Hosting an event this summer? Here is what you need to know.

Ah, summer! What a great time to bring people together to celebrate. From weddings, socials, and family reunions to the many festivals we all enjoy, our summer calendars tend to fill up quickly.

We all envision a picture perfect day for our special event but sometimes things can go wrong. We developed this article to help you understand your legal responsibility should things go sideways at your event.

What can possibly go wrong at my event?

You never know when the unexpected is going to happen.  We have seen it all:

• Event tent blows into the Red River
• Someone slips on the dance floor from water leaking from a cooler
• Gifts mysteriously disappear from a wedding reception
• Or something more catastrophic resulting from alcohol impairment

As a host or organizer, you can be held financially responsible for the fall out from these types of occurrences.  It’s bad enough if someone is hurt in the process. In addition, the financial impact can be substantial if not devastating.

Who should purchase event insurance?

Individuals and organizations planning single or multi-day events should consider this coverage.  In most cases, your rented venue will want to see proof of insurance and your contract with them will clearly state that they have no liability for injuries or damage. Check your venue contract carefully to understand your responsibility.

Note that this coverage is not for professional event planners.  If you plan events and conferences for others, you will require a professional liability insurance policy.

What types of events would typically require event liability insurance?

• ‍Weddings
• ‍Socials
• ‍Beer gardens
• ‍Birthday parties
• Retirement Dinners

For any event, you are planning that is at a rented facility and particularly if you are serving alcohol, you will want to be certain to purchase event liability insurance. You will want both a valid liquor licence and event insurance that includes liquor liability.

How much does event liability insurance cost?

If you have been preparing for a beautiful summer or fall wedding over the past months, you will know the cost of such an event runs into the tens of thousands.  Event insurance can cost as little as $100 for a one-day event policy, about the same cost as only four bottles of the wine that you’re planning on serving at dinner! After all, you have done to prepare for your special day, event insurance will protect you financially from things that could go wrong.

What does event insurance cover?

Event insurance will cover you and any volunteers assisting with your event. In insurance-speak, the coverage includes:

• From $1million to $5million liability coverage
• Host liquor liability
• Tenant legal liability
• Medical payments
• Non-owned auto

In other words, this coverage will ensure that should any mishap occur that causes damage or injury, you will have financial protection if you are deemed liable.

Is there special coverage for wedding events?

If you are planning your wedding and related events, first off, congratulations! What an exciting time for you!  And yes, we can offer a specialized wedding package that provides everything listed above and much more so that all that is left to do is enjoy your day!

Wedding event liability insurance, in addition to the above, includes:

• Up to three 24 hour periods of coverage to cover multiple events, including the big day itself
• Cancellation insurance for wedding and honeymoon
• Loss of deposit should any booked vendor go out of business
• Bridal attire
• Wedding rings for seven days prior and during the event
• Wedding cake and flowers
• Wedding Stationery
• Rented property such as outdoor shelters, tables, chairs, a/v equipment
• Mysterious disappearance for gifts

Get that coverage and enjoy your day!

Sometimes things can happen unexpectedly.  If something unfortunate should occur at your special event, at least with event liability insurance, you are protected from financial loss.  Its one way you can start to relax and enjoy your upcoming event!