a simple way to protect your special event

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Event insurance

Summary of event insurance

Event insurance helps protect your special day from unexpected costs if things don’t go as planned. Coverage may include cancellations, postponements, or lost deposits, as well as property damage or injuries during the event. Whether it’s a wedding, anniversary, or milestone celebration, Allstate helps to make it simple to safeguard your investment and enjoy peace of mind.

What is event insurance?

Event insurance helps cover financial losses that may occur when an accident, extreme weather, illness or a problem with a key vendor puts a stop to your private event. Policies often cost less than you might expect and typically offer two types of coverage:

Event cancellation coverage reimburses you for lost deposits and other charges when unforeseen circumstances cause you to cancel or postpone your function. This type of coverage may extend to special gifts, attire (lost wedding bands, for instance) and damaged photo and video files. It does not, however, cover a change of heart.

Event liability coverage helps protect you from financial loss if you're held responsible for an accident that hurts someone or causes property damage at your event. You may even be covered if one of your guests creates havoc. Many venues now require you to have liability protection before you can even book there.

Event insurance for weddings and other special events

Event insurance offers financial protection for many types of private short-term celebrations and gatherings, such as weddings and corporate parties. However, some public or high-risk events may be ineligible for coverage.

What types of functions are covered?

Events that are covered by special event insurance include but are not limited to:

  • Weddings
  • Engagement parties
  • Business meetings
  • Non-Profit functions
  • Retirement parties
  • Anniversary parties
  • Corporate events

What types of functions are not covered?

Special event insurance is not available for every event, including:

  • Sporting events
  • Events with greater than 500 guests
  • Events at remote locations
  • Bachelor/Bachelorette parties
  • Color runs
  • Gun shows
  • Animal shows

Your special event calls for special protection

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How much does event insurance cost?

The cost of event insurance depends on various factors unique to your event, such as the location, type, duration, number of guests, and whether alcohol is served. Additionally, the coverages and limits you select will affect what you pay. Event insurance policies can start as low as $75 or cost a couple hundred dollars, catering to different coverage needs. By bundling event liability and cancellation coverage, you can save up to 15% on a plan with total protection.**

Why choose Allstate for event insurance?

Lean on Allstate to connect you with the events insurance coverage you need through our trusted partner.

  • Up to $2 million in event liability coverage available
  • Host liquor liability insurance available
  • Venues named as "additional insured" at no extra cost
  • Guaranteed to meet venue’s insurance requirements or money back
  • Reimburses non-refundable deposits and expenses for cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances
  • Coverage for damage to special attire, lost or stolen gifts, photographs, and lost deposits from no-show vendors
  • Flexible, easy claims process with an experienced and compassionate claims team

Event insurance FAQs

It's a good idea to purchase a policy as soon as you begin making deposits, because unexpected issues can crop up at any point. That said, you need to buy event cancellation coverage at least 15 days before your function date and liability coverage at least one day prior. You can buy both up to 24 months in advance.

Most event venues require clients to purchase one-day event liability insurance to protect their property from damage and to avoid responsibility for injuries at the event. Additionally, since venues often have a no-refund policy for cancellations or postponements, it's a good idea for you to have event cancellation coverage too.

If extreme weather conditions prevent the honoree, the honoree’s immediate family, an active participant in the event, or more than half of the guests to attend your event, event cancellation coverage would help cover you. Just remember, the policy must have been purchased at least 15 days before the extreme weather event.

Gifts that are lost or damaged within seven days before or after the event may be covered up to the limit specified in your policy. There is a $300 limit on cash, checks, and gift cards.

Event liability and cancellation coverages are available for events scheduled to take place in (or cruise ships departing from) the United States and its territories or possessions, and Canada. Cancellation coverage is also available in the United Kingdom, Mexico, the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Caribbean (excluding Cuba).

Event insurance can include two coverages: event liability and event cancellation. Event liability coverage protects against injury or property damage at the event, while event cancellation coverage protects against potential event cancellation. You may choose to only purchase one of these, but it's advisable to have both if possible.

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Ivantage Select Agency, Inc (ISA), an Allstate affiliate, refers consumers to Markel Service, Incorporated, which offers and administers event insurance and is underwritten by Markel American Insurance Company (NAIC #28932). Please visit markelinsurance.com to review all available event insurance products underwritten by Markel American Insurance Company. Please visit markelinsurance.com to review all available event insurance products underwritten by Markel American Insurance Company. Please refer to your declarations page to determine the underwriter for your policy. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products. Markel Service, Incorporated and its insurers are not affiliated with Allstate or Ivantage Select Agency, Inc, an Allstate affiliate.

Allstate and its affiliates are not responsible for the insurer or coverage selections, policy issued, claims, the content or operation of other's websites, or how others handle or use your information. Information you provide to others is subject to their privacy policies and website terms of use and may be shared with us.
Our website is filled with tips and general information to help you understand the different aspects of insurance and certain topics that many of us face in our everyday lives. Please recognize that a particular tip may not be effective in every circumstance. The above content is provided for informational purposes only and does not relate to or affect coverage under any specific insurance policy. We encourage you to read your specific policy and/or speak to an insurance representative to fully understand your coverages, discounts, savings, or other features. Coverages, discounts, savings, or other features vary between insurers, vary by state, and may not be available in all states. Insurance coverage is subject to your specific policy terms & conditions. Allstate is not responsible for, and does not endorse the content of, any third-party website that might be hyperlinked from this website. Allstate is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any third-party website or source that may be hyperlinked from this website.