When you run a brewery or distillery, equipment downtime isn’t just a headache; it’s lost revenue, wasted product, and missed opportunities. Your business relies on specialized machinery daily to handle delicate processes like mashing, fermenting, or distilling. A single piece of malfunctioning equipment can disrupt your schedule and force you to scrap an entire batch.

That’s where equipment breakdown insurance comes in. In this blog, our restaurant insurance experts will explore equipment breakdown insurance, including why it matters, what it covers, and how to maximize its benefits to keep your customers happy and your bottom line healthy.

Why You Need It

Because Broken Gear Wrecks Everything

You spend weeks perfecting your latest craft beer or whiskey recipe. Then, some stupid pump decides to give up in the middle of production. Now you’re scrambling to fix it—and every minute is time (and money) down the drain.

Because You Don’t Have a Spare Still Lying Around

These machines don’t come cheap. Even a tiny part can cost a fortune, and specialized equipment usually isn’t sitting on a shelf at your local hardware store. Equipment breakdown coverage helps with those extensive repair or replacement bills, so you’re not left broke to afford new parts.

Because You Don’t Want to Tell Customers “We’re Out”

Nothing is worse than telling customers you’re tapped out because of a busted compressor or a glitchy bottling line. If your gear’s protected, you can get back up and running faster, meaning no disappointed faces when folks come looking for your latest release.

What’s Covered by Equipment Breakdown Insurance?

  • Mechanical Failures: Equipment breakdown insurance covers internal mechanical issues, such as malfunctioning motors, gears, or belts, so you won’t have to face costly repairs.
  • Electrical Malfunctions: Power surges, short circuits, or unexpected electrical failures can halt production. This coverage helps address these disruptions, reducing downtime and revenue loss.
  • Boiler & Pressure Equipment: Particularly relevant for distilleries, equipment breakdown insurance addresses problems in high-pressure environments, such as issues with boilers, stills, or other equipment operating under intense heat and stress.
  • Production Line Interruptions: Whether it’s bottling, canning, or labeling, any interruption in your production line can significantly affect your output. This coverage helps you recover when the machinery that touches your final product experiences breakdowns.

Proactive Steps to Protect Your Brewery or Distillery

  • Regular Maintenance
    Consistent upkeep of your brewing or distilling machinery—through scheduled tune-ups, cleaning, and part replacements—can prevent minor problems from becoming major headaches.
  • Comprehensive Staff Training
    Even top-of-the-line equipment can fail if it’s operated incorrectly. Ensure your team fully understands operational guidelines and safety procedures, reducing the likelihood of accidental damage.
  • Keep Critical Spare Parts on Hand
    Maintaining an inventory of essential replacement parts—pumps, gaskets, and similar components—allows for immediate repairs, minimizes downtime, and safeguards your production schedule.

Get Reliable Equipment Breakdown Insurance Coverage from Restaurant Pro Insurance

Equipment breakdown insurance is a safety net that covers repair or replacement costs when internal failures occur. While it doesn’t prevent breakdowns, it ensures you’re financially protected when they happen. If you have questions or want a quote for coverage that fits your unique setup, Restaurant Pro Insurance is here to help.

Our insurance company understands the complexities of running a brewery or distillery, and our goal is to keep your production lines running smoothly, batch after batch. Reach out today to learn how we can support your business.