Event liability insurance

You've got enough on your plate when planning an event like a wedding, conference, or anywhere a crowd gathers. But, accidents happen, and unforeseen issues can arise. To ensure you're protected from loss of income due to bodily injury or property damage done to the event space, there's event liability insurance.

It's a form of liability insurance available, recommended, and sometimes even mandatory when hosting an event for your small business or hosting a large group of family and friends. The event host will purchase an event insurance policy to cover their liability primarily for the following reasons: in case of accidental injury of a guest or property damage occurs to the event amenities/space.

Event insurance provides the following:

• Event liability provides coverage between $1,000,000–$5,000,000 should a claim be made against you for bodily injury or property damage. 

• Tenants liability (or commercial general liability) up to $1,000,000 in case of damage to the event space.
  
  

Additional coverages to ask your broker about:

• Host liquor liability is an optional add-on. You'll need a liquor permit to serve alcoholic beverages at your event before you can access this coverage. If you're serving liquor at your event, you need this coverage to activate the event and tenant's liability coverage.

• Event cancellation insurance is often included as part of your special event insurance package. To be sure, ask for it if you're worried about inclement weather or a worker strike at your venue of choice.

• Medical payments cover the cost of any bodily injuries that might occur at your event. Be sure to ask your provider if it’s included in the event liability insurance or if you need to add it to your package.

Most event types, single day or multi-day, will be covered by an event insurer. You will be able to find coverage for a wide range of social and sporting events, such as:

• Weddings or “Stag & Does”
• Family reunions or picnics
• Conventions, job fairs or award presentations
• Partys or receptions
• Shows, festivals, or recitals
• Charity or non-profit events
• Lectures, workshops, or meetings
• Sporting or gaming events and tournaments

If an accident occurs at your event, it’s recommended that you call your event insurance provider right away (ideally within hours of the event).

Your provider will want to know several key event & policyholder details:

• Your name
• Contact information
• Business name (if applicable)
• Event insurance policy number
• Type of coverage
• A description of the claim or accident