Organising an event of any size takes a lot of hard work, time and dedication, and is stressful enough without the additional worry of how to cope should things go wrong. Specialist leisure and activity event insurance can protect you should you encounter any unexpected issues, such as an accident, damage to a person or property, bad weather, or even when you must cancel the event completely.

With the Met Office recently reporting that ‘extreme weather is the UK’s new normal, we’re now on the precipice of autumn and winter when adverse weather can be more common, and some events will take place in darkness, such as Bonfire Night, festive fun runs or light shows. No matter the size of your event, if potential risks exist, it’s in your best interest to take every precaution to ensure the safety of all stakeholders and minimise the risk of any potential financial loss; preparation is key.

What are some common event circumstances for which I might need event insurance cover?

Event cancellation

Event insurance can compensate for financial loss following cancellation, disruption, postponement or the relocation of an event for reasons beyond your control. If your event is cancelled through no fault of your own, cancellation cover provides cover for expenses which cannot be recovered. If you’ve chosen additional cancellation cover, it includes costs like venue hire, advertising and promotional activity. This could include a business conference or a leisure activity. For our essential guide to event cancellation insurance, read our detailed blog.

Injury

Event organisers need specialist insurance to cover their liabilities should a member of the public, a visitor staff, or volunteer, suffer personal injury. Public Liability Insurance for an event covers the policyholder against claims for third-party bodily injury or property damage that occurs due to negligence at the event. This insurance protects against the financial burden of legal fees and compensation payments if a spectator, participant is injured, or their property is damaged.

Non-appearance insurance

If your event is reliant on an individual or group being the ‘main attraction’ and key to making your event a success, it is important to be prepared should they be unable to attend due to an unforeseen circumstance. Non-appearance insurance provides protection to your event if it is dependent on a key speaker, artist, performer or group, providing cover if the performer is unable to fulfil their obligations which in turn leads to the event being cancelled, abandoned, postponed, interrupted or relocated.

Event equipment cover

Event insurance is important to protect you against accidental damage, loss or theft of event equipment that you’re responsible for during an event (whether it’s leased, hired or owned). For larger events, you may even be hiring in specialist equipment and plant to support your event, some of which may be very expensive.

Adverse weather cover

In the unfortunate situation you need to cancel or abandon your event due to bad weather, you must have protection against any financial losses if your event is taking place outdoors or within a temporary structure. As we head into autumn and winter, we can expect a greater possibility of storms, high winds and flooding, although as we have seen in recent times, these conditions can take place at any time of year.

Professional Indemnity insurance

You may need to consider Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance for an event that protects the organisers and their staff against claims for financial loss arising from any professional negligence, errors, or omissions in the services they provide for the event. Unlike public liability insurance which covers injury or property damage, PI insurance covers the financial consequences of bad advice, design flaws, or other professional mistakes that lead to a client or third party suffering a financial loss. If you are advising, consulting and something goes wrong, or more likely, you are accused of doing something wrong, Mann Broadbent can help.

Property

 If third-party property is damaged, destroyed or stolen, you will need to be covered for claims against these.

Tickets

We can also help with refund protection cover if you’re selling tickets.

Other event insurance covers you may wish to consider are director’s personal liability, prize indemnity, personal accident insurance, tour operator’s liability, hired costumes and accessories, plus buildings.

Mann Broadbent has spent over 60 years immersed in the world of sport, leisure, and entertainment. We are experts in sport, dance and leisure event insurance, covering thousands of both amateur and professional coaches, clubs, centres and other organisations, as well as businesses throughout the UK who hold regular and varied events.

As an events organiser, if you’re unsure as to what cover you will need for your specific event, we can advise as to what will best protect you. Give our friendly team a call on 01905 612336 and talk to us about your event insurance requirements or email enquiry@mannbroadbent.co.uk