Special event insurance for galas, festivals and gatherings
Venues, cities and sponsors usually require proof of insurance before an event can go ahead. We place short-term event coverage for nonprofits, businesses and organizers, from a one-night fundraiser to a multi-day festival.
Events of many shapes and sizes
Nonprofit fundraisers
Galas, auctions, golf tournaments and benefit dinners.
Corporate events
Conferences, holiday parties, product launches and client events.
Festivals and concerts
Outdoor events with vendors, stages and crowds.
Trade shows and expos
Exhibitor booths and shows with exhibitor insurance requirements.
Community events
Street fairs, farmers markets, parades and races.
Private celebrations
Weddings, reunions and milestone parties at rented venues.
What an event program can include
Event coverage is often short-term and tailored to the dates. Forms and exclusions vary by carrier and policy.
Event general liability
Injuries to attendees and damage to the venue or others' property arising from the event.
Additional insured for the venue
Most venue and city permits require you to name them as additional insureds.
Assault and battery
Often excluded or sublimited on event policies; important for concerts and events with alcohol.
Hired and non-owned auto
Liability when staff or volunteers drive rented or personal vehicles for the event.
Host liquor liability
For events where alcohol is provided but not sold. Often included in event general liability.
Liquor liability
For events where alcohol is sold, including under a special occasion license. Usually a separate coverage.
Rented equipment
Tents, staging, sound, lighting and auction items in your care.
Event cancellation
Lost deposits and expenses if a covered cause forces cancellation or postponement. Communicable disease is commonly excluded.
Weather
Adverse weather coverage, either within cancellation or as a separate policy with defined triggers.
Participant accident
Medical coverage for participants in races, tournaments and athletic events.
Workers' compensation
For your employees working the event. Volunteers are treated differently by state; ask us.
Permits for serving alcohol at an event
In Washington, the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) offers several one-time options. The two most common for events are:
- Banquet permit — for private, invitation-only gatherings held in a public place or business, such as a company party or wedding. Alcohol cannot be sold: no separate charge for alcohol and no donations, and the event may not be open or advertised to the public. The LCB lists the fee as $25 per day.
- Special occasion license — for bona fide nonprofit organizations that want to sell spirits, beer and wine by the individual serving for on-premises consumption at a specific date, time and place, such as a gala or auction. The LCB lists the fee as $90 per day, per location, with a limit of 12 single-day events per calendar year.
Check the LCB's current rules and fees before you apply. If alcohol is sold, plan for liquor liability coverage; if a licensed caterer or bartending service serves, require their liquor liability certificate naming you and the venue.
An event insurance checklist
Read the venue contract
Note required limits, additional insureds, waiver of subrogation and the deadline for certificates.
Decide on alcohol
Hosted or sold, who serves, and which permit applies. This drives the liquor coverage you need.
Collect vendor certificates
Caterers, bartenders, security, rental companies and entertainers should carry their own coverage and name you.
Bind cancellation early
Cancellation coverage generally can't be bought once a threat to the event is known, so arrange it while planning the budget.
Special event questions
Does my business liability policy cover events we host?
It may cover events that are part of your normal operations, but a large or unusual event, a different location or alcohol sales can fall outside it. Check with us before signing the venue contract.
What's the difference between host liquor and liquor liability?
Host liquor liability typically covers you when alcohol is served at your event but you are not in the business of selling it. If alcohol is sold, including under a special occasion license, liquor liability coverage is generally needed.
How soon do I need coverage in place?
Most venues require a certificate before the event, sometimes weeks in advance. Liability can often be arranged quickly; cancellation coverage should be arranged early in planning.
Does event cancellation cover illness outbreaks?
Communicable disease is commonly excluded. Some carriers offer limited coverage for an added premium. Read the exclusions before you rely on it.
Are volunteers covered?
Volunteers may be included as insureds for liability while acting on your behalf, depending on the form. Injury to volunteers themselves is handled differently, and accident coverage for volunteers is available.
We hold the same event every year. Is there a simpler option?
Organizations with recurring events can often add them to an annual policy rather than buying coverage event by event. We'll compare both.
Get a special event quote
Send the event date, venue, expected attendance, activities, alcohol plans and the venue's insurance requirements.
Coverage descriptions are general summaries for education. They are not legal, tax or coverage advice, a statement of coverage, an offer or a binder. Permit fees and rules are summarized from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board and may change. Coverage, limits and eligibility are governed by the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policies issued and are subject to underwriting.