Broker-arranged
Event insurance
Public liability for a one-off event, festival, market or launch, plus cancellation cover for the money you’d lose if it can’t go ahead. Councils ask for the certificate with your application. A licensed broker arranges it.
- One-day and multi-day events
- Council permit requirements explained
- One short form, then a licensed broker takes it from there
What does event insurance cover?
Event insurance usually means two things. Public liability for the event covers injury to attendees or damage to the venue, the park or neighbouring property. Event cancellation covers the costs and lost revenue if the event can’t go ahead for an insured reason. Organisers of one-off events are arranged through a broker, because the risk depends on the crowd, the venue and what’s happening.
What councils ask for
| Requirement | Example |
|---|---|
| A certificate of currency with the application | The City of Sydney requires a copy of the public liability certificate of currency for all event applications, and the insured party must match the applicant. |
| A minimum limit | The City of Sydney’s event guidelines call for at least $20 million per occurrence, with the City noted as an interested party. |
| Lead time | City of Sydney applications are due up to 6 weeks before a minor event and up to 26 weeks before a major one, and late applications may be declined. |
| Other permits | Road closures, temporary food vending and liquor licences each have their own lead times. |
Other councils set their own limits. Check the permit conditions before you book cover, and ask for the council to be noted as an interested party.
What’s usually covered, and what isn’t
Usually covered
- Injury to attendees and members of the public.
- Damage to the venue or public space you hire.
- Legal costs of defending a covered claim.
- Cancellation for insured reasons, when you add it.
Usually not covered
- Stallholders’ own liability. Each stallholder needs their own cover.
- Equipment you hire. Usually the hirer’s cover or a separate policy.
- Cancellation for low ticket sales. Not an insured event.
- Performers and contractors. They hold their own cover.
Stallholders and regular events
If you’re a stallholder rather than the organiser, see market stall insurance, which can be compared online. If you run events as a business, such as a party hire or event management company, a broker arranges an annual policy instead of a one-off.
How to get event cover through us
Event insurance questions
Do I need insurance for a one-off event?
Councils and venues usually require public liability and a certificate of currency with the application. The City of Sydney’s guidelines call for at least $20 million.
How much public liability does an event need?
It depends on the council or venue. $20 million is common for events in public spaces. Check the permit conditions.
Does event insurance cover cancellation?
Only if you add cancellation cover, and only for insured reasons set out in the policy. Low ticket sales aren’t one.
Does my event insurance cover stallholders?
No. Each stallholder needs their own public liability.
Why is event insurance arranged by a broker?
Every event is different, so a licensed broker reviews the crowd, venue and activities and arranges suitable cover.
How far ahead should I arrange event insurance?
As soon as the venue or council asks for a certificate of currency, which is usually before the permit or booking is confirmed. A small event with standard activities can often be placed within days. A larger crowd, amusement rides, alcohol or fireworks take longer to quote, so allow weeks rather than days.
Keep reading
More broker-arranged cover
Sources
Event insurance