Illinois Event Liability Insurance

Find the Best Event Liability Insurance Rates & Companies in Illinois

While planning special events can be exciting, there are certain risks that must be kept in mind from the start. Whether you'll be hosting a wedding, graduation party, or reunion, various hazards, such as lawsuits, could end up costing you big time without the proper event liability insurance. Having this coverage can ensure you get the reimbursement you deserve after a lawsuit from a vendor or guest at your event.

Fortunately, an Illinois independent insurance agent can help you find all the event liability insurance you need. They'll learn about the specifics of your event and get you matched to the right special event insurance coverage. First, though, here's a closer look at Illinois event liability insurance requirements, coverage options, and more.

Best Event Liability Insurance Companies in Illinois

Special events can be covered with a policy from many different carriers in Illinois. However, if you're looking for the best special event insurance around, you've come to the right place. Here are a few of our top picks for quality event liability insurance in Illinois. 

1. Nationwide: This carrier sells special event liability insurance and many other types of business and personal insurance. Nationwide is highly rated by AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), offers coverage in most states, and provides 24/7 claims reporting.
2. Liberty Mutual: Liberty Mutual is highly rated by AM Best and the BBB, offers many discounts, and provides 24/7 claims reporting. 
3. Travelers: Travelers has a long history in the insurance industry, superior ratings from AM Best and the BBB, and offers numerous discounts.

An independent insurance agent in Illinois can help you find affordable special event insurance from one of these top-rated carriers or others in your area.

What Is Event Liability Insurance?

Also known as “special event insurance,” “one-day event insurance,” or “event insurance," event liability insurance is a custom insurance policy that protects an event host from financial loss due to lawsuits. Covered lawsuits can be related to third-party claims of bodily injury and personal property damage from event attendees and vendors.

The two main components of general liability insurance, property damage liability and bodily injury liability, are included in special event insurance. Special event coverage, however, provides temporary protection, such as for a single day or whatever the duration of your event is. Often, the venue where you host your event requires this coverage.

Event liability insurance is often required for the following special events:

An independent insurance agent in Illinois can help you get your special event covered by the right kind of event liability insurance. 

Is Liability Insurance Required for Private Events in Illinois?

Special event insurance isn't required by law in Illinois. However, most venues require hosts to have event liability insurance for the day of their events. 

For example, if you rent a concert hall for a party, the venue might require you to have a special event insurance policy for just that day. But regardless of whether coverage is required, having a policy can help you avoid the hefty cost of potential lawsuits. 

What Does Event Liability Insurance Cover in Illinois?

A solid event liability insurance policy includes several types of coverage. General liability is often mandatory for most events, but other types of coverage may be optional. Look for the following coverage options when assembling your policy:

• General liability insurance: Covers bodily injuries, personal property damage, and illnesses such as food poisoning your guests could suffer at your event. Also covers venue damage as a result of your event.
• Liquor liability insurance: Illinois dram shop laws hold social hosts responsible for injuries or property damage caused by intoxicated guests. This coverage can reimburse you for any legal ramifications of injuries and other incidents that occur as a result of overserving an event attendee.
• Hired/non-owned auto liability insurance: Covers special vehicles hired for your event, such as rented limos or shuttle services.
• Garagekeepers insurance: Covers guests’ vehicles against loss and damage while in the custody, care, or control of event parking attendants. This coverage is often necessary if your event offers valet parking services.
• Event cancellation insurance: Covers the reimbursement of nonrefundable down payments made for certain special aspects, like food catering services, flower delivery, photographers, etc., if your event gets canceled or postponed due to covered hazards like vendor cancellations, inclement weather, and natural disasters.

An Illinois independent insurance agent can help you build the right special event policy for your specific event.

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What's Not Covered by Illinois Event Liability Insurance?

An event liability insurance policy comes with various exclusions that are critical to be aware of. In Illinois, don't expect special event insurance to cover any of the following:

• Hazardous activities like bungee jumping and trampoline use
• Malicious or intentional acts against third parties
• Pyrotechnics
• Firearms
• Certain sports-related injuries
• Amusement rides and devices
• Aerial maneuvers

Review and understand your event liability insurance policy's exclusions before the day of your event to help avoid unexpected losses.

How Much Does Event Liability Insurance Cost in Illinois?

An event liability insurance policy tends to be highly affordable, especially considering the potential risk of not having coverage. In Illinois, the cost of event insurance can vary based on the following factors:

• The number of guests attending your event
• The amount of coverage you need
• The location of your event
• Whether food or alcohol will be served at your event
• The duration of your event

On average, many Illinois small businesses pay about $250 for special event liability insurance for one day. For longer, riskier events, you can expect a more expensive policy. A local independent insurance agent in Illinois can help you find the most affordable coverage available.

Popular Questions about Illinois Event Liability Insurance