Restaurant Insurance in Montana
The policies a Montana restaurant, bar, food truck, or catering operation needs — what the state requires, what's strongly advised, and what it costs.
Reviewed by J. Robert Smith, Licensed Insurance Agent (NPN 10378680). Last updated .
In Montana, a restaurant's core program is general liability, a property or business-owner's policy (BOP), and commercial auto for any delivery. Workers' compensation is mandatory once you hire staff, and dram-shop law exposes any alcohol-serving business, so liquor liability is strongly advised. This hub compares Montana's workers' comp and liquor-liability rules and cost alongside the coverages every restaurant and bar should carry.
- Workers’ comp
- Required once you hire staff
- Liquor liability
- Dram-shop law applies — strongly advised
- Dram-shop law
- Yes
- Suggested liquor limits
- $1M/$2M (noneconomic + punitive damages each capped at $250K; economic damages uncapped)
Workers’ compensation in Montana
Yes. Montana requires workers' compensation coverage for virtually every restaurant with even one employee, including part-time and seasonal staff. The Workers' Compensation Act applies to all employers and employees unless a specific exemption applies. Sole proprietors, partners, and LLC members are exempt but may elect coverage, and independent contractors need an exemption certificate.
Full Montana workers’ comp guide — thresholds, exemptions, and rates →
Liquor liability & dram-shop law in Montana
Montana Code § 27-1-710 limits liability: a provider is liable only if the consumer was underage (and the provider knew or failed to reasonably check age), was visibly intoxicated when served, or was forced or misled about alcohol content. It bars most claims by the intoxicated consumer and caps noneconomic and punitive damages at $250,000 each.
Full Montana liquor-liability guide — the statute, limits, and cost →
Coverages every Montana restaurant should weigh
- General liability
Third-party slip-and-fall and property-damage claims — the foundation policy.
- Business owner’s policy (BOP)
Bundles general liability with property coverage for your building, equipment, and contents.
- Commercial property
Kitchen equipment, tenant improvements, signage, and inventory.
- Commercial & hired/non-owned auto
Delivery, catering runs, and errands in owned or employee vehicles.
- Employment practices (EPLI)
Harassment, discrimination, and wrongful-termination claims from staff.
- Umbrella
Extra limits above your liquor, auto, and general liability policies.
Montana regulators
Talk to an agent who insures food & beverage every day
A licensed commercial-lines agent who specializes in restaurants and bars will review your coverage, close the gaps that catch owners, and show you what a program actually costs — before anything is bound.