Insurance doesn’t sound very festive, but if you work with festivals or events of any size, it is important that you have the right level of event insurance cover.
There is a lot to think about when organizing an event and the insurance cover you need should be on your list of priorities. If you are ever in doubt, our Events team are happy to talk you through the type of insurance you require. In the meantime, this guide should help you get started:
1. Public Liability Cover Is Always Needed
Public Liability insurance is mandatory when organizing an event. There may be a requirement placed by your county/town council to have a certain level of cover if you are using public land.
The cost of this insurance will largely be dictated by your turnover or the number of people attending and for how long, as well as your claims record. This figure should always be accurately declared as under-stating it may jeopardize your insurance cover.
2. Employer’s Liability – Check If It Is Required
If you have any employees you will need employer’s liability insurance. Even if you are not paying the people working on your behalf, Irish insurance law may dictate that you have the same responsibilities towards them. You should discuss this with your insurance broker if you are unsure.
The cost of this insurance is based on the wage roll or number of people working for you, as well as your claims record, and should always be accurately declared.
3. High-Risk Activities May Not Be Covered
If you have any activities which are particularly high risk such as mechanical rides, bouncing castles, horse-riding or fireworks these may not be covered by your insurance policy. These should be operated by responsible third party contractors and you should ensure the contractor has appropriate insurances in place and that an indemnity is provided to you by their policy
4. Conditions & Exclusions – Read Your Policy!
All insurance policies are issued with conditions and exclusions. (You should be able to recognise these stated on your policy schedule or within your policy document.) Ask your broker to highlight anything they feel is particularly relevant to you. If you do not comply with conditions your cover may be invalid and if you are unaware of exclusions there is a risk your event will allow activities to proceed which are not covered.
5. Information – Send As Much As Possible
Your insurance cover can often be jeopardized by failing to declare accurate information to your insurers. When arranging cover provide as much information as possible, event management plans, safety statements, etc. The information will then be with your insurer and the onus is on them to advise you if they have an issue with anything proposed.
6. Hiring Equipment – Can Be More Expensive Than You Think!
Hired in equipment or other high-value items may only be lent to you on the condition you arrange appropriate insurance for them. Before agreeing to anything, discuss what you are looking to hire and the terms of the contract as it may not be possible to insure certain equipment, therefore, leaving your festival liable.
7. Make Sure People Know What They Are Doing
The largest single cause of claims is that people are made responsible for activities that they do not fully understand. If qualifications are needed or recommended for running certain elements of your event then bring in people with the appropriate expertise. Do not accept half measures as ultimately this is not just about insurance and finances but about ensuring the safety of the people attending or involved in your event.
