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Mandy has been with Starpeak Insurance Solutions since 2018, starting in sales in the consumer department and mov...
Mandy has been with Starpeak Insurance Solutions since 2018, starting in sales in the consumer department and moved to underwriting in early 2022. Prior to this her insurance journey started in 2001 with equine insurance in sales and latterly as a claims assessor. She gained her Cert CII qualification in late 2022.
If you are planning a private party and are uncertain about whether you need public liability insurance, then this guide will help to answer your questions.
Here at Protectivity, we specialise in providing insurance for events. Whether you need party insurance or cover for an anniversary celebration, we’ll likely have a policy suitable for your needs.
What is Public Liability Insurance?
Public Liability insurance covers you if a third party makes a claim against you in the unfortunate situation that an individual is killed or injured at your party as a result of your actions. Potential legal costs and any compensation claims can run into the thousands so a Public Liability insurance policy will protect you.
What does Public Liability Insurance cover?
Public Liability Insurance will protect you in the event that a claim is made against you for accidental bodily injury or damage to third party equipment. Legal fees and potential compensation costs will all be covered by the policy.
Have a look around the venue and if they have recycling bins, water fountains or jugs instead of plastic bottles etc then they could be a good venue to partner with.
In what circumstances would I need Public Liability Insurance?
Businesses will require Public Liability insurance as standard to protect them if a member of the public or an employee has an accident. Businesses or individuals organising events are also likely to need Public Liability cover to protect them if a third party makes a claim following injury as a result of an accident during the event.
Why do I need Public Liability Insurance cover?
Public Liability Insurance covers a range of potential accidents that can occur.
Accidents as a result of disrepair
If there is an accident due to an item of broken furniture or someone trips over some carpet that hasn’t been secured properly then you could be liable for costs as a result of a claim made by a third party.
Hazards
Despite all your planning and risk assessment for your party, accidents cannot always be predicted and if there is an accident as a result of something being dropped or broken then a claim could be made against you. For example, if a party guest spills a drink over a speaker that you have hired and causes damage then this would be covered.
Slips and falls
A simple slip or fall might be unavoidable but any injury that is caused can result in a claim being made against you. So, if a party guest trips over a cable and sues you for the resulting injury then a Public Liability insurance policy would cover these costs for you.
Damage
This policy will also cover any costs as a result of an accident which may cause damage to equipment at the party venue. So, if a table that you have hired is damaged as the result of an accident then you will be covered for this.
Do I need Public Liability Insurance for a private party?
The chances are that you will have invested both time and money in putting on a party. An accident resulting in a claim against you from a third party could result in significant costs which you are unlikely to have planned for. By taking out a Public Liability insurance policy, you can have peace of mind that should a situation happen, you are protected from having to pay these costs.
Some venues even require you to have a policy. Often you will find that as part of the terms of hiring a hall, space or any other area, you will be required to have a certain level of Public Liability protection in place. It’s always best to check with your venue if you need a specific amount of coverage.
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*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date.
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My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.
For the small businesses we support, insurance and financial protection can sometimes seem complicated, especially when getting started. That’s why our content is designed to be clear and practical—providing helpful guidance and ensuring our customers not only find the specialist cover they require but are confident it will do the job they need.
