Insurance Requirements for Event Organisers

As an event organiser there are sure to be plenty of things on your to-do list. From choosing the right venue, to selecting suppliers, to picking the best date, there is a lot to consider. One of those things that shouldn’t be forgot is cover for event cancellation.

But knowing exactly how insurance for event organisers protects you can be confusing. We’ve broken down the types of one off event cover and what makes up a typical policy.

 

Public Liability

This is the main aspect of many insurance policies designed to cover event planners. Public liability insurance for events is designed to cover you should a third-party suffer property damage or accidental injury.

Of course, most events should be set up to ensure the safety of its visitors, but accidents do happen. This could involve someone tripping on wiring and injuring themselves, or some unsecured stage design falling on a visitor.

If something of this kind occurred at your event, that third party may opt to sue you. Having event liability insurance in place will ensure that your defence costs are taken care of by your insurance policy. Should you and your event be found to be liable, the cover will handle the settlement that follows.

 

Employers’ Liability

As well as the event attendees it is also important to ensure the safety of those working on the day. Should a member of staff suffer an injury and blame it on the negligence of the event organiser, legal proceedings could ensue.

With employers’ liability in place not only will the costs associated with defending you as an organiser be covered, but so too will any compensation payout that is deemed necessary to the staff member.

It’s also important to remember that anyone working on the event, whether they are a paid employee or a volunteer, can take action and it is a legal requirement to have employers’ liability in place. The only exemption in this case is if the workers are bona-fide sub-contractors that hold their own public liability insurance.

 

Cancellation Cover

The most obvious thing that could see you suffering financial loss is if you have to cancel the day altogether. As organiser, it is likely that you will have paid deposits (or possibly even the full amount) to secure your event; and sometimes this money is non-refundable.

Thankfully, having event cancellation insurance in place will ensure that you are not left out of pocket if your event is cancelled, postponed or abandoned for adverse weather scenarios.

With many events taking place in the notoriously untrustworthy British summertime we can include adverse weather protection in the cancellation section of your policy.

 

Equipment Cover

The value of equipment used a different events will vary wildly. For example, a local craft fair will usually not need to protect as much equipment as a small music festival. Regardless of the type of event you are organising it is always worth taking out protection for it.

Most insurance policies will protect you against accidental damage, loss and theft of the equipment that is vital to the smooth operation of your event.

And with many events hiring equipment such as sound systems, marquees and other expensive items, having event equipment cover that includes hired equipment is also advised.

Whenever insuring equipment it is vital that event organisers do not under insure their equipment. In the event of loss this could mean you are not able to recoup the full value of your equipment.

 

How can you get event insurance?

Protectivity’s One Off Event Insurance can include cover for all of the above and is available with instant, competitive quotes. If you’re not the event organiser, but someone selling at an event, then our Stallholder Insurance might be more suitable.

Get Event Insurance from Protectivity

 

 

*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. 

Recent Blogs

Salon Startup Costs: Budgeting beyond the basics Image

Business

Salon Startup Costs: Budgeting beyond the basics

With beauty services in consistent demand, salon ownership is still an attractive business opportunity. The Briti

11 mins read

Public Liability vs Professional Indemnity: Getting the right insurance Image

Business

Public Liability vs Professional Indemnity: Getting the right insurance

Getting the right business insurance is a stepping stone worth putting some time into. The details might seem dul

Managing risk in your beauty salon Image

Business

Managing risk in your beauty salon

For many salon owners, the biggest risks aren't always the most obvious.  While preventing slips, trips or

How much can bad reviews cost your business? Image

Business

How much can bad reviews cost your business?

Understand the real impact on sales, reputation; and why your response matters most  For many trades and servi

Understanding business risks before they become costly problems Image

Business

Understanding business risks before they become costly problems

Today's economic landscape presents new challenges for businesses. Rising employment costs, increasing overheads

10 mins read

Food safety during heatwaves: Practical tips to prevent stock loss Image

Caterer

Food safety during heatwaves: Practical tips to prevent stock loss

Food safety during heatwaves hit the headlines in June 2026, when supermarkets across the UK were forced to dispo

12 mins read

Can self-employed people get sick pay? Financial support, benefits and protection explained in 2026 Image

Business

Can self-employed people get sick pay? Financial support, benefits and protection explained in 2026

If you're employed and wake up too ill to work, you may still receive some income through Statutory Sick Pay or a

11 mins read

Tool Theft in 2026: Why every tradesperson should be recording tool serial numbers Image

Trades

Tool Theft in 2026: Why every tradesperson should be recording tool serial numbers

For self-employed tradespeople, tools are not just kit. They are what keep jobs moving, customers happy and money

How to start a mobile sandwich business in the UK Image

Business

How to start a mobile sandwich business in the UK

Based on UK small business and catering industry requirements For many aspiring business owners, it’s not ju

11 mins read

Rules for Apprenticeships in Small Businesses Image

Laws, rules and regulations

Rules for Apprenticeships in Small Businesses

Taking on an apprentice can be a great way for small businesses to grow their team while developing new talent.

Simply find the insurance you need.