You’ve got the perfect menu, a playlist that slaps, and a Pinterest-perfect vision of your event. All that’s left to do is book your dream venue — and now the manager’s asking for a Certificate of Insurance (COI).
If you’ve never planned an event before, this request can sound confusing or even intimidating. Take it from a newlywed and insurance newbie like me: it’s actually super simple, and getting covered is one of the easiest (and smartest) things you can do for your event!
What Is Event Host Insurance?
Event host insurance protects you from paying out-of-pocket if something goes wrong at your event.
✔️ Short-term insurance policy for a one-time occasion
✔️ Covers guest injuries or venue damages
✔️ Required by most event venues or property managers
✔️ Ideal for weddings, birthday parties, or community events
Why Venues Require Event Insurance
Venues require you to carry event insurance as an added layer of financial protection for you. When dozens (or hundreds) of guests, decorations, and vendors come together in one space, there’s always a chance something could go sideways.
Yes, your venue most likely carries its own insurance, but it only protects them. It doesn’t automatically extend to your event or your guests. If something goes wrong, the blame and the bill could fall back on you.
Let’s say your cousin takes the wobble a little too seriously on the dance floor and trips over some spilled champagne. Now he’s wobbling all the way to the emergency room for some X-rays… ouch! So, who’s going to pay for something like that?! The venue’s insurance might not cover your portion of liability as the event organizer, but your event host insurance can.
Venues aren’t trying to make your life harder with insurance requirements; they’re protecting everyone involved!
Common Venue Insurance Requirements
Every venue is different, but most require a few standard coverages. Use these typical venue requirements as an event host insurance checklist to guide you.
| Requirement | What It Is | Why It’s Required |
|---|---|---|
|
Proof of your event insurance coverage, showing your name, event, and policy details |
Venues need to verify your policy is active and meets their liability limits |
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|
Covers bodily injury or property damage caused by your event activities |
Protects you if someone is hurt or something is damaged during your event |
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|
Covers immediate medical expenses for minor injuries at your event, regardless of fault |
Helps pay for immediate care for minor incidents quickly, without lengthy claims |
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|
Covers immediate medical expenses for minor injuries at your event, regardless of fault |
Helps pay for immediate care for minor incidents quickly, without lengthy claims |
|
|
Liquor Liability (Host or Retail) |
Covers incidents involving alcohol service, including intoxicated guests |
Required if you’re serving or selling alcohol at your event |
|
Ensures the venue is also covered under your policy for claims related to your event |
Protects the venue if a claim is filed involving your event |
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|
Hired & Non-Owned Auto (HNOA) |
Covers vehicles used for event business that you don’t personally own (like rented vans) |
Venues or cities may require this if your event involves transportation or vehicle use |
|
Primary & Non-Contributory (PNC) |
States that your policy pays first before the venue’s insurance in case of a claim |
Venues want your coverage to respond before theirs to simplify claims handling |
|
Waiver of Subrogation (WOS) |
Prevents your insurance company from pursuing reimbursement from the venue after paying a claim |
Gives the venue added protection and avoids future disputes |
|
Golf Cart Exclusion Removal |
Adds coverage if golf carts or similar vehicles are used during your event (common at outdoor venues) |
Venues that allow or use golf carts often require this to ensure liability is covered |
|
Provides additional coverage limits on top of your general liability policy |
Some large venues or cities require higher limits for added protection |
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|
The maximum amount your policy will pay per claim or total |
Ensures your coverage is strong enough for potential claims |
Pro Tip: Our team of licensed agents can help you add specific wording so your policy meets a venue’s exact requirements. Contact us to get help with your policy today!
Each of these might sound technical, but with event host insurance from Insurance Canopy, they’re all included or easy to add during checkout. You can customize coverage for your event faster than picking your party playlist!
Get a free quote instantly and have proof of insurance ready to send to your venue in minutes.
What Happens If I Don’t Get Event Host Insurance?
Not having event insurance can create big (and expensive) headaches. If you skip out on insurance, you could:
- Lose your venue booking: Many venues won’t finalize your reservation without proof of insurance
- Be held personally responsible for injuries or damages: If something breaks, gets stolen, or someone gets hurt, you could be on the hook for repairs or medical bills
- Lose your deposit: Some venues keep your security deposit if you can’t provide a valid COI before the event date
- Stress more than you should: Insurance lets you relax and focus on enjoying the moment
Event host insurance is designed to help you avoid venue drama, financial strain, and pre-party panic. For something that starts at the cost of a couple of pizzas, it’s worth it for the added celebration comfort!
How To Quickly Meet Event Host Insurance Requirements
Ready to check insurance off your event prep list? Get proof of insurance fast with Insurance Canopy!
- Review your venue’s contract: Look for words like “Certificate of Insurance,” “additional insured,” or “liability limits”
- Get a quick online quote: Share details about you, your event, and your venue in just a few minutes
- Add your venue to your policy: You’ll see an option to list your venue as an additional insured, and you can add multiple venues if needed
- Instantly download your COI: Print, email, or upload your COI directly to your venue
- Party with peace of mind: All that’s left is to throw an unforgettable event
Apply online for a free quote for venue-approved insurance today!
Event Host Insurance Requirements FAQs
What Insurance Does An Event Host Need?
Most event hosts need a short-term general liability policy with a form of liquor liability coverage. Your limits and additional coverage needs may vary depending on the type of event, the venue, the number of guests, and whether you plan to serve or sell alcohol.
What Is A COI and Why Do Venues Need It?
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is an official document that proves you have valid coverage. Venues ask for it to confirm your event is insured. It’s their safety net, and your ticket to a confirmed booking!
How Do I Add My Venue As An Additional Insured?
You can add your venue as an additional insured in two ways: during the application process, or after your purchase from your online dashboard.
When you buy event host insurance, there’s a section where you can enter your venue’s name, email, and address. They’ll automatically be added as an additional insured on your Certificate of Insurance and will be emailed a copy of your policy for proof.
After you buy insurance, you can log in to your dashboard and add additional insureds to your policy at any time. Your Certificate of Insurance will be instantly updated and available for download, with copies emailed to any new additional insureds you add.
What’s the Difference Between Host and Retail Liquor Liability?
The difference between host and retail liquor liability is whether alcohol is served or sold.
- Host liquor covers you when alcohol is served complimentary, but not sold, like an open bar or BYOB event
- Retail liquor covers you when alcohol is sold, like cash bars or ticketed events
Can I Update My COI After Purchase?
Yes, you can update your COI after purchase from your online dashboard. Simply sign in or create an account using the email address you used to buy your policy.
From your dashboard, you can:
- Update payment details
- Add or adjust coverage
- Add, edit, or remove an additional insured
- Download unlimited copies of your COI
If you require special wording to be added to your policy or need assistance with adding an endorsement, please contact a licensed member of our team.
How Soon Can I Get Coverage?
You can get coverage as soon as the same day, even minutes before your event. Coverage can start immediately, or on whatever date you choose, and your COI is delivered instantly via email.
