In today’s economic climate, hospitality businesses are under increasing pressure. With operational expenses climbing and margins tightening, insurance premiums are becoming a growing concern for pubs, restaurants, cafés, nightclubs, and hotels across Melbourne.
Yet many business owners are unaware that significant savings may be possible — without compromising cover.
At Delmont Insurance Group, we specialise in hospitality insurance broking and have built a strong reputation for helping clients reduce premiums while improving the quality of their cover. We’re seeing exceptional results across Melbourne, driven by a hands-on approach, deep industry expertise, and a genuine commitment to our clients’ long-term success.
Whether you’re a business owner or a professional adviser supporting clients in the sector, this article outlines how Delmont is achieving savings where others are not — and why now is the ideal time to review your insurance programme.
Hospitality Insurance Specialists with Real Experience
Led by Director James Wilson, Delmont Insurance Group is a trusted insurance brokerage in the Australian SME market, with a strong focus on hospitality. James brings a wealth of knowledge and industry insight to the table, with a proven track record of delivering value to hospitality clients across the country.
We don’t just arrange policies — we work alongside business owners, visiting their premises, identifying exposures, and representing their risks to the insurance market in a way that reflects the true professionalism and quality of their operations.
We’re not generalists. We are hospitality insurance specialists, and it shows in the outcomes we deliver.
The Current Landscape: Increased Competition, Lower Premiums
One of the most promising trends in the Melbourne market right now is the return of competition among insurers. Where premiums had been steadily increasing over the past few years, we’re now seeing a growing appetite from insurers willing to quote on hospitality risks — particularly when those risks are professionally presented by a broker who understands the industry.
This is where many brokers fall short. A generic approach or poorly presented proposal can lead to missed savings or inadequate cover.
Delmont Insurance Group takes a more tailored, strategic approach. We:
- Visit the premises to get a full understanding of your operations
- Present the risk professionally, with supporting detail and documentation
- Engage specialist insurers, particularly those with a focus on hospitality
- Negotiate effectively, using market insight and accurate risk data
By positioning each client’s business in the best possible light, we help insurers gain confidence in the risk — and they respond with more competitive premiums and broader policy terms.
Why Site Visits Make a Difference
One of the key ways we achieve better outcomes for our clients is through site visits. In-person assessments allow us to understand:
- Kitchen operations and fire suppression systems
- Alcohol service areas and patron management protocols
- Security, lighting, and late-trading considerations
- Compliance procedures and risk mitigation investments
- Property conditions and structural integrity
This level of insight is difficult to convey on a standard proposal form. But when brokers attend site, engage with management, and provide insurers with detailed context, it builds trust and encourages underwriters to offer stronger pricing and terms.
For hospitality businesses, where small operational details can dramatically impact risk, site visits are not a luxury — they are essential.
Reframing the Risk: A Strategic Approach
Insurers are naturally cautious, especially in sectors where the frequency or cost of claims can be high. However, how a risk is framed and presented can make a significant difference to how it is priced and underwritten.
At Delmont Insurance Group, we work with clients to ensure that every relevant detail is highlighted and properly contextualised. We ensure that:
- Loss history is explained with appropriate commentary
- Investments in safety, staff training, and compliance are recognised
- Claims management procedures are clearly articulated
- Business operations are described accurately and comprehensively
- Insurers receive a full picture, not just a proposal form
This reframing helps secure premiums that reflect the real risk, rather than a generic industry profile. It’s one of the reasons we’re consistently able to reduce hospitality insurance premiums in Melbourne, even where other brokers have struggled.
Accessing the Right Insurers
Delmont Insurance Group is not an insurer — we are a licensed insurance brokerage. Our role is to act on behalf of our clients, not the insurer. That means our sole priority is achieving the best outcome for your business.
Over the years, we have developed strong working relationships with a network of specialist insurers and underwriters who understand hospitality risks and offer tailored policies for:
- Licensed premises such as pubs, bars, and clubs
- Late-trading venues and nightclubs
- Boutique and independent hotels
- Franchised and multi-site restaurant operations
- Large entertainment venues and event-based businesses
Through our access to these insurers, we can offer our clients:
- Tailored liability and property insurance packages
- Coverage for gaming machines, high-value bar stock, and cash handling
- Business interruption protection tailored to the hospitality sector
- Public liability and assault cover in high-footfall environments
- Flexible options for seasonal operations and venue-specific needs
These products are not available directly to business owners. They are negotiated through qualified brokers who understand how to present risks correctly and advocate for the client.
Working in Collaboration with Trusted Advisers
At Delmont Insurance Group, we also work closely with professional advisers and consultants supporting the hospitality sector. This includes accountants, finance brokers, lawyers, venue consultants, and business mentors.
We understand that insurance is just one part of your clients’ operational landscape. By collaborating with trusted advisers, we are able to add value not only to the end client — but to your professional service offering as well.
Together, we can:
- Identify cost-saving opportunities through smarter insurance structuring
- Assist clients in meeting compliance and contractual obligations
- Improve a venue’s insurability through risk management insight
- Strengthen your firm’s standing with clients by delivering tangible results
If you’re a professional working in or around the Melbourne hospitality industry, we welcome conversations about how we can work together to enhance your client offering.
Why Clients Are Making the Switch
Business owners across Melbourne are turning to Delmont Insurance Group because we offer more than policy documents — we offer partnership, advocacy, and results. Clients value us because we:
- Take time to understand the business behind the policy
- Conduct on-site assessments for better insurer representation
- Strategically place policies with suitable insurers
- Offer market insights to inform better decision-making
- Remain proactive throughout the policy lifecycle
- Provide support during claims and renewal negotiations
This client-first, relationship-driven model is what sets Delmont apart — and it’s why we’re achieving premium reductions and better cover for hospitality businesses across Victoria.
Perth-Based, Nationally Active
Although based in Perth, Delmont Insurance Group is active nationally — including a strong and growing presence in Melbourne. We regularly visit clients across Victoria, conduct face-to-face site assessments, and stay connected throughout the year.
We believe in showing up. Our clients are not just policyholders — they are business partners. That personal, engaged approach allows us to represent them with accuracy and confidence.
Now is the Time to Review Your Insurance
If you own or advise a hospitality business in Melbourne, now is the right time to review your insurance. With increased competition across the market and a broker who understands your industry, there is real potential to reduce your premiums and improve your cover.
Delmont Insurance Group is ready to assist. We’ll visit your venue, review your current arrangements, and present clear, tailored advice on how to improve your risk profile and market position.
Contact Delmont Insurance Group Specialist Hospitality Insurance Brokers – Australia-Wide
For more information visit our website at www.delmontinsurance.com.au or give the team a call today on (08) 6184 8724.
Article written by James Wilson, Director of Delmont Insurance Group — a trusted adviser and specialist insurance broker supporting SMEs and hospitality businesses across Australia.