You may have heard of wedding or event insurance, but is it necessary for you specifically? The short answer is YES!
Read on for the long answer.
What is Wedding Insurance?
Just like car insurance protects you if you have an accident, wedding insurance protects you if there is an accident or issue at your event.
If you are getting wedding insurance, you will be purchasing Liability coverage. You will have the option of adding on cancellation or postponement coverage, but you cannot purchase that alone.
Liability Coverage: Protects you against bodily injuries that occurred at your event and for damage to the venue’s property. If your Uncle Joe tends to drink a little too much and damages a light fixture, the insurance could cover the repair or replacement cost after your deductible is met. Or, if he slips and falls on the dance floor, the policy will cover his medical bills up to your selected limits. Venues often require minimum liability coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 in aggregate.
Cancellation/Postponement Coverage: When, and only when, you are purchasing your liability coverage, can you also opt to purchase cancellation/postponement coverage. This insurance will reimburse you for deposits made to vendors if your event needs to be cancelled or postponed due to circumstances outside of your control, such as severe weather that prevents most guests or the honorees from attending. It also protects you in the event of a vendor bankruptcy. Some insurance companies include a Cancellation Coverage Package which also includes coverage up to a specified limit for loss or damage of photographs and video, gifts, special attire, special jewelry, and deposits if the wedding continues as planned. For companies that don’t include a whole Cancellation Coverage Package, you can often buy optional insurance riders for those particular circumstances.
Luckily she’s okay, but sometimes people fall and really hurt themselves. Hope they have wedding insurance!
How Much Does it Cost?
Costs will vary depending on the amount of coverage you need, but also based on the venue, location, number of guests, and if there are certain extras (animals, bounce houses, firearms). On the average, a general liability policy providing up to $1,000,000 in coverage costs around $125-$150. Cancellation coverage is more expensive, and the cost increases with your coverage amount (i.e., the more of your wedding costs you want to insure, the higher the premium). Cancellation can run from around $150 upwards of $1,000, on top of the liability coverage.
Do I Need Wedding Insurance?
If you’re asking me, my vote is YES! Better safe than sorry – isn’t that what insurance is all about? Most venues require liability coverage so you won’t have a choice anyway. If you do have a choice, Megan Hiltbrand, a wedding planner in Syracuse, N.Y., suggests buying liability coverage at a minimum. “The cost is a drop in the bucket compared to your total expenditure. I don’t see a reason not to have it.” If you are having a wedding in a backyard, then the homeowner’s liability or umbrella policy could cover events, but sometimes when alcohol is involved, extra host liquor liability coverage is necessary. Talk to the insurance provider to confirm your best course of action in that scenario.
If you’re still questioning it, just read this Reddit post from someone who wishes she got insurance:
Where Do I Get Wedding Insurance?
Glad you asked! There are many different providers of wedding or event insurance and you should get quotes from multiple to ensure you’re getting what you need. Below is a list of a few companies to consider. This isn’t a sponsored post and I have no connection with any of these companies, just want to provide resources to make your life easier.
1. Markel – Can be used for weddings or other events and came recommended by my venue. This is who I used and the cancellation coverage came with a package so I didn’t have to get a bunch of individual riders. Total cost was around $150 for liability and $200 for cancellation up to $15k.
2. WedSure – Made specifically for weddings with liability coverage from $125. Also includes change of heart insurance.
3. WedSafe – Offers a bundle deal to save 15% when you also purchase cancellation/postponement coverage with your liability coverage.
4. Travelers – No deductible and great for destination weddings.
Have any more questions about wedding insurance or a personal experience to share? Drop a comment below!
