Start with how the operation works
Hotel insurance should account for the property, people, services, and around-the-clock operations that make hospitality unique. For general liability, general liability planning starts with how customers, vendors, tenants, and the public interact with the operation.
Operating details to document
- Room count, occupancy, revenue, and amenity schedule
- Building values, renovations, and property-improvement plans
- Pools, food service, shuttle, event, and security procedures
Coverage details to review
- Premises and ongoing operations liability
- Products and completed operations where applicable
- Contractual requirements and additional insured obligations
- Defense costs, occurrence limits, aggregates, and deductibles
Understand the Factors That Can Affect Cost
A useful review goes beyond selecting a policy name. It connects current information to eligibility, policy structure, and the consequences of a significant loss.
- Separate controllable operating factors from market conditions
- Test how limits, deductibles, and valuations affect the program
- Document risk controls that distinguish the account
Guest injuries and premises liability
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Property and equipment damage
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Business interruption and lost income
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Premises and ongoing operations liability
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Products and completed operations where applicable
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Contractual requirements and additional insured obligations
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Defense costs, occurrence limits, aggregates, and deductibles
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Information to have ready
- Room count, occupancy, revenue, and amenity schedule
- Building values, renovations, and property-improvement plans
- Pools, food service, shuttle, event, and security procedures
- Annual revenue and a clear description of operations
- Customer-facing activities and off-premises work
- Contracts, leases, and certificate requirements
- Currently valued loss history when available
Questions for the coverage review
Which amenities create separate liability or auto exposure?
Document the answer and compare it with the application, quote, endorsements, limits, deductibles, and contractual requirements.
Do values reflect current reconstruction and franchise standards?
Document the answer and compare it with the application, quote, endorsements, limits, deductibles, and contractual requirements.
How would a partial closure affect room revenue?
Document the answer and compare it with the application, quote, endorsements, limits, deductibles, and contractual requirements.
Do all disclosed activities fit the policy classification?
Document the answer and compare it with the application, quote, endorsements, limits, deductibles, and contractual requirements.
Which contracts require special limits or endorsements?
Document the answer and compare it with the application, quote, endorsements, limits, deductibles, and contractual requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Who should use this hotels general liability guide?
Business owners and insurance buyers can use it to prepare for a focused review of cost and eligibility. It is educational guidance, not a quote or a substitute for policy terms.
What information should a hotels account gather first?
Start with room count, occupancy, revenue, and amenity schedule, building values, renovations, and property-improvement plans, pools, food service, shuttle, event, and security procedures, plus currently valued loss information when available.
Coverage descriptions are general. Eligibility, availability, limits, deductibles, exclusions, and policy terms vary by risk and market. Review actual policy documents with an appropriate insurance professional.