What is Event Insurance?
Event Insurance is a type of public and products liability cover designed to protect Event Organisers from financial losses that could arise due to unforeseen circumstances affecting their event. It can cover a large variety of events from weddings and art exhibitions, through to music festivals and sporting events.
Some insurers may have exclusions for certain event types or components, such as fireworks or amusement rides, so it is important to make sure your cover is suited to your unique event.
Event insurance not only provides financial protection and peace of mind, but can also, in some cases, be a requirement for some venues and/or vendors.
Event insurance is a vital consideration for anyone involved in planning or hosting an event, providing essential protection against a wider range of potential risks.
What Does Event Insurance Cover?
Event Insurance typically covers:
- Cancellation or Postponement: Coverage for financial losses if the event has to be cancelled or postponed due to reasons beyond the organiser’s control, such as severe weather, natural disasters, or the sudden unavailability of the venue.
- Public Liability: Protection against claims made by third parties for bodily injury or property damage that occurs during the event. This is crucial for covering legal fees and any compensation that might be awarded.
- Property Damage: Coverage for damage to rented equipment or the event venue itself. This includes accidental damage to staging, lighting, tents, and other event-related properties.
- Equipment Insurance: Protection for event equipment owned by the organiser, including audiovisual equipment, decorations, and other essential items. This can cover theft, damage, or loss.
- Personal Accident: Coverage for accidents that result in injury to event staff, volunteers, or attendees. This can include medical expenses and compensation for lost wages due to injury.
- Weather Insurance: Specific coverage for events that are particularly susceptible to weather conditions, such as outdoor festivals or weddings. This can provide financial protection if adverse weather leads to reduced attendance or event cancellation.
- Non-Appearance: Coverage for financial losses if key individuals (such as performers, speakers, or special guests) are unable to attend the event due to illness, travel issues, or other covered reasons.
Client Examples
Cancellation Due to Weather: An outdoor music festival has to be cancelled due to a severe storm. The insurance covers the cost of non-refundable deposits, advertising, and other expenses.
Public Liability: A guest at a wedding slips on a wet floor and sustains an injury. The insurance covers the legal fees and any compensation awarded to the guest.
Equipment Damage: A fire at the event venue damages rented sound equipment. The insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing the equipment.
Common questions
How much does event insurance cost?
Cost depends on the event type, how many people attend, how long it runs, the location, the activities involved and the liability limit required. Request a quote and we’ll compare options for your event.
How much public liability cover do I need for an event?
Venues and councils set their own minimum, and $20 million is common. Check your venue agreement or council permit before you buy public liability cover.
Can I insure a one-off event?
Yes. We can arrange cover for a single, one-off event. If you run events regularly, we can also arrange annual cover.
What is a certificate of currency and will I need one?
A certificate of currency is a document from your insurer confirming that your policy is active. Venues and councils usually ask for one before your event. Your insurer issues the certificate on its letterhead and can note the venue as an interested party.
Does event insurance cover cancellation because of bad weather?
Only if the policy includes cancellation or weather cover. Many liability-only policies don’t. See cancellation and weather cover above.
Are fireworks, amusement rides and alcohol covered?
Not always. Some insurers exclude higher-risk activities, so tell your broker about everything planned for the event.
Do stallholders and vendors need their own insurance?
Yes. Organisers usually require each stallholder and vendor to hold their own public liability cover.
How far in advance should I arrange event insurance?
We recommend arranging cover three to four weeks before your event. For larger or high-risk events, allow six to eight weeks.
Can I get event insurance for a wedding?
Yes. Couples planning a wedding can arrange event insurance through us. Depending on the policy, cover can include public liability, cancellation or postponement, and damage to hired equipment.
Do you arrange event insurance in Newcastle and Canberra?
Yes, from our offices at The Junction in Newcastle and Fyshwick in Canberra.