Event Insurance
Liability and cancellation coverage for special events and gatherings.
Typical cost: $100 – $500 per event
What Is Event Insurance?
Event insurance protects hosts of special events—birthday parties, anniversaries, reunions, corporate events, fundraisers, and festivals—from financial losses due to cancellation, liability claims, or property damage. Many venues require proof of event insurance before booking.
What's Covered
Event insurance typically includes general liability coverage for injuries and property damage, cancellation/postponement coverage for prepaid expenses, and optional coverages like liquor liability, equipment coverage, and weather-related cancellation.
Who Needs It
Anyone hosting an event with significant prepaid costs, renting a venue, serving alcohol, or having more than a handful of guests should consider event insurance. Corporate event planners especially need liability protection to shield the company from claims.
What's covered
General Liability
Covers bodily injury and property damage claims from event attendees.
Event Cancellation
Reimburses prepaid expenses if the event must be canceled for covered reasons.
Vendor Failure
Covers costs when contracted vendors don't show up or deliver services.
Liquor Liability
Protects against claims arising from alcohol-related incidents at your event.
Property Damage
Covers damage to the venue or rented equipment during your event.
Weather Coverage
Optional coverage for outdoor events impacted by severe weather.
Pros and cons
Advantages
- Protects investment in event deposits and prepaid costs
- Liability coverage required by most venues
- Short-term policies for one-time events are affordable
- Covers vendor no-shows and failures
- Professional events protect business reputation
- Peace of mind for hosts
Considerations
- Does not cover poor attendance or event failure
- Cancellation for changed plans not covered
- Liquor liability adds to premium cost
- Pre-existing known issues excluded
- Some weather conditions may not be covered
Frequently asked questions
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