Looking forward to having a Special Event? Event insurance is an insurance policy that may help protect your investment in a specific event, such as a wedding. Event insurance may help cover your costs if you unexpectedly need to cancel your event or if you're found responsible for property damage or an injury caused during your event.
What can be covered depends on what type of event you are having, whether it is public or private, how long it will last, where it is held, and what carrier you get your insurance from. Typical event types that can be covered are:
Event cancellation coverage may reimburse you for lost deposits and other fees should something unexpected force you to delay or cancel your function. If your photographer closes shop suddenly, you'll likely be covered for the cost of the lost deposit and potentially unexpected charges from having to book another photographer at the last minute. If your officiant breaks his leg the day before your wedding and you're forced to postpone, this coverage may help cover any fees associated with rescheduling the venue, caterer and other vendors. Be sure to check your policy to find out what types of situations may or may not be covered.
Event liability coverage may help protect you if you're found responsible for property damage or an injury caused during your event, and many venues require you to have it. If the band you hired damages a wall with their gear, for example, this coverage may help pay for repairs. Some policies also cover incidents caused by your guests. So if someone gets a little wild on the dance floor and trips a waiter as he walks by, event liability coverage may help pay for medical expenses resulting from an injury. Again, make sure to read your policy to find out what kinds of situations it does and does not cover.
And don't forget that your DJ, MC, band and other vendors that service your event should also be covered by insurance for this event. They can get their own specific insurance for yuour event, just like you!
Keep in mind that it's a good idea to purchase special event insurance as soon as you start making deposits or purchases for your event. There may also be restrictions on when you can purchase coverage - often no later than two weeks before your event but no sooner than two years prior. The Insurance Information Institute (III) also offers these useful tips when you're looking into insuring your special event:
Let us help you get the right policy for the right event!