Alberta Event Liability Insurance

Insurance for special events & celebrations in Alberta

Anyone who has ever been involved in planning an event knows that something unexpected can usually be counted on to happen. Special events insurance is essential and can help protect you if you’re held liable for any injury or damage that happens to a guest, employee, or venue.

What is special event insurance?

Special event insurance provides coverage for unexpected situations that are beyond your control. It may not be covered under your home or business policy because it’s different from most types of personal or commercial insurance. It protects you if any legal action is taken against you because of the event.

If you’re planning an event like a wedding, golf tournament or high school reunion – special event insurance is a must. You want to enjoy and focus on providing attendees with a good time without worrying about what may go wrong.

What types of events does special event insurance cover?

It’s easy to assume that the venue where your event is held is legally responsible for any property damage or personal injury that occurs. However, since you are occupying the venue, you must keep attendees safe from harm.

In Alberta, we provide special event insurance for:

For example, special event insurance can help protect a wedding in Calgary, a corporate event in Edmonton or a community festival in Red Deer. Depending on the event, coverage may include property damage, third-party liability and the option to add liquor liability insurance. This can help protect your financial investment and reduce the burden of added costs if something goes wrong or you need to cancel or postpone. Read on to learn more about the types of coverage that may apply to your event.

Types of insurance coverage for events in Alberta

Special event insurance can be tailored to suit the type, size and risk level of your event. Here’s a closer look at some of the coverages that can help protect your event, your guests and your financial investment.

• Commercial General Liability: Helps cover third-party bodily injury, third-party property damage and legal defence costs if you’re sued because of an incident connected to your event.
• Tenants’ Legal Liability: Helps cover loss or damage to a rented venue or event space, along with related legal expenses, if you are held responsible for damage during the event.
• Liquor Liability: If alcohol is being served, sold or otherwise made available at your event, this coverage can help protect you if a liquor-related incident leads to a lawsuit.
• Event property or rented equipment coverage: May help protect items used for the event, such as rented tables, tents, staging, décor, sound equipment or other event property, depending on the policy.
• Vendor or exhibitor liability requirements: May also apply if third-party vendors, exhibitors, performers, food trucks or contractors are involved. They may need to carry their own insurance and provide proof of coverage.
• Participant accident or sports-related coverage: May be worth considering for sporting events, tournaments, races, fitness activities or other events where attendees are actively participating.
• Cancellation coverage: If an event is cancelled, postponed or interrupted for an insured reason, this optional coverage may help recoup certain financial losses, subject to policy terms, conditions and exclusions.

Benefits of special event insurance

Every event comes with its own details, risks and requirements. Special event insurance can be tailored to your plans, helping you meet venue or permit requirements, protect your budget and feel more confident before guests arrive. Common benefits include:

• Meets venue or permit requirements: Many venues, municipalities, or event organizers may require proof of insurance before confirming a booking or issuing a permit.
• Protects against unexpected legal costs: Liability claims can be costly, even if the event host is not ultimately found responsible.
• Gives peace of mind: Insurance helps hosts focus on the event instead of worrying about what could go wrong.
• Can be customized to the event: Coverage can reflect the event type, size, activities, alcohol service, vendors and venue requirements.
• Helps protect your budget: Optional cancellation or interruption coverage may help reduce financial losses if an insured issue affects the event.
• Provides broker support: A broker can help confirm required limits, review venue requirements and explain exclusions.

How much does special event insurance cost in Alberta?

When determining a quote for special event insurance, you will be asked to provide details such as:

• The type of event you will be hosting
• Where, when and how long it will be
• How many people are expected to attend
• If you will be serving alcohol
• What type of third-party vendors will you use (caterers, decorations, etc.)?

Your Acera Insurance special event insurance broker can help determine your needs by helping you navigate the policy so you understand what’s covered and what isn’t. If you have a claim, they will also act as your advocate.

Why Acera Insurance?

With roots in Alberta stretching back over 60 years, Acera Insurance understands what goes into planning events across the province, from festivals in Calgary to fundraisers in Edmonton and everything in between. Our team of brokers will work with you to develop an insurance package tailored to your event, venue requirements and coverage needs.

As a partner of Acera Insurance, we have strong industry relationships that help us provide a range of coverage options and choices. Whether you’re hosting a private celebration, public festival, fundraiser or business event, our special event insurance brokers are here to advocate for you and be a trusted insurance resource. Contact us today.