Planning a large event brings planning, cost, and risk close together. A wedding, corporate conference, festival, or birthday party all ask for many choices. In this post, we list event insurance options in the U.S. to help you choose the right mix and feel safe.
See our comprehensive 2025 review of all the major U.S. event insurance companies:
What Is Event Insurance and Why Do You Need It?
Event insurance helps event hosts when damage, or other unplanned hits. Without insurance, you may face heavy costs if plans break apart.
Risks include:
- Event stops or delays when weather, sickness, or absent vendors intervene
- Injury to guests or other people
- Damage at the venue or to rented items
- Theft
Buying event insurance early in your plans can cut risks and let you work on a great event.
Types of Event Insurance Options to Consider
The right event insurance starts with knowing the types that exist:
1. Event Cancellation Insurance
This type holds your deposits and any costs that you cannot get back when an event stops or delays because of reasons like bad weather, someone key falling ill, or missed vendors.
2. General Liability Insurance
This insurance covers claims of physical harm or damage that others bring during your event. For example, if a guest slips and gets hurt, this plan helps with the cost of care and legal bills.
3. Property Insurance
When you rent items, decorations, sound and video systems, or other costly gear, this plan keeps you safe from loss or breakage. This type matters a lot when you plan events outdoors where weather may act up.
4. Liquor Liability Insurance
If you plan to serve alcohol, this plan may be required by the venue. It guards you if a guest drinks too much and then causes harm or damages property.
5. Workers’ Compensation Insurance
When you hire temporary staff or contractors, workers’ comp steps in to cover injuries or sickness that happen on the job.
Key Factors When Choosing Event Insurance Options
Find the strongest plan by keeping these points close:
- Event type and scale: Big festivals need more wide plans than small parties.
- Venue rules: Many venues fix a need for set types and limits.
- Planned activities: Acts like fireworks or rides call for extra guards.
- Cost: Compare rates but do not cut back on needed cover.
- What is left out: Check what is not in the plan to avoid sudden traps.
How to Purchase the Right Event Insurance Options
Follow these steps to lock in your cover:
- Look at your risks: Note any weak links based on your event.
- Get several quotes: Use event insurance experts or known companies.
- Check the words: Read cancellation points and plan limits with care.
- Share true facts: Give all event details so the plan fits.
- Buy early: Secure insurance when you book deposits—some plans do not mend pre-set issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Event Insurance Options
Q1: What types do I need for a wedding?
Most weddings need general liability insurance. If alcohol shows up, think of a plan for liquor. For rented gear or show pieces, include property cover.
Q2: Can I get plans for a one-day festival?
Yes, many firms show short-term plans for festivals. Look at cancellation and harm cover, with extra shields for weather if needed.
Q3: What does event insurance cost?
Costs change with event scale, plan limits, and risks but usually run from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Sorting through many quotes helps find the best price.
Our Top Picks For Liability Coverage
Be sure to check your venue’s insurance requirements before securing a policy!
GatherGuard
Starts at $75 for $1M/$2M GL coverage
Min. Damage to rented premises limit: $250,000 (Upgrade to $1M for $25+)
Medical expense limit: Not included
Waiver of Subrogation Endorsement: No
Primary Noncontributory Endorsement: No
Free quote feature available
SpecialInsurance.com
Starts at $160 for $1M/$2M GL coverage
Min. Damage to rented premises limit: $300,000 (Upgrade to $1M for $75)
Medical expense limit: $5,000
Waiver of Subrogation Endorsement: Yes
Primary Noncontributory Endorsement: Yes
Free quote feature available
Coverage can extend beyond midnight depending on state liquor laws, in which case only 1 day of coverage is required