The Hartford, Whalen Insurance Offer Brew Pub Program

With a history dating back to the Colonial Era, America’s craft brewers and brewpubs have earned an iconic position as one of the nation’s quintessential – and earliest – categories of independent business.
Now, through a new partnership The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. and Whalen Insurance Agency of Northampton, Mass., will offer microbreweries and brewpubs access to a full suite of business insurance solutions that address their unique business needs. Agents can access the microbreweries and brewpubs program through Whalen, which will be underwritten by The Hartford.

Craft beer, which accounts for about 4 percent of the U.S. beer market, is usually associated with independent local or regional breweries that produce small batches of specialty and traditional beers. They often offer flavors and packaging that set them apart from the mass-produced products made by brewing industry giants. Specifically designed for breweries and brewpubs that make their own beer – but may also have both restaurant and manufacturing operations – the program of coverage includes property, general liability, liquor liability, workers’ compensation, and equipment breakdown.

“We’ll be working closely with the Whalen Insurance Agency to offer brewers and brewpubs comprehensive insurance coverage tailored to their size and scope – whether they are a local restaurant/brewpub or a multi-state distributor – so they can focus on what they do best, brewing specialty beers for beer enthusiasts,” said Deborah Bibbins, vice president for Captive & Specialty Programs

Peter Whalen, president of the Whalen Insurance Agency, which has been writing craft brewery business for over 20 years, said: “The Hartford’s reputation for quality, financial strength and stability makes it a perfect insurance partner, particularly for breweries and brewpubs with complex exposures.”

Sources: The Hartford, Whalen Insurance, www.whaleninsurance.com/brewery