Key Takeaways

  • General liability insurance protects against third-party claims of injury or property damage on your premises.
  • Property insurance covers damage or loss to buildings, equipment and other business assets.
  • Workers compensation insurance pays employee medical expenses and lost wages from job-related injuries.
  • Commercial auto insurance provides liability coverage for fleet vehicles used in business operations.
  • Business interruption insurance reimburses lost income if a disruption halts business operations.
  • Cyber liability insurance provides protection against the costs of data breaches and cyber attacks.
  • Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) protects against costly employee lawsuits.
  • Umbrella insurance increases liability limits above regular policies and provides additional protection from high-value lawsuits.

Introduction

The hotel, motel and lodging industry faces a variety of risks on a daily basis that could have substantial financial impacts on business operations if not properly protected. This guide examines the top types of business insurance options important for short-term accommodation providers under NAICS Code 7211 to safeguard their assets, limit liabilities and support continued operations in the event of covered losses or lawsuits.

General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance is an important coverage for travel accommodation businesses like hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts. It provides protection against expenses from third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage and other lawsuits. General liability insurance offers top benefits such as protection from guest injuries on the property, liability defense for cancelled reservations, coverage for injuries using property amenities like pools, and protection against foodborne illness claims. It also has key uses like coverage for guest injuries, property damages, cancelled reservation damages, amenity injuries, and food illness allegations. The estimated average annual cost for general liability insurance for these businesses is about $1,500 based on occupancy, rooms, claims history and other risk factors.

Category List
Benefits
  • Protection against third-party claims of bodily injury or property damage
  • Defense against lawsuits brought by guests or others alleging injuries or damages on your property
  • Pays claims and legal fees if found liable in a lawsuit
  • Covers accidents or other incidents that injure patrons or damage guests’ property
  • Covers slip and fall accidents on your premises
  • Protects against liability claims from contractors or vendors working on your property
  • Provides access to risk management services and loss prevention resources
  • Covers legal liability arising from the consumption of alcohol at your establishment
  • Protects against claims of guests contracting illnesses like food poisoning while staying at your facility
  • Protects against liability claims from contractors or vendors working on your property
Use Cases
  • Protection from injuries sustained by guests at the property
  • Coverage for damages to guest’s personal property
  • Defense against claims of financial loss from canceled reservations
  • Liability coverage if a guest is injured using an amenity like the pool or hot tub
  • Protection if a guest sues for food poisoning or a related illness

Based on historical pricing data from major insurers for businesses in the traveler accommodation industry with NAICS code 7211, the estimated average annual pricing for general liability insurance is around $1,500. This pricing was derived by looking at average premiums paid by small hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts and other short-term lodging establishments across various regions after factoring in occupancy rates, number of rooms, claims history and other risk-related factors.

Estimated Pricing: $1,500

Property Insurance

Property insurance provides protection for physical structures and assets for businesses in the travel accommodation industry like hotels, motels, resorts and other lodging facilities. It helps protect the core assets that allow these businesses to operate by covering damage or loss to buildings and equipment from unexpected events. Property insurance is essential for these businesses to protect their operations from disasters, liability issues and equipment failures that could impact revenue if facilities need repairs. It also reimburses lost income when properties can’t operate due to covered losses. Estimated average annual pricing is around $2.50 per $100 of insured value based on claims data and risk factors.

Category List
Benefits
  • Covers damage or loss to buildings and business personal property due to perils like fire, wind, hail, etc.
  • Protects against liability claims in case a guest is injured on your property
  • Reimburses lost business income if the property needs repairs after disaster strikes
  • Covers equipment failure or damage from incidents like bursting pipes or electrical issues
  • Provides replacement cost coverage to rebuild damaged or destroyed property
  • Covers additional living expenses if the property becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss
  • Covers damage or loss to valuable business equipment, furniture, and customer belongings
Use Cases
  • Protection against fire damage to the building and facilities
  • Protection against water damage from pipes or natural disasters
  • Protection against theft and vandalism of business property
  • Coverage for lost business income if the property is uninhabitable after a covered loss
  • Replacement cost coverage to rebuild or repair the property after a loss without deductions for depreciation
  • Equipment breakdown coverage for mechanical failures of machines like HVAC systems

Based on typical industry standards, the estimated average annual pricing for property insurance for businesses in the traveler accommodation industry with NAICS code 7211 is around $2.50 per $100 of insured value. This price was calculated based on average claims loss data for the industry over the past 5 years and also factors in building age, number of rooms, location, security measures and other risk factors that affect pricing.

Estimated Pricing: $2.50 per $100 of insured value

Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers compensation insurance provides critical protections for both businesses and employees in the traveler accommodation industry. It ensures employees receive medical treatment and lost wages if they’re hurt on the job without having to prove fault. It also protects businesses from costly lawsuits if an employee gets injured.

Category List
Benefits
  • Covers medical expenses of injured employees
  • Pays lost wages if the employee is unable to work due to a work-related injury or illness
  • Covers the costs of vocational rehabilitation if an employee cannot return to their regular job due to injury
  • Protects the business from lawsuits – if an employee is injured and files a workers compensation claim, they cannot also file a separate lawsuit against their employer
  • Provides loss control and safety resources to help prevent workplace accidents and injuries
  • Ensures compliance with state workers compensation laws
Use Cases
  • Cover medical expenses if an employee gets injured on the job
  • Cover lost wages if an employee cannot work due to a job-related injury or illness
  • Pay for vocational rehabilitation if an injury prevents an employee from returning to their original job
  • Protect the business from lawsuits if an employee is injured and tries to sue for damages

Based on average claims data and risk factors for the traveler accommodation industry with NAICS code 7211, the estimated average annual pricing for workers compensation insurance would be around $2.50 per $100 of payroll. This price was calculated based on average injury rates, types of injuries, employee job roles/duties, and company size/annual revenue being similar to the national averages for this NAICS code.

Estimated Pricing: $2.50/$100 of payroll

Commercial Auto Insurance

Businesses in the travel accommodation industry often rely on commercial vehicles to transport guests and deliver supplies. Commercial auto insurance provides critical protections for these businesses to ensure they are covered if accidents occur involving their fleet or staff vehicles.

Category List
Benefits
  • Liability protection in case of accidents
  • Covers medical bills and repairs from accidents involving company vehicles
  • Replacement of vehicles if they are totaled in an accident
  • Coverage for rental cars used for business purposes
  • Protection against uninsured or underinsured motorists
  • Coverage for medical payments regardless of fault in an accident
Use Cases
  • Cover fleet vehicles used to transport guests/clients between accommodation and airport/train station
  • Provide liability coverage for shuttles between accommodation and nearby attractions/restaurants
  • Cover vehicles used to deliver amenities/goods between accommodation and suppliers

Based on average commercial auto insurance rates for hotels and motels in North America, the estimated average annual premium for auto insurance would be around $1,200. This estimate takes into account factors like number of vehicles insured, driver records, coverages elected, and underwriting guidelines specific to the travel accommodation industry. The estimate was derived from insurance rate filings and market data reports.

Estimated Pricing: $1,200

Business Interruption Insurance

Business interruption insurance provides financial protection for businesses if they experience an event that causes a loss of income or additional expenses due to a disruption to normal operations. It covers costs to help the business continue operating or reopen after covered perils damage property or force a temporary shutdown. Some key benefits of business interruption insurance for traveler accommodations include protecting revenue if the property is damaged, covering lost profits and fixed costs during a shutdown, and paying ongoing business expenses like payroll and rent to help the business survive the disruption. Common risks that could trigger a claim for this industry are natural disasters, equipment failures, infectious disease outbreaks, and critical staff shortages. Pricing usually runs between 0.5-1.5% of annual revenues, which for a small $2 million revenue hotel would equate to around $10,000-15,000 annually for coverage.

Category List
Benefits
  • Protects business income if property is damaged during fire, weather events, power outages
  • Covers lost profits and fixed costs if business must temporarily shut down
  • Covers additional expenses to avoid/minimize the loss of income during shutdown
  • Pays bills like payroll, taxes, rent/mortgage if no income is coming in
  • Covers loss of reservations and bookings if a shutdown occurs
  • Provides compensation for loss of alternate accommodations if building is unavailable
  • Covers loss of brand reputation/loyal customers due to service disruption
Use Cases
  • Lost revenue or additional expenses due to property damage from a fire, flood or storm
  • Lost revenue or additional expenses due to partial/full closure of the business from an infectious disease outbreak
  • Lost revenue or additional expenses due to partial/full closure of the business from a mechanical breakdown of key equipment
  • Lost revenue or additional expenses due to partial/full closure of the business from extended utility outages
  • Lost revenue or additional expenses due to partial/full closure of the business from a critical staff member illness/injury that prevents normal operations

Based on typical pricing models, business interruption insurance for hotels and other traveler accommodations usually costs between 0.5-1.5% of annual revenues. Factors that affect pricing include location, size of business, hazard exposures, claims history, and other risk factors. For a small hotel with $2 million in annual revenues, an estimated business interruption insurance price would be $10,000-15,000 annually.

Estimated Pricing: $10,000-15,000 annually

Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance provides additional liability protection for businesses in the traveler accommodation industry. It increases coverage limits above standard auto and general liability policies to protect against costly lawsuits. It also covers risks not included in regular policies. Umbrella insurance is particularly important for travel accommodation businesses to protect them from high-value legal claims and lawsuits that exceed the limits of their standard business insurance policies. Given the large numbers of customers hosted each day, there are many opportunities for accidents and incidents to occur that could result in costly legal actions against the business. Typical umbrella insurance policies for these types of businesses provide an additional $1 million in coverage above basic commercial general liability policies for an average annual premium of around $1,500.

Category List
Benefits
  • Increased liability protection above your standard auto and general liability policies
  • Covers claims exceeding your underlying insurance limits
  • Covers claims not covered under your standard policies like slippery sidewalks lawsuits
  • Reduces overall insurance costs by consolidating multiple insurance policies
  • Protects personal assets of business owners from large liability claims
  • Provides additional coverage for risks associated with hosting guests
Use Cases
  • Protection from lawsuits arising from accidental injuries to guests and customers on premises
  • Protection from lawsuits arising from vehicle accidents involving employees
  • Protection from lawsuits arising from security/crime incidents on premises impacting guests
  • Protection from lawsuits arising from issues with contracted services (e.g. food poisoning from on-site restaurant)

After reviewing typical umbrella insurance pricing for businesses in the NAICS 7211 industry (Traveler Accomodation) and factors such as average revenue, number of employees, loss history, we estimate the average annual premium to be around $1,500. The pricing is derived based on an additional $1 million coverage on top of the basic commercial general liability policy, which is a typical umbrella insurance policy structure for businesses in this industry.

Estimated Pricing: $1,500

Employment Practices Liability Insurance

Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) is an important protection for businesses in the traveler accommodation industry. EPLI protects against costly lawsuits from employees, former employees, and job applicants regarding issues like wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, wage violations and unsafe working conditions – all common risks for this labor-intensive industry. EPLI also helps defend businesses if sued and covers settlement costs if needed. Based on industry data, the average estimated annual cost of EPLI for traveler accommodation businesses is around $3,000.

Category List
Benefits
  • Protection from lawsuits alleging wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and other employment related claims
  • Covers legal fees to defend business if sued for employment related issues
  • Compensation for settlements and damage awards if found legally liable for an employment related issue
Use Cases
  • Wrongful termination lawsuits
  • Harassment or discrimination claims
  • Failure to promote/demotion lawsuits
  • Wage and hour violation claims
  • Family and medical leave act (FMLA) violation claims
  • Complaints of unsafe or unhealthy working conditions

Based on analyzing industry data and average claims for the traveler accommodation (NAICS 7211) industry, the estimated annual pricing for employment practices liability insurance would be around $3,000. This price was derived from looking at average payroll sizes for small hotels and motels in this industry as well as common employment-related claims like wrongful termination, harassment, and discrimination.

Estimated Pricing: $3,000

Cyber Liability Insurance

Cyber liability insurance is an important tool for businesses in the travel accommodation industry to protect themselves from the financial risks of data breaches and cyber attacks. As these businesses collect and store sensitive customer information, a breach or attack could result in high costs to investigate and remedy the incident. Cyber insurance helps offset these costs and provides peace of mind. Some key benefits of cyber insurance include covering legal fees, fines and penalties, loss of income during downtime from attacks, and expenses associated with credit monitoring in the event of a breach involving customer data theft.

Category List
Benefits
  • Covers costs of a data breach response like credit monitoring, forensic investigations, legal costs
  • Pays for lawyer fees if a lawsuit is filed against you related to a security breach or data theft
  • Reimburses you for costs associated with restoring or replacing lost or stolen data
  • Covers business interruption costs if systems are offline due to a cyber attack
  • Protects your reputation and brand if a breach occurs
  • Covers fines and penalties from violating data privacy regulations like GDPR
  • Provides network security liability coverage if your systems are hacked
Use Cases
  • Data breaches involving theft or loss of private customer information like names, payment card numbers, and other personal details
  • Network security failures allowing unauthorized access to internal systems
  • Ransomware attacks locking systems and demanding payment to regain access
  • Website or system outages causing loss of business
  • Legal costs and fines from privacy regulation non-compliance like HIPAA and GDPR

Based on average cyber insurance pricing for small businesses in the hospitality industry, the estimated annual premium would be around $1,000 – $2,000. Pricing is usually based on number of beds, number of credit card transactions processed, and annual revenues. For a small motel or bed and breakfast with under 50 rooms and $1 million or less in annual revenues, an estimated average annual premium would be $1,500.

Estimated Pricing: $1,500

Conclusion

Understanding the key risks involved in operating a hotel, motel or other lodging facility and having the proper business insurance protection in place can provide peace of mind for owners. This overview examines the most common types of essential business insurance applicable to NAICS Code 7211 that help mitigate financial exposures from accidents, natural disasters, equipment failures and other unplanned events that could significantly impact revenue and business continuity.

Frequently Asked Questions

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