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Special Event Liability Insurance - Let us find your best coverage - one-day and short-term event coverage
Most venues require a certificate before you can book, and carriers price event coverage on attendance, duration, alcohol and the activities planned. Send us a few details and we will shop 50+ carriers for your best rate – no cost, no obligation. Prefer to talk? Call 800-616-3490.
Special Event Liability Quote Request
Applicant Information:
Have these handy
- Event dates, setup and teardown times
- Venue contract with insurance requirements
- Expected attendance
- List of activities and vendors
Related coverage
Coverage details
What Special Event Liability coverage includes
Special event insurance covers a single event or a short series of events, from a wedding or birthday party to a festival, fundraiser or trade show. Most venues, parks and cities require a certificate of insurance before your event, often naming them as additional insureds. We quote quickly and can usually issue the certificate as soon as coverage is bound.
- General liability - Guest injuries and damage to the venue during your event.
- Host liquor liability - Claims tied to alcohol you serve or that is served at the event.
- Damage to rented premises - Damage you cause to the hall, park or facility you rented.
- Additional insureds - Certificates naming the venue, city or sponsor as required.
- Event cancellation - Lost deposits when weather or a vendor forces a cancellation.
- Vendor and exhibitor coverage - Liability for vendors or exhibitors who do not carry their own.
- Multi-day and recurring events - Coverage for weekend festivals, seasonal markets and event series.
Good to know: quote at least two weeks out. Many venues need the certificate before final payment, and some carriers will not bind inside 7 days.
Not covered: fireworks, inflatables, mechanical rides, contact sports and animal acts unless added by endorsement, plus injuries to your own volunteers on many policies.
Insurance Application:
Special Event Liability
Required forms
Special Event Liability Supplemental Application (PDF)
Event supplements (add any that apply)
Weddings & Private Events (Venue) (PDF)
Wedding / Special Event (Personal) (PDF)
Social Host Liquor Liability (PDF)
Download, complete and email to info@societiesinsurance.com, or attach them with your quote request. More options are listed below.
Contact details
Prefer to talk?
- Toll-Free: 800-616-3490
- East Coast: 706-550-4418
- West Coast: 206-755-0101
- info@societiesinsurance.com
- Mon-Fri 8:00am - 6:00pm, Sat 9:00am - 12:00pm
Event insurance explained
How special event insurance works
Event coverage protects you, as the host or organizer, from claims arising during your event and from financial losses if it cannot go on.
General liability
Guest injuries and property damage at the event, usually $1,000,000 per occurrence.
Host liquor liability
Claims tied to alcohol served at the event when you are not in the business of selling it.
Damage to rented premises
Damage you or your guests cause to the hall, park or facility.
Additional insureds
Certificates naming the venue, city, school or sponsor as their contract requires.
Event cancellation
Lost deposits and costs if severe weather, illness or a vendor failure forces cancellation.
Property and equipment
Rented equipment, decorations, gifts and sound or stage gear.
Selling alcohol? If you sell tickets that include drinks or charge for alcohol, you need liquor liability, not just host liquor, and possibly a temporary liquor permit. Tell us how alcohol will be served so the policy matches.
Planning
What we need to quote your event
Event details
- Event type, date or dates, and location
- Expected attendance
- Whether alcohol is served, sold or BYOB
- Activities such as music, dancing, games or sports
- Venue certificate and additional insured requirements
Common event types we cover
- Weddings, receptions and anniversaries
- Birthday, graduation and holiday parties
- Festivals, concerts and fairs
- Fundraisers, galas and charity runs
- Trade shows, conferences and expos
- Sports tournaments and youth events
Planning events regularly? Event planners, venues and organizations that host many events usually save with an annual policy instead of buying coverage one event at a time. See Event Planners and Event Venues.
Event options
Find the right event coverage
Start with the special event application, then add any supplement that fits your event.
Personal and private events
Wedding / Special Event (Personal)
Weddings and personal celebrations.
Get a quote Supplemental application (PDF)Social Host Liquor Liability
Host liquor for private parties.
Get a quote Supplemental application (PDF)Public and commercial events
Annual coverage for event businesses
Weddings & Private Events (Venue)
Event venues and banquet halls.
Get a quote Supplemental application (PDF)Liquor Liability
Liquor liability for businesses that sell alcohol.
Get a quote Supplemental application (PDF)Excess / Umbrella (Commercial)
Higher limits for large events.
Get a quote Supplemental application (PDF)This is a general overview. Coverage, availability and pricing vary by state, carrier and policy, and the policy itself controls. Questions? Call 800-616-3490.