these or other perils, bowling alleys should always make sure that they carry comprehensive bowling alley insurance. The right coverage makes it much easier to recover from the financial losses associated with unforeseen circumstances.
What Type Of Insurance Do Bowling Alleys Need?
Your precise insurance needs are as unique as your particular bowling alley and depend, for instance, on the facilities you offer, your number of employees, the location of your bowling alley, and the type and value of your bowling lane equipment.
To build the customized bowling alley insurance plan that will optimally serve your business, it is advised to consult a commercial insurance broker - working for you rather than any insurance company, they will have your best interests at heart.
However, some of the kinds of insurance coverage all bowling alleys need include:
- Commercial Property: Also sometimes called business property insurance, this type of bowling alley insurance allows any business to protect itself against financial loss caused by perils that damage their physical assets. It covers your physical building, equipment, furniture, and other assets in case of circumstances that include acts of nature, burglary, and vandalism. Note, though, that flood insurance is often sold as a separate policy.
- General Liability: In today's world, business owners can be sued for nearly anything - and whether or not a bodily injury or property damage claim is ultimately proven baseless, such lawsuits can be extremely costly. Business liability insurance helps to cover your attorney fees as well as any settlement payouts.
- Workers' Compensation: Should an employee suffer a work-related accident, bowling alleys can in many cases be held responsible. Workers' comp covers the employees' medical bills and any lost wages, so that you do not have to.
Any business that uses vehicles for business purposes further needs commercial auto insurance, and it is important to keep in mind that your operation may have some additional bowling alley insurance needs.
Talk through your risk profile with a commercial insurance broker to discover what you can do to shield your business from major financial blows resulting from all possible hazards.
Bowling Alley's Risks & Exposures
Premises liability exposure is high due to the large number of visitors to the premises. Public and life safety code compliance is necessary. Ball racks must be secured to the floor to prevent tipping over. Good housekeeping, including immediate clean-up of spills, is key to preventing trips, slips, and falls.
Adequate lighting, marking of exits and egress are mandatory. Steps must have handrails, premises should be well lit, marked, and in good repair. Parking areas should be maintained free of snow and ice.
Background checks, including criminal records, should be conducted on any employee working with children for lessons or child care. The facility may present an attractive nuisance hazard when not in use.
There must be adequate security to prevent unauthorized entry. Personal injury exposures are from assault and battery, discrimination, false arrest, or unlawful detention.
Liquor liability exposure can be quite extensive if employees are not properly trained to recognize the effects of excessive alcohol consumption. Procedures must be in place for checking IDs and refusing to serve underage or intoxicated individuals.
Products liability exposure is from the sale of new or used bowling equipment, repair operations, and serving of food and drink.
Workers compensation exposure is high if workers finish and refinish bowling lanes or pins or do repair work on pinsetting machines. Refinishing operations can result in lung, eye, or skin irritations from dust and finishing agents such as varnish. There must be protective equipment and adequate ventilation.
Pinsetting machines can entrap clothing or body parts. There should be lock-out/tag-out training. Other potential injuries from the cleaning and maintenance of the facility and equipment or the cooking areas include cuts, electrical shocks or burns, hernias or back sprains from lifting, or slips and falls. Workers may be injured in altercations with customers.
Property exposures from fire are high due to the extensive electrical wiring for pinsetters and scoring machines and the flammable coatings used to finish and refinish the lanes and pins. Electrical wiring must be in good repair and adequate for operations.
Refinishing operations should be well ventilated to prevent the buildup of flammable vapors. The coating containers should be stored away from heat sources.
Should a fire occur, the configuration of most alleys, with limited or no firebreaks, will contribute to its spread. Because the wood bowling lanes are susceptible to warping if exposed to water, foam-based instead of water-based sprinklers should be used. The roofs are susceptible to collapse if the large roof expanse is not adequately supported.
If cooking involves more than popcorn makers or pizza ovens, all cooking equipment must be properly controlled. Smoking should be limited to specified areas, and disposal of smoking materials done in fireproof containers.
Bowling alleys may be a target for vandalism or theft. Loss of power can result in spoilage loss to food. Business income loss potential is high after a loss as backup facilities are generally not available.
Equipment breakdown exposures are extensive due to the pinsetting equipment and computerized scoring machines. Breakdown and loss of use could result in a significant loss, both direct and under time element, if replacements parts are unavailable or repair time is lengthy.
Crime exposure comes from employee dishonesty and money and securities. Background checks should be conducted on all employees handling money. As many transactions are paid with cash, cashiers' drawers should be kept stripped with deposits made at least once a day.
No money should be left on the premises overnight. When tournaments, exhibitions, games or other sponsored events occur, cash can increase considerably requiring extra security.
Inland marine exposure is from accounts receivable if the bowling alley bills customers, bailees customers when shoes are rented or customers' equipment is left for repair, computers that may run pinsetters and scoring equipment, and valuable papers and records for league and vendors' information.
Any customers' property left with the bowling alley must be returned in good condition. Controls should be in place to identify the rightful owner of the property.
Business auto exposure is generally limited to hired and non-owned for employees running errands. If there are owned vehicles, all drivers must be properly licensed and have acceptable MVRs. All vehicles must be maintained on an ongoing basis and service documented.
Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification
- SIC CODE: 7933 Bowling Centers
- NAICS CODE: 713950 Bowling Centers
- Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 9093 Bowling Lane
Description for 7933: Bowling Centers
Division I: Services | Major Group 79: Amusement And Recreation Services | Industry Group 793: Bowling Centers
7933 Bowling Centers: Establishments known to the public as bowling centers or lanes. Such establishments frequently sell meals and refreshments.
- Bowling centers
- Candle pin centers
- Duck pin centers
- Ten pin centers
Bowling Alley Insurance - The Bottom Line
Having the right bowling alley insurance coverage is essential to protect your operations. To learn what types of coverage options are available to you, what limits you need, and how much your coverage costs, speak to a business insurance broker.
Additional Resources For Arts & Recreation Insurance
Read up on small business arts and recreation commercial insurance.
- Amusement Parks
- Archery Ranges
- Artist
- Athletic Fields
- Ballparks
- Ballrooms
- Billiard And Pool Halls
- Bowling Alleys
- Carnivals
- Cave Tours
- Dance Studio
- Disc Jockey DJ
- Drive-In Theaters
- Entertainers And Performers
- Event Planning
- Fairs And Fairgrounds
- Film Production
- Fine Art
- Guides & Outfitters
- Handball & Racquetball Courts
- Horse & Dog Racetracks
- Indoor Sports Complexes
- Interior Decorator
- Interior Design
- Motorsports Racetracks
- Musicians
- Photo Booth
- Photographer
- Recording Studio
- Recreation Centers
- Riding Stables
- Roller Sakting Rinks
- Shooting Ranges
- Skateparks
- Skeet & Trap Shooting Ranges
- Ski Resorts
- Stadiums
- Talent Agency
- Tennis Centers
- Theaters
- Video Arcades
- Wedding And Special Event
- Specialty Arts And Antiques
- Specialty Clubs And Leisure Time Activities
- Specialty Entertainment
The arts and recreation industry is a vital part of our society and culture, providing entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages. However, as with any business, there are inherent risks and potential liabilities that can arise. This is where insurance comes into play.
One of the main reasons the arts and recreation industry needs insurance is to protect against financial losses due to accidents or injuries. For example, if a performer is injured while rehearsing or performing, their medical bills and lost wages could be significant. Without insurance, the cost of these expenses could potentially bankrupt a small arts organization.
In addition to protecting against accidents and injuries, business insurance can also cover damages or losses due to weather events, natural disasters, and other unexpected circumstances. For example, if a theater is forced to cancel a performance due to a power outage or extreme weather, insurance can help cover lost income and expenses.
Another important aspect of commercial insurance for the arts and recreation industry is liability coverage. This type of insurance can protect against legal claims and lawsuits if someone is injured or becomes ill while attending an event or using facilities. For example, if a patron slips and falls at a theater, they may file a lawsuit against the venue for damages. Liability insurance can help cover the costs of legal fees and any settlement or judgement.
Overall, the arts and recreation industry needs insurance to protect against financial losses and legal liabilities that can arise in the course of business. Without commercial insurance, small arts organizations and recreational facilities could be vulnerable to financial ruin in the face of unexpected events or accidents.
Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Business Income with Extra Expense, Employee Dishonesty, Money and Securities, Accounts Receivable, Commercial Articles Floater, Computers, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Employee Benefits Liability, Umbrella Liability, Hired and Non-owned Auto Liability & Workers Compensation.
Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Building, Bailees Customers Floater, Money and Securities, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practices Liability, Business Auto Liability and Physical Damage and Stop Gap Liability.
