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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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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
Cost for One Day Coverage | Best for | |
---|---|---|
CoverWallet | $103 | Event insurance quotes comparison online |
Thimble | $115 | On-demand event insurance that provides provides coverage for 5 days minimum |
Event Helper | $117 | Event insurance covers animal shows |
Allianz | $121 | Event insurance that provides full reimbursement for the ticket price if an event is canceled or attendance is made null |
State Farm | $41 | Customizable event insurance coverage |
Progressive | $43 | Event cancellation insurance covers |
Geico | $37 | Wedding event insurance |
Markel | $50 | Same day event insurance with canc |
USAA | $56 | Event insurance cover with engagement ring coverage |
K&K | $52 | Comprehensive event insurance covers for general liability |
Nationwide | $68 | Immediate replacement for damaged items and belongings |
AAA | $64 | Event insurance covers for festivals, dance marathons, and auto shows |
Liberty Mutual | $78 | Event insurance with a quick claims process |
Allstate | $89 | Event insurance covers parties, weddings, corporate events, and business meetings |
Tulip | $100 | Event insurance with rental agreement cover |
ACORD | $95 | Event insurance that covers animal shows |
Peerspace | $182 | Short-term liability insurance for events of Peerspace users |
Travelers | $192 | Event insurance with deposit coverage |
Total | $130 | Events wherein prizes are awarded to guests or participants |
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.
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.
Cancel your coverage anytime
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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
Allows policy cancellation up to the minute it starts
Event liability coverage includes damage payments and legal fees
Provides liquor liability
Provides online quotes
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
It offers the lowest cost coverage but guarantees superior protection
Outstanding customer support
Instant online quotes
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
Covers 100 percent of original ticket prices, including taxes and additional shipping charges
Cover certain pre-existing conditions
Allows online claims
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
It covers all 50 states
Provides 24/7 customer support
Allows you to customize your coverage
Offers event insurance Oregon and other 49 states
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
Covers over 400 event types
Offers a five percent discount on every direct policy purchase from the company
Offers cancellation insurance
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Coverage is standard and does not attract extra charges
Has exemplary customer service
Offers various discounts
Provide immediate replacement for damaged items
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
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
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
Comprehensive policy coverage extending to 29 countries
Great mobile app accessibility
Quick and efficient claim resolution
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
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
Includes host liquor liability
Offers curated insurance policies to meet the contractual requirements of rental agreements
Includes hired and non-renewable automobile liability cover
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
Provides music and entertainment insurance
Covers liquor liability
It has a one million limit for workers' compensation
Covers property damage
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
Provides space coverage up to $1 million
Cover kicks in after exhausting the primary coverage
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
Covers event cancellation and postponement
Covers event gifts and attire
Has optional liability and liquor liability policies
Covers lost deposits
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
One-time event insurance has prize coverage
Offers event surety bonds
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
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John Murphy Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
Worst insurance comapny I have ever dealt with. A commercial vehicle represented by GUARD t boned my wife and daughters family vehicle in the middle of the day. Driver was cited and insurance claim insued. Fast forward 4 months and refusal of full amount of claim is still happening. Driver was found guilty, repairs started on my vehicle and when it comes to the final bill and diminished value we cannot get any help. I am out a family car, have an injured and traumatized wife and children, and now have to get legal and BBB involved for a company to do the RIGHT thing. Scott Lewis, Kevin Ware, Heather White, and Ryan P, lied about communcation on my claim, demonstrated Bias by overpromising and under delivering . They refused to pay the full amount owed and have associates untrained in vehicle condition assessment and reconditioning. Also, not one GUARD insurance representative has contacted my wife (the injured party) in 4 months to follow up on medical treatment. STAY AWAY IF YOU ARE SHOPPING INSURANCE!
Kasey Arey Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
This company gives you a price that was in place for a year and when you have to use it there is fine print were they can go back and charge you more. Would not recommend them to any one. Crooks
Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
Had general liability and workers comp with amguard. Paid high premiums and yet still got audited every year and had to pay more. Was able to prove less risk the first two audits and disputed price down but none the less had to pay more just so I could renew coverage. Third time the audit ( based on what I paid my premium on ) was ridiculous and tried to prove that there was no increase in risk from what I paid for my premium. However they would not believe it and required I paid full audit amount in order to have redline removed. Basically you do what they say and pay whatever outlandish bill they come up with or they will make sure you can’t run your business anymore. ????
Felicia Broadus Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
Avoid these SCAM ARTISTS! They don’t pay claims!!! Save yourself the trouble and money!
Felicia Broadus Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
They are the worst, my truck was hit in January 23 and the claim adjuster has not been out to this very day! They have every excuse in the book as to why. They have not been to the collision shop. PLEASE AVOID THESE SCAM ARTIST!