For your best business protection and savings, we recommend bundling GL with some other important coverages on one Business Owners Policy!
Special events are complex. And if you've planned one before, you know just how much resources it takes to execute everything perfectly. While you might hope that the special event runs flawlessly, a lot could actually go wrong. Special event insurance coverage protects you from paying out-of-pocket for these unforeseen events.
Special event insurance is a long-term or short-term insurance policy for events. This covers any property damage or bodily injury that might occur during the special event. Suppose you must cancel your special plans for the anniversary, graduation party, birthday or wedding; in that case, you can leverage the insurance to recoup some expenses.
As an industry standard, most venues require that you obtain special event liability insurance. Primarily offered as a commercial general liability insurance policy (CGL), this covers the following:
Third-party personal injuries - General liability insurance will cover medical expenses if your special event injured a guest, vendor, or any other third party
Third-party property damage - General liability insurance will reimburse the value of damaged properties owned by guests, vendors, and other third parties, which your special event damaged.
It's become apparent that you can lose your event spot if you fail to present proof of special event general liability insurance as most rental venues won’t offer their services if an event isn’t covered with it.
CGL special event insurance has inclusions available at an additional cost. Such additional inclusions are:
Advertising injury coverage - Advertising injury coverage will cover attorney fees, administrative costs, settlements, and other legal expenses if a third party sues the special event organizer for slander, libel, and other forms of advertising or reputational harm
Rented premises liability coverage - Rented premises liability coverage will reimburse the property owner if a rented venue is damaged during a special event
Another type of special event liability coverage is public liability insurance. This one functions the same as general liability insurance. That is, cover personal injury claims and property damage claims. But still, this coverage is a bit different because you can’t add optional policies to it. Thus, its premiums are cheaper due to the limited protection provided.
Once you purchase special event insurance, you can opt for liquor liability insurance. The latter is an optional coverage that protects the event organizers when a guest sustains personal injuries/property damage or gets overserved with alcohol. Specific costs covered are:
Emergency treatment
Funeral expenses
Reimbursement for damaged properties
Legal costs
The special event liquor liability insurance offers protection for Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB) and open-bar events and should cover any violation of statutes and regulations pertaining to the distribution and use of alcohol.
Also read:
While general liability insurance covers third-party bodily injury and property damage, it doesn't cover employee injuries or illnesses.
A special event workers' compensation insurance protects you from these uncovered liabilities. Particularly, workers' compensation insurance provides coverage for the following:
Medical treatment/procedure - Upon sustaining a work-related injury or disease, an employee of your special event business will surely request you to shoulder the bills for the required medical treatment/procedure. You can turn to workers' compensation insurance for funds and cover the employee’s medical treatment/procedure without spending a single penny
Hospitalization - Workers compensation insurance will help your employee pay bills if a work-related injury or illness needs intensive hospitalization
Medication - Does your employee need money to buy meds? Workers' compensation will help in this case. It can cover all or a portion of the expenses regardless of what medicine an employee needs
Rehabilitation - Your employee might need rehab to fully recover from a work-related injury or illness. Workers' compensation insurance provides the money that can be used to cover therapist fees, rehabilitation equipment, and more
Lost income compensation - Workers’ compensation insurance provides coverage for lost income if your employee can’t work due to a work-related injury or illness. Lost income compensation will be equal to two-thirds or 67% of the average weekly wage. That said, if the average weekly wage is $789, lost income compensation will be $528.63
Death benefits - Workers' compensation insurance provides death benefits if an employee dies from a work-related injury or illness. In practice, it will provide the money for funeral expenses and financial aid to dependents
Cancellation insurance is included in long-term and short-term special event insurance. Understanding how this works is simple. If a special event is canceled due to conflicting schedule, a particular incident, or any other possible causes, cancellation insurance will cover non-refundable expenses such as:
Payments for venue rental
Payments for equipment rental
Expenses for catering service
Expenses for vehicle rental
You will need to rent equipment for a special event. Of course, when rented equipment becomes damaged or lost, you’ll need to reimburse the owner. Special event rental equipment insurance assumes this responsibility for you. It will reimburse or provide replacements if rented equipment becomes damaged or lost due to fire, theft, vandalism, and other covered perils. Common items covered by special event equipment rental insurance are:
Tents
Sound systems
Generators
Lighting
Porta potties
Lighting
Camera
So how much money can you get from special event rental equipment insurance? The amount of coverage is $25,000 - $100,000 depending on the type of event and the equipment rented.
Weddings are monumental to the couple and their families. Given the day's significance, most choose to go big when it comes to the décor, wedding dress, and wedding bands. The eventuality is that you end up forking a huge sum towards the bid day. To avoid this, get special event insurance for weddings.
In this policy, the first inclusion is special event liability insurance for wedding (either public liability insurance or general liability insurance.
General liability insurance will shoulder reimbursements or medical payments if a guest or any other third party sustains property damage or personal injuries during the wedding and decides to file a claim. This can be added with optional policies such as tools and equipment coverage, rented premises liability coverage, and more.
Public liability insurance for weddings also caters to personal injury claims and property damage claims. However, this can’t be added with optional policies unlike general liability insurance.
Host liquor liability insurance will cover medical expenses and reimbursements for property damage if the guests of the wedding got over-served with alcohol, sustained injuries, and then decided to file a claim against the host.
Wedding special event insurance has special coverage as an inclusion. This will cover losses if the wedding rings, attires, gifts, and other items essential for the wedding ceremony become lost or damaged.
1 day special event insurance is a short-term special event insurance policy covering the policyholder holder against personal injury and property damage claims through its general liability coverage. Purchasing this one-day special event insurance policy gives you peace of mind. It is, in fact, the best decision you can ever make for your events. While not legally required, some venues will turn down your business if you do not have it.
One-day special event insurance lasts for 3 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, or 24 hours depending on your needs. The amount of coverage you’ll get is $1 million-$2 million. Optional inclusions are available such as liquor liability insurance and equipment breakdown insurance.
Sports special event insurance is a tailored coverage for basketball, tennis, softball, lacrosse, hockey, soccer, and other sporting events. Inclusions are as follows:
General liability insurance is a primary inclusion in sports special event insurance. This has a $3 million aggregate limit and a $1 million per accident limit. This insurance only covers participating teams. You need to purchase endorsements so that spectators and other third parties are included in the terms of the policy. General liability insurance for sports special events can also have an optional products and completed operations coverage and liquor liability coverage.
Rain, missed delivery of materials and goods, missed schedules, and other similar exposures will cause the cancellation or postponement of your sports event. In connection, cancellation, postponement, and abandonment insurance will recoup non-refundable expenses.
Of course, you’ll have to hire individuals to realize the sports event. Those working for you might sue for negligence after sustaining injuries due to a work-related accident. Employer’s liability insurance will provide a helping hand by covering attorney fees, settlements, administrative costs, and other legal expenses.
Your sports event will utilize equipment. This is why you need equipment insurance. Equipment insurance will recoup losses or provide reimbursements if the equipment for your sports event becomes lost or damaged due to fire, theft, vandalism, and other covered perils.
Non-profit event liability insurance takes care of the perils general liability insurance can’t take care of on behalf of non-profit organizations. This will cover property damage or personal injuries resulting from fundraisers, shows, and other activities non-profits usually host.
Non-profit special event insurance can offer exhibitor liability coverage for non-profits that do exhibitions. Perils covered are personal injury and property damage claims. Stakeholders can be named as additional insureds such as associations, municipalities, and hotels.
Cancellation insurance will cover non-refundable expenses if a non-profit’s special event becomes canceled due to rain, missed delivery of materials, and other uncontrollable circumstances. Particularly, this will cover what was spent on food, transportation, equipment rentals, etc.
Special event liability insurance cost vary depending on various factors, including the type of event, its duration, and the number of participants. Typically, a special event insurance premium will set you back at $150 for a one day coverage. Long-term coverage, on the other hand, costs $75 per month or $900 per year. Consider searching for special event insurance online, as you'll likely get a cheap special event insurance quote. That said,, the table below shows the rates of the best options.
| Cost for One Day Coverage | Best for | |
|---|---|---|
| CoverWallet | $35 | Special event liability insurance quotes comparison online |
| State Farm | $41 | Custom special event insurance |
| Aflac | $45 | Basic special event insurance |
| K&K | $52 | Comprehensive special event general liability insurance |
| USAA | $56 | Special event insurance with engagement ring coverage |
| Nationwide | $68 | Special event insurance that provides immediate replacement for damaged items |
| Markel | $75 | Special event cancellation insurance with low deductibles |
| PAL | $75 | Special event general liability insurance with tailored party alcohol liability coverage |
| Liberty Mutual | $78 | Special event insurance with fast claims process |
| Allstate | $89 | Special event insurance for weddings, business meetings, parties, and corporate events |
| ACORD | $95 | Animal show special event insurance |
| BCAA | $96 | Special event insurance for social events, trade shows, and sports tournaments |
| Tulip | $100 | Special event insurance with terms that comply with rental agreements |
| Progressive | $105 | Special event cancellation insurance |
| Abacus | $110 | Special event insurance with no exclusions on the number of attendees |
| AMA | $112 | Non profit event insurance |
| USLI | $118 | Special event insurance for weddings, main events, and golf events |
| Geico | $130 | Wedding special event insurance with a 15% discount |
| AAA | $160 | Special event insurance for dance marathons, auto shows, raves, and festivals |
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Here's a breakdown of the best special events insurance companies based on a thorough evaluation of event insurers in the market today. The evaluation included an analysis of the coverage types offered by each and their quotes. Further, their customer service was scrutinized, particularly the ease of obtaining a quote and subsequent purchase of the coverage. Read the reviews below to know the best companies' pros, cons, and pricing for a one-day coverage.
Has an online platform for you Compare quotes to find the best coverage
Cancel a policy anytime
Live insurance agents
Pay for premiums online
Not an insurance company but an insurance broker
CoverWallet is an insurance broker selling a tailored special event insurance offering general liability coverage, liquor liability coverage, rental equipment insurance, and cancellation coverage. Work with CoverWallet because it receives payments online, allows you to get an instant certificate of insurance, allows you to add additional insureds for free online, and doesn’t mind if you cancel a policy at the spur of the moment.
By the way, CoverWallet has an online quotes comparison platform you can use to find carriers offering special event insurance. All you have to do is provide basic business information and special event insurance quotes will be sent.
Best for: Special event liability insurance quote comparison online
Average cost: $35 for one-day coverage
Our rating: 10/10
Coverage across the 50 states
You can customize your coverage
24/7 customer service
You can only purchase coverage from the company or available agents
Founded in 1922, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance company's goal is to help its customers manage the risks they face every day. As a top provider of special events insurance, State Farm handles an average of 39,000 claims a day across the 50 states. It has a customer base of more than 85 million policyholders.
Best for: Custom special event insurance
Average cost: $41 for one-day coverage
Our rating: 9/10
USAA's liability coverage protects the insured party during rehearsals carried out 48 hours before the event
Provisions for engagement ring insurance
Money-back guarantee
Available for USAA members only, including military personnel, veterans, reservists, and their family members
USAA offers affordable liability policies tailored specifically to the realities of life in the military. These policies cover all events within the States and its territories and include events on cruise ships. You can purchase the special event policy a day before the event.
Best for: Special event insurance with engagement ring coverage
Average cost: $56 for one-day coverage
Our rating: 9/10
Exceptional financial rating
Multiple levels of coverage with the possibility of customization
Limited accessibility due to poor online interaction
No online quote options
Aflac is the county's major supplemental insurance provider for individuals and groups. It has been in practice for over six decades, offering more than 50 million people worldwide financial protection during special events.
Best for: Basic special event insurance
Average cost: $45 for one-day coverage
Our rating: 9/10
Cheap event cancellation coverage
Liability limit starts at $500,000
15% discount for purchasing wedding liability and cancellation coverage concurrently
You can purchase up to $2 million in coverage a day before the event
Mandate that the event cancellation policy be purchased at least 15 days before cancellation
Cancellation insurance doesn't cover infectious diseases
No online quotes
Doesn’t offer non-profit special event insurance
Geico, short for Government Employee Insurance Company, is a leading insurer covering special events. Geico's special event insurance can be purchased as far back as two weeks before the event and should cover the non-refundable deposits, any cancellation fees inquired, and bodily harm or property damage during the event.
Note that the Geico special events coverage doesn't cover events including:
Sporting events
Events that feature firearms, explosives, etc
Paid attendance events such as concerts
Best for: Wedding special event insurance with a 15% discount
Average cost: $130 for one-day coverage
Our rating: 8/10
Covers over 400 types of events
A 5% discount when you purchase the policy directly from Progressive
Cancellation insurance as special coverage
Mixed feedback on customer service
Founded in 1937, the Progressive Insurance Company is a long-standing insurer with over 80 years of experience in the insurance ecosystem. Highly rated by AM Best and the BBB, Progressive offers a wide range of special events coverage policies. Their online claims reporting, online premium payments, and live chatbots make Progressive special events coverage services highly accessible to customers.
Best for: Special event cancellation insurance
Average cost: $105 for one-day coverage
Our rating: 8/10
A 15% discount if you purchase general liability and cancellation policies at the same time
Deductibles can be as low as $25 for cancellation policies
Cancelation coverage that covers the all the 50 U.S states and other international destinations
Liability coverage doesn't cover international destinations
A $300 limit on the loss of cash gifts
With over 15 years of experience, Markel has curated two low-cost event policies: Event liability insurance and cancelation coverage. You can purchase these just a day before your event, and your venue can be named as an additional insured within the certificate of insurance without incurring additional costs.
Best for: Special event cancellation insurance with low deductibles
Average cost: $75 for one-day coverage
Our rating: 8/10
A Protection Plan for as low as $160
Provides reimbursement for non-recoverable expenses due to honorees unexpectedly being called in for active duty
Covers repair or replacement costs for damaged gifts
Covers sudden illness that results in postponement of the event
With the Protection Plan, you get vendor liability coverage
You can only purchase the coverage through an agent
American Automobile Association (AAA) offers a collection of branded products to protect you during special events. While the average premium is considerably higher than the rest within the list, AAA offers various discounts to help customers save money on the initial premium. AAA special event insurance covers:
Dance marathons
Auto shows
Events with fireworks and real ammunition, including historical re-enactments
Raves and festivals
Best for: Special event insurance for dance marathons, auto shows, raves, and festivals
Average cost: $160 for one-day coverage
Our rating: 8/10
Up to $10,000,000 in liability limits
Host Liquor Liability is included in the cover
Longer than the standard claim processing time
Poor customer service with long phone wait times
BCAA was founded in 1906 as an affiliate of The Victoria Automobile Club and was meant to help motoring enthusiasts and hobbyists with vehicle breakdowns. Over the years, BCAA has evolved to be a trusted brand that offers special event insurance, car insurance, and other insurance products
The special events covered include:
Social events like birthday parties, weddings, and reunions
Business events like trade shows
Sporting events, including tournaments
Policyholders can also get the event cancellation insurance that'll cushion them if an event is canceled.
Best for: Special event insurance for social events, trade shows, and sports tournaments
Average cost: $96 for one-day coverage
Our rating: 8/10
Insurance coverage curated to meet the contractual insurance requirements within a rental agreement
Host liquor liability is included
Hired and non-owned automobile liability is included
Additional premium required for terrorism coverage
Premiums are typically calculated for events lasting 1 to 4 days, with additional days attracting additional premium
Tenant Users Liability Insurance Policy (TULIP) is a simple coverage for venue owners who need cover from third-party liability. This cover provides the perfect insurance for the lessee subject to the venue's requirements.
Best for: Special event insurance with terms that comply with rental agreements
Average cost: $100 for one-day coverage
Our rating: 8/10
Coverage for over 200 types of events
A maximum event duration of 90 days
No attendance maximum
Compensation limitations for theft of cash, checks, and other monitory gifts
Abacus Insurance Brokers offer single event and multiple event insurance coverage for plays, concerts, weddings, and other sporting events. Policyholders will pay premiums either per event or annually, reducing the premiums paid per month.
Best for: Special event insurance with no exclusions on the number of attendees
Average cost: $110 for one-day coverage
Our rating: 8/10
Special event insurance policy includes general and liquor liability as well as medical payments for bodily injury
Covers upwards of 10,000 guests
Flexible terms depending on the duration of the event
Purchasing of USLI special event insurance can only happen through an agent
Not designed for smaller events
USLI provides coverage for weddings, main events, and golf events. Inclusions are general liability insurance and liquor liability insurance. Note that this company only provides coverage if an event doesn’t have more than 20,000 guests.
Best for: Special event insurance for weddings, main events, and golf events
Average cost: $118 for one-day coverage
Our rating: 8/10
Coverage extends to 29 countries
Wide breadth of coverage
Quick and efficient claim resolution
Great mobile app accessibility
Doesn't cover damage deemed as resulting from intentional acts or caused by certain vehicle types
Liberty Mutual ranked at position 78 on the U.S. Fortune list in 2021, given that it was the 6th largest global property and causality insurer in 2021. Since its inception in 1912, the insurer's goal has been to provide comprehensive solutions for complex risks. The company's workers' compensation coverage stands out the most as it takes on a holistic strategy when compensating for unforeseen W.C. challenges.
Best for: Special event insurance with fast claims process
Average cost: $78 for one-day coverage
Our rating: 7/10
Events with firework displays and bonfires are insured
Worker compensation with a $1 million compensation limit
Liquor Liability is included
Online account access to special event policy
ACORD's not BBB accredited
The Association of Corporative Operations Research and Development (ACORD) is an NGO that offers, among others, special event insurance and Commercial General Liability. These two are instrumental when it comes to covering your business from the financial liability of property damage during the event.
ACORD's special event insurance covers ticket shows, including concerts, animal shows, and motorized vehicle shows. The provider's selling point is that they offer superior coverage and support for a multitude of events.
Best for: Animal show special event insurance
Average cost: $95 for one-day coverage
Our rating: 7/10
Offers special insurance for sports, recreation, and entertainment
A wide range of products competitively priced
Underwrites general liability insurance offering specialized coverage such as liquor liability coverage, motorsports liability coverage, liquor liability coverage, etc
Poor customer service
K & K insurance company was founded in 1952 and has grown to be one of the country's most sought-after Managing General Underwriters. The BBB accredited has an extensive network of independent insurance agents whose prowess in, among others, online claims reporting has earned the insurer an A+ rating.
Note that this general liability insurance coverage offers protection for events with less than 12,000 participants.
Best for: Comprehensive special event general liability insurance
Average cost: $52 for one-day coverage
Our rating: 6/10
Offers an Exhibitor Coverage that protects individuals or businesses with a kiosk at a market, mall, or outdoor event
Covers contests and other ticket events and performances
General Liability coverage includes a Party Alcohol Liability
Longer than the standard quote turnaround time
PAL Insurance is a specialty broker operating in Canada that offers, among others, special events liability, party alcohol liability, and other special events insurance covers. Since its establishment in 1989, PAL Insurance has insured thousands of events throughout Canada. Their general liability and property coverage stand out as the insurer is famed for having a knack for identifying the specific needs for each type of event.
Best for: Special event general liability insurance with tailored party alcohol liability coverage
Average cost: $75 for one-day coverage
Our rating: 6/10
Online quotes available
Customizable offerings
No one-day insurance coverage for sporting events or events with over 500 attendees
Allstate is a nationwide national insurance service provider that offers special events coverage for weddings, business meetings, parties, and corporate events. The insurer offers two broad products-event cancellations and event liability coverage.
Best for: Special event insurance for weddings, business meetings, parties, and corporate events
Average cost: $89 for one-day coverage
Our rating: 6/10
Offers coverage as standard, which would have otherwise attracted an extra charge from other insurers
Various discounts on offer
Exemplary customer service
Limited coverage with Alaska, Hawaii, and Louisiana excluded
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, often shortened to Nationwide, was founded in1924 and, with time, has become one of the ten most revered insurers. The special event insurance coverage from Nationwide stands out as it includes a brand-new belongings clause that ensures you are paid enough to restore the damaged property or replace it with a brand new item if you see fit.
Best for: Special event insurance that provides immediate replacement for damaged items
Average cost: $68 for one-day coverage
Our rating: 6/10
A maximum limit of up to $5 million for event liability coverage
Events featuring open or cash bars get a Liquor Coverage
Limited to events carried out in Canada
A minimum deductible of $1000
No money-back guarantees or refunds for event liability insurance
American Medical Association (AMA) has been in operation since 1847. Its special event liability insurance covers personal and public events including weddings, reunions, award presentations, charity auctions, and fundraisers.
Best for: Nonprofit event insurance
Average cost: $112 for one-day coverage
Our rating: 6/10
Your special event liability insurance will come with a certificate of insurance. This will show how much coverage is provided. Optional inclusions will be shown too. Note that your certificate of insurance is either available as a document in paper format or digital format.
Special event insurance is a coverage for those organizing sports events, graduations, camping events, musicals, festivals, and more. Particularly, this is useful for event planners, associations, companies, and other similar entities.
This all depends on the insurance company you decide to work with. There are carriers whose special event insurance has a waiver of subrogation to be availed at an additional cost. As for others, their special event insurance doesn't have this.
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