Event Insurance: Liability, Cost, & Quotes from $11

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Event insurance coverage is required when planning events, such as weddings, festivals, birthday parties, sports events, family reunions, graduation parties, and anniversaries. Event coverage protects you from risks arising from your event, which will incur financial losses.

For example, some states follow a social host liability concept that could see you liable in situations where guests in your party become intoxicated and cause injury to guests or bartenders, event planners, caterers, photographers, videographers, face painters, caterers, DJs, and other vendors.

Today, most venues require event insurance, so you don't have a choice in the matter when looking for space for the day. For example, event insurance in California is crucial because most venues in the state require this.

Still, you should consider taking out a special event insurance policy even when a target venue does not require it or if you are hosting at your private residence. You can take out different types of event insurance, such as private event insurance, small event insurance, and single event insurance or temporary event insurance.

What is Event Insurance?

Event insurance is a broad coverage that can include different insurance products to protect event hosts. General liability event insurance is the most common type, and it covers lawsuits arising from property damage or bodily injury third parties sustain due to your event.

Many policies protect the event host against claims by someone who got drunk and sustained injuries or property damage by including host liquor liability coverage. Other popular forms of event insurance coverage include cancellation coverage and event rental insurance.

Event Liability Insurance

Event liability insurance helps cover expenses if you are responsible for property damage or bodily injury caused by your event. For example, if an accident happens and injures someone or damages property, event general liability insurance will cover medical expenses and reimburse the value of property damaged. 

You require insurance coverage even if you plan a one-day event. To do so, get one day event insurance offering short-term liability coverage. Carrying such temporary liability insurance for events may seem absurd initially, but it assures you peace of mind during and after the day's activities.

Note that general liability insurance for events can be added with rented premises liability coverage. If you’re renting a space for your event and it got damaged during the commencement of activities, rented premises liability coverage will reimburse the property owner on your behalf if he or she files a claim. 

Event Rental Equipment Insurance

You will hire equipment for your event - sound systems, lighting, tables, chairs, etc. If this becomes damaged or lost due to your fault, expect the owner to ask for payment. In order for you to avoid using personal funds as reimbursement, get event rental equipment insurance. What this does is provide money equal to the value of the damaged rented equipment. 

Event Cancellation Insurance

Event cancellation insurance helps cover expenses if your occasion gets unexpectedly postponed or canceled due to circumstances outside your control, like death or adverse weather. It also covers you if your vendors or officiant fail to provide promised services.

Under the coverage, you select the maximum amount of coverage your insurer will reimburse should you make a claim. It will depend on the event cost, and you will pay a deductible. However, it usually covers the cost of non-refundable deposits for expenses such as catering, photography, flowers, honeymoon travel, or entertainment.

Weather Insurance for Events

Event weather insurance protects you against adverse weather conditions leading to reduced revenue from sources like ticket sales, food, parking, and concessions. For example, you need rain insurance for events such as concerts, fairs, festivals, parades, air shows, or sporting events. In addition, if you live in an area with variable weather, such as New Jersey, you may require the best event insurance NJ can offer.

Outdoor Event Insurance

Outdoor event insurance is a tailored protection for birthday parties, weddings, baby showers, and other related activities held outside. This consists of two insurance products providing a shield against specific perils. 

Public liability insurance for outdoor events is the first inclusion. This kicks in if a bystander, guest, or any other third party incurs injuries or property damage due to the activities held in your outdoor event. In practice, this covers reimbursements and medical expenses if a claim is filed. 

Rain insurance for outdoor events is a protection that you'll only see included or offered in tailored outdoor insurance. This will reimburse non-refundable payments. Also, rain insurance will cover labor expenses if you have to turn an outdoor event into an indoor event. 

Event Insurance Cost

As with other types of general liability insurance, event liability insurance cost depends on various factors, including:

• The type of cover you want

• The level of cover you need

• The kind of event you are organizing

• How long the event will last

• The event location

• The event size and how many people will attend

The average event insurance cost is $150. But note that your rate will vary depending on the above factors. Significantly larger events with thousands of attendees will cost more. Insurers often bill long-term coverage arrangements monthly (around $75 per month) or annually ($900 per year). You should compare the different insurance providers' premiums for the best deals. In addition, here are the rates of the best carriers for event insurance

You should compare the different insurance providers' premiums for the best deals,  especially when buying event insurance online. Click the “Get Quotes” on this page to get cheap event insurance quote and see the pricing and offers of carriers. 

Best Event Insurance Companies

Below is a breakdown of some of the best event insurance companies in the industry. The analysis includes a brief overview of the company, its insurance products, and the pros and cons.

CoverWallet Event Insurance

Pros

• Cancel your coverage anytime

• Get insured online

Cons

• Policy cancellation takes long to process

CoverWallet’s event insurance offers general liability insurance, liquor liability insurance, and cancellation coverage. Note that this insurance broker has an online quotes comparison platform you can use to find other companies offering insurance for events. Work with CoverWallet and enjoy online policy management, insurance cancellation with no additional fees, and instant online certificate of insurance.

Best for: Event insurance quotes comparison online

Average cost: $103 for one-day coverage

Our rating: 10/10

Thimble Event Insurance

Pros

• Allows policy cancellation up to the minute it starts

• Event liability coverage includes damage payments and legal fees

• Provides liquor liability

• Provides online quotes

Cons

• It does not cover event cancellation

Thimble started in 2016. Its event insurance costs between $115 - $340 for one-day event policies and provides online insurance cover for individuals and businesses.

Best for: On-demand event insurance that provides provides coverage for 5 days minimum

Average cost: $115 for 5-day coverage

Our rating: 9/10

Event Helper Insurance

Pros

• It offers the lowest cost coverage but guarantees superior protection

• Outstanding customer support

• Instant online quotes

Cons

• No cancellation policy

• Does not cover events help abroad

Event Helper started in 2009. It offers low-cost insurance products with excellent coverage. Event insurance form this company includes specialized coverage that other carriers might not be offering.

Best for: Event insurance covers animal shows

Average cost: $117 for one-day coverage

Our rating: 9/10

Allianz Event Insurance

Pros

• Covers 100 percent of original ticket prices, including taxes and additional shipping charges

• Cover certain pre-existing conditions

• Allows online claims

Cons

• Only refunds ticket costs for covered reasons

Allianz event ticket insurance reimburses 100 percent of ticket prices for canceled events, including taxes and shipping charges. In addition, the insurer covers you against financial losses if you fail to attend an event due to unavoidable circumstances, such as illness, injury, traffic accidents, employer termination, carrier delay, weather, jury duty, military duty, etc.

Best for: Event insurance that provides full reimbursement for the ticket price if an event is canceled or attendance is made null

Average cost: $121 for one-day coverage

Our rating: 8/10

State Farm Event Insurance

Pros

• It covers all 50 states

• Provides 24/7 customer support

• Allows you to customize your coverage

• Offers event insurance Oregon and other 49 states

Cons

• Only allows you to purchase coverage from the company or its agents

State Farm started in 1922 and has grown into a leading insurer providing events insurance and handling 39,000 claims daily. Its customer base exceeds 85 million policyholders. State Farm doesn’t have event insurance. However, according to forums, this insurance company provides coverage if the customer has an existing liability coverage in their homeowner’s or business insurance policies.

Best for: Customizable event insurance coverage

Average cost:$41 for one-day coverage

Our rating: 9/10

Progressive Event Insurance

Pros

• Covers over 400 event types

• Offers a five percent discount on every direct policy purchase from the company

• Offers cancellation insurance

Cons

• Has mixed customer service feedback

Progressive Insurance Company started in 1937. The BBB and AM Best highly rate it. The insurer offers a broad range of events policies with highly accessible online claims reporting, live bots, and online premium payments.

Best for: Event cancellation insurance covers

Average cost:$43 for one-day coverage

Our rating: 8/10

Geico Event Insurance

Pros

• Liability starts at $500,000

• Offers cheap event cancellation coverage

• Offers event insurance Florida

• You can secure up to $2 million in event insurance one day before

• Offers a 15% discount when purchasing wedding liability and event cancellation coverage concurrently

Cons

• You must purchase the event cancellation policy at least 15 days before cancellation

• No online quotes

• The cancellation insurance policy does not cover infectious diseases

• No non-profit event insurance

• It does not cover sporting events, concerts (paid attendance events), or events featuring firearms

Geico Insurance provides event insurance cover for several events, including weddings, baby showers, and anniversaries. You can purchase insurance as far back as two weeks prior.

Best for: Wedding event insurance

Average cost:$37 for one-day coverage

Our rating: 8/10

Markel Event Insurance

Pros

• Offers a 15% discount for a concurrent purchase of general liability and cancellation policies

• Offers low deductibles for cancellation policies, up to $25

• The cancellation policy covers the whole country and selected international destinations

• You can purchase policies the day before your event without additional costs

Cons

• The liability policy does not cover international destinations

• Has a $300 limit on all cash gift loses

Markel Insurance curates two low-cost event policies: event liability and cancellation coverage.

Best for: Same-day event insurance with cancellation coverage having low deductibles

Average cost:$50 for one-day coverage

Our rating: 8/10

USAA Event Insurance

Pros

• Offers a money-back guarantee

• Protects insured party during rehearsals up to 48 hours before the event

• Provides engagement ring insurance

• Can purchase event policy the day before

Cons

• Only available for USAA members, including active military personnel, reservists, veterans, and family members

USAA event insurance policies cover military personnel and their families. The insurer covers all events within the country and its territories, plus on cruise ships.

Best for: Event insurance cover with engagement ring coverage

Average cost:$56 for one-day coverage

Our rating: 9/10

K&K Event Insurance

Pros

• Offers special insurance policies for entertainment, sports, and recreation

• Offers various products at competitive prices

• Offers specialized general liability insurance covers such as liquor liability or motorsports liability for events up to 12,000 participants

Cons

• Has poor customer service

K&K started in 1952 and now boasts an A+ BBB rating because of its extensive network of independent agents.

Best for: Comprehensive event insurance covers for general liability

Average cost:$52 for one-day coverage

Our rating: 6/10

Nationwide Event Insurance

Pros

• Coverage is standard and does not attract extra charges

• Has exemplary customer service

• Offers various discounts

• Provide immediate replacement for damaged items

Cons

• It offers limited coverage and excludes Alaska, Louisiana, and Hawaii

• Event insurance is underwritten by K&K

Nationwide offers a standout event insurance cover with a brand-new belongings clause to ensure you receive enough compensation to restore damaged property or replace it.

Best for: Immediate replacement for damaged items and belongings

Average cost:$68 for one-day coverage

Our rating: 6/10

AAA Event Insurance

Pros

• Offers protection plans as low as $160

• Covers replacement and repair costs for damaged gifts

• Reimburses non-recoverable expenses resulting from unexpected active duty call-ups

• Covers sudden illnesses resulting in even postponement

• The protection plan offers vendor liability coverage

Cons

• The policy is only available through the insurer's agents

• It has a high average premium

American Automobile Association has a collection of branded policy products to protect events. In addition, it offers discounts to help policyholders save money on the first premium.

Best for: Event insurance covers festivals, dance marathons, and auto shows

Average cost:$64 for one-day coverage

Our rating: 8/10

Liberty Mutual Event Insurance

Pros

• Comprehensive policy coverage extending to 29 countries

• Great mobile app accessibility

• Quick and efficient claim resolution

Cons

• It does not cover damages from intentional acts or certain vehicle types

Liberty Mutual featured among the top 100 fortune 500 companies and was the sixth-largest global insurer in 2021. The company started in 1912 and has grown to provide comprehensive solutions for various risks.

Best for:Event insurance with a quick claims process

Average cost:$78 for one-day coverage

Our rating: 7/10

Allstate Event Insurance

Pros

• Offers broad event liability and cancellation policies

• Offers online quotes

• Has customizable policies

Cons

• Has no 1-day insurance policies for events with over 500 people or sporting events

Allstate offers events policies for parties, weddings, corporate events, and business meetings.

Best for: Event insurance covers parties, weddings, corporate events, and business meetings

Average cost:$89 for one-day coverage

Our rating: 6/10

Tulip Event Insurance

Pros

• Includes host liquor liability

• Offers curated insurance policies to meet the contractual requirements of rental agreements

• Includes hired and non-renewable automobile liability cover

Cons

• Charges additional premium for terrorism covers

• Premiums account for one- to four-day events, with additional charges for extra days

Tenant Users Liability Insurance Policy protects venue owners and lessees from third-party liability.

Best for: Event insurance with rental agreement cover

Average cost:$100 for one-day coverage

Our rating: 8/10

Acord Event Insurance

Pros

• Provides music and entertainment insurance

• Covers liquor liability

• It has a one million limit for workers' compensation

• Covers property damage

Cons

• It's not BBB accredited

Acord provides insurance policies for various events, including business meetings, social gatherings, boxing matches, diner dances, balls, seminars, conferences, festivals, and sporting events.

Best for:Event insurance that covers animal shows

Average cost:$95 for one-day coverage

Our rating: 7/10

Peerspace Event Insurance

Pros

• Provides space coverage up to $1 million

• Cover kicks in after exhausting the primary coverage

Cons

• Requires a primary cover to access the policy

Peerspace covers property owners and lessees who rent out their space by the hour for events. Hosts receive unprecedented protection for up to $1 million.

Best for: Short-term liability insurance for events of Peerspace users

Average cost: $182 for one-day coverage

Our rating: 5/10

Travelers Event Insurance

Pros

• Covers event cancellation and postponement

• Covers event gifts and attire

• Has optional liability and liquor liability policies

• Covers lost deposits

Cons

• It only covers 42 states

• Has reportedly high premiums after filing claims

Travelers Insurance helps individuals and businesses protect their investments during their events. It covers anniversaries, birthdays, baby showers, retirement parties, and Bar mitzvahs.

Best for: Event insurance with deposit coverage

Average cost: $192 for one-day coverage

Our rating: 8/10

Total Event Insurance

Pros

• One-time event insurance has prize coverage

• Offers event surety bonds

Cons

• Website isn’t very intuitive

Total’s event insurance is perfect for sports events and other kinds of events where prizes are given. Why? Aside from cancellation, liability, and weather coverage, this company’s event insurance has prize coverage which insures prizes up to $1 million.

Best for: Events wherein prizes are awarded to guests or participants

Average cost: $130 for one-day coverage

Our rating: 9/10