07 May 2025
Public liability insurance for events: what you need to know
6 minutes
Whether you're a seasoned festival organiser, holding a business conference, or a stallholder, public liability insurance for events is important to keep you covered. While not legally required, it is highly recommended to protect you in case someone makes a claim against your business in the event of an accident.
Why public liability insurance for events is important
No matter how meticulously your planning is, unforeseen circumstances can always happen and it's best to prepare for the worst. At the end of the day, regardless of the event, everyone wants to have a good time! In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about public liability insurance for events - why it's important, what cover you may need and more.
Looking for insurance to support your event? Whether you're a stall holder, event organiser, or business, we've got you covered. From one-off events to ongoing cover, a member of the Howden team would love to help you find the perfect policy! Get in touch today!
What is public liability insurance?
Public liability is a type of insurance in the UK that's designed to protect businesses if a member of the public makes a claim against them due to injury or damage to property caused by their business activities.
While not legally required, it is highly recommended for businesses that interact with customers, clients, or the general public, whether on their premises or elsewhere. This type of insurance covers legal fees and compensation costs if a claim is made against the business.
What does public liability insurance cover for events?
Event public liability insurance covers for you, your employees, and your company against claims from third parties (such as attendees, vendors or venue managers) in case of accidents at an event you’re organising where you’re at fault.
For instance, if someone is injured during your music event, or their belongings are damaged, due to your negligence, this type of insurance offers protection in the event of a claim, helping cover legal fees and compensation. With a public liability insurance policy, your business will be typically covered for any of the following happening to a member of the public at your event:
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Accidental bodily injury
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Accidental death
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Accidental loss of property
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Accidental damage to property
Unlike standard business public liability insurance, which applies to a regular 'nine-to-five' workplace setting, event-specific cover is tailored for conferences and gatherings held outside your usual business premises. If hosting events is a key part of your business, this type of insurance helps ensure things run smoothly without unexpected disruptions.
Optional extras that you can include in your cover
Besides offering standard business public liability insurance, there are many insurance companies that offer specific event insurance, which includes public liability and additional cover options. These may include:
Event cancellation
If your event is cancelled, postponed, or shortened due to unforeseen circumstances, you won’t be responsible for covering lost profits or expenses.
Employers' liability
Employers' liability insurance provides cover for damages and legal defence costs if an employee becomes ill or injured at your event. For most businesses with employees in the UK, this type of insurance is legally required.
Product liability
Product liability insurance covers claims related to products you sell, manufacture, or distribute.
Equipment cover
This protects your equipment against theft or damage. If the equipment is designated for event use, this cover protects you financially by covering repair or replacement costs. This could range from simple items, like tables and chairs, to more expensive specialist equipment like audio and lighting equipment for concerts.
One-off event insurance
Also known as temporary public liability insurance, some insurers also provide short-term cover for single events. It could also include some or all of the extras mentioned above.
How much public liability cover do I need?
You can choose the level of public liability insurance you need, but some partners, clients, or venues that you work with may require a specific amount of coverage—so it’s important to check their expectations beforehand. You should factor in the event's size, attendee count, and overall nature of the event when deciding the level of cover.
Is public liability insurance legally required for events?
Although not a legal requirement, many venues and organisations may insist on you having public liability insurance in order to attend and work at the event. This cover helps safeguard you against claims related to injuries or property damage occurring on-site.
Even with careful planning, unexpected incidents can still impact your event. That's why assessing potential risks and preparing for worst-case scenarios is crucial. Without adequate insurance, you could face substantial financial setbacks from costly claims.
How much should public liability insurance cost for events?
The cost of public liability insurance varies depending on a number of factors. These could include:
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Number of attendees - the larger the event and the more attendees you have, the greater the cost.
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Type of event.
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Level of cover required.
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Policy type - whether it's for single-day, multi-day or for multiple events, policies will have different prices.
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Additional cover - for example, if you also require employers' liability insurance.
What types of events are covered?
There is a broad range of event types that insurers may cover. Some of these could include, but are not limited to:
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Festivals
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Weddings
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Business conferences
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Street parties
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Charity events
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Fireworks and bonfire shows
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Concerts
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Bands, DJs & performers
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Exhibitions
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Private celebrations
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Christmas shows
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Caterers
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Animal shows
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Food festivals
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Marathons
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Antiques Fairs
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Casino nights
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Horticultural shows
Can you get temporary public liability insurance for events?
Yes, there are many insurers that provide cover for this type of event. Often referred to as one-off event insurance, it offers comprehensive protection for individuals and organisations, who are either managing a single event or participating in one, as a stallholder or performer, for example.
Designed for short-term events, this type of cover provides flexibility and cost-effective protection against potential claims. Temporary cover could range from 24 hours to up to a few months, depending on your needs.
How do insurance claims work for events?
It is essential to understand how insurance claims work, in the event of an incident or accident. If you need to make a claim, you should contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the incident. They will guide you through the claims process, which typically involves providing documentation and evidence to support your claim.
The insurance provider will then assess the claim and determine the level of cover provided by your policy. It is crucial to have a clear understanding of your policy’s terms and conditions, including any excess or deductibles that may apply.
Public liability insurance for events: quickfire summary
Public liability insurance for events helps protect businesses, organisers, and stallholders if they are deemed negligent in a claim involving injury or property damage at an event. While not legally required, it is strongly recommended, as accidents can happen despite careful planning.
What Does It Cover?
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Accidents & Injuries – Protection against claims for bodily injury or property damage to attendees, vendors, or venue managers.
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Legal Costs & Compensation – Covers expenses if legal action is taken against you.
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Event-Specific Coverage – Unlike business public liability insurance, this policy focuses on events held outside regular business premises.
Optional Extras
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Event Cancellation – Covers losses if your event is cancelled or postponed.
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Employers’ Liability – Legally required for UK businesses with employees, covering workplace injuries.
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Product Liability – Protection for businesses selling or distributing products at events.
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Equipment Cover – Safeguards against theft or damage of essential event equipment.
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One-Off Event Insurance – Temporary cover tailored for short-term events. This type of event insurance policy is ideal for single events, providing coverage for a specific duration.
Factors Affecting Cost
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Event size, type, and number of attendees.
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How many events you plan to cover within a year.
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Level of cover required.
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Policy type (single-day, multi-day, or multiple events).
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Additional insurance add-ons.
Types of Events Covered
Includes festivals, sporting events, weddings, conferences, exhibitions, private parties, concerts, stallholders, charity events, outdoor events, and more.
Temporary Cover - One-off event insurance is available for short-term needs, offering protection that could range from a single day to a few months
With the right insurance, you can host events confidently, knowing you’re safeguarded against unexpected risks.
Public liability insurance for events: FAQs
Does public liability insurance for events cover public liability for my day-to-day business?
While public liability insurance policies for events do not typically include your regular business operations, some insurers may offer the option extend it to your day-to-day business. It is worth checking with your insurer to see if this is possible, or getting in touch with a member of our team to help you find the right policy.
What’s the difference between public liability and professional indemnity insurance?
Public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance serve different purposes for businesses:
Public Liability Insurance:
Covers claims from third parties (such as customers or visitors) for injury or property damage caused by your business activities. For example, if a customer slips and falls in your shop, public liability insurance helps cover legal fees and compensation.
Professional Indemnity Insurance:
Protects businesses against claims related to professional advice or services that result in financial loss for a client. If a consultant provides incorrect advice that leads to a client losing money, professional indemnity insurance helps cover legal costs and compensation.
While neither is legally required, some industries or clients may insist on having one or both types of coverage.
What’s the difference between public liability and employers’ liability insurance?
Public liability insurance and employers’ liability insurance serve different purposes in protecting businesses:
Public Liability Insurance:
Covers claims from third parties—such as customers, clients, or members of the public—who suffer injury or property damage due to your business activities. It helps cover legal fees and compensation costs if a claim is made.
Employers’ Liability Insurance:
Specifically protects businesses against claims from employees who experience work-related injuries or illnesses. In the UK, this insurance is legally required for most businesses with employees.
Essentially, public liability insurance safeguards interactions with the public, while employers’ liability insurance ensures protection for your workforce.
Is it possible to get public liability insurance for events without owning a business?
Yes, it's possible to get public liability insurance without owning a formal business. Individuals hosting one-off events, such as private parties or community gatherings, can get cover to protect against potential risks to the public or third parties.
Many insurers offer policies designed for event organisers, so it’s essential to clearly define your event’s nature and associated risks when arranging cover. Additionally, venues may have specific insurance requirements, which could impact your need for coverage.
Is it possible to add cover to a different trade or profession during an active policy?
Yes, in many cases, you can extend your insurance policy to cover a different trade or profession while it's active. However, this depends on the insurer and the type of policy you have. Some insurers allow modifications mid-term, while others may require a new policy. It's best to check with your provider to ensure your coverage aligns with your evolving business needs.
Do I need after the event insurance?
After the Event (ATE) insurance is primarily used in legal cases to cover costs if a claim is unsuccessful. It is not typically required for events, as event insurance usually includes public liability, cancellation, and equipment cover. However, if your event involves legal disputes or claims after it has taken place, ATE insurance might be relevant.