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Celebrating the union between two people inspires friends and family to cut loose at the reception. As much as they are a celebration, wedding receptions are a recipe for disaster with dance floor antics, alcohol consumption, and excited people not always acting responsibly.
Wedding Reception Insurance can protect you from the consequences of costly liability claims that can result from accidents at your wedding reception.
What is Wedding Reception Insurance?
Wedding Reception Insurance is a type of special event insurance that protects the event organizers (usually the betrothed couple) from dipping into the wedding budget when reception guests suffer a bodily injury, property damage, or personal and advertising injury.
Accidents can occur during the actual event, set-up, or breakdown. Claims can come from third parties such as guests, vendors, or the venue if their business property is damaged. With so much to keep in mind, Wedding Reception Insurance makes it easy by providing the investigation and legal defense of claims, as well as helping to pay for damages when you are found liable.
What does Wedding Reception Insurance cover?
Protection from Thimble’s Wedding Reception Insurance kicks in after accidents happen and a claim is made against you. It can keep you from having to pay for damages when others say you’re responsible for their injury or property loss.
Protection from Thimble’s Wedding Reception Insurance kicks in after accidents happen and a claim is made against you. It can keep you from having to pay for damages when others say you’re responsible for their injury or property loss.
The types of claims covered by Wedding Reception Insurance include:
- Third-party, non-employee bodily injury: Navigating dancefloors in high heels and jostling for a slice of the wedding cake create an environment where accidents can happen. If a reception guest gets hurt while attending your event, you could be held liable for the medical costs due to their injuries.
- Third-party property damage: Guests often wear their best clothing and jewelry to receptions. If someone’s stuff gets damaged, you could be held liable for the cost of replacing it. Wouldn’t you rather pay for your own wedding attire?
- Damage or injury caused by liquor liability: When alcohol is served, there is greater risk of accidental injury or damage. If someone who was drinking has an accident, you could be held liable for it. Event insurance arranged by Thimble includes liquor liability coverage at no additional cost if you are not in the business of selling alcohol. If you are in the business of selling alcohol, then you may need to purchase additional liquor liability coverage.
- Personal and advertising injury:A poorly-planned seating chart leads to an argument. Event insurance can protect you if a third-party claim of libel or slander is brought against you after your party.
How much does Wedding Reception Insurance cost?
Much less than the cost of the caterer. Wedding Reception Insurance for a small wedding reception could cost as little as $115 but this final price is contingent on how big the party is, what activities are planned for the event, how long your reception is, and whether or not you are in the business of selling alcohol.
While most wedding receptions have traditional activities such as dancing and catching the bouquet, some destination weddings may gather attendees from around the world over several days. The longer your event is, the more your premium will be.
Here’s a range of Thimble’s Wedding Reception Insurance costs for one day:
Who needs Wedding Reception Insurance?
Whether you are the bride and groom, or the parents of the bride and groom, whoever is planning and throwing the party needs to get Wedding Reception Insurance. It’s the sponsor of the event that holds a risk of liability, even if you are a wedding planner.
Furthermore, the reception venue will more than likely require that you get general liability insurance. In fact, most venues require at least $1 million in coverage. Along with their business insurance, making sure that you are insured is their way of protecting themselves from the financial risks involved in providing a venue.
We keep talking about risk, but what exactly can go wrong at a wedding reception? Common risks include slip-and-fall accidents as everyone dances the night away, or having hot food and drinks served at an event. Things can spill, people can get burned, and clothing can be ruined. That’s right, when your cousin elbows your high school friend to get the bouquet, you could end up paying for their broken nose.
Furthermore, you could be held liable for injuries or property damage caused by the caterers or the band. You should ask them to get their own general liability insurance and list you as an Additional Insured on their policy so you are protected if you’re named in a lawsuit because of their activities.
Celebrate safely with Wedding Reception Insurance
There’s no telling what can happen when your aunt breaks out dance moves that she hasn’t done in decades.
It doesn’t take much for someone to get hurt or someone’s property to get damaged, leaving you to face a costly claim alone when you should be celebrating. This is why every reception should be covered by Wedding Reception Insurance.
Wedding Reception Insurance FAQs
What if I only need wedding reception insurance for a day?
That’s the benefit of Thimble! We offer flexible coverage for one-day events but can cover you for up to five days if needed.
Do I need event insurance if my venue has commercial liability insurance?
Yes. Just because the venue has commercial liability insurance, you aren’t off the hook for your liability. In fact, the venue will most likely want you to get special event insurance that names the venue as an Additional Insured, requesting a Certificate of Insurance (COI) as proof of a valid, active insurance policy.
Do I need event insurance if my event is held at a private home?
The short answer is, maybe. Check with your homeowners insurance policy to determine if you need separate Wedding Reception Insurance coverage.
What are Thimble’s special events coverage policy limits?
The baseline policy with Thimble provides a $1 million per occurrence limit with a $1 million aggregate limit. You can increase this coverage to a $2 million per occurrence limit, with a $2 million aggregate limit, for a slightly higher premium.
Does special event insurance via Thimble cover event cancellation?
No. Thimble does not offer event cancellation insurance, although you are able to cancel your policy at any time for any reason as long as it is before the designated policy start date/time.
I’m a wedding planner, do I need event insurance?
Yes. You want Wedding Reception Insurance for every event that you plan. On top of that, you’ll want to get event planner insurance for your general business insurance needs.
Cleaners and Janitors insurance protects your business from lawsuits, if you or your property accidentally hurts a third party or damages their property.
Bodily Injury 
Property Damage 
Legal Defense 
Medical Payments
Covered Activities
- Car / Boat / Vehicle Washing or Detailing
- Housekeepers
- Janitorial Services including Carpet and Window Cleaning
- Office Cleaning
- Pressure Washing
Optional Add-Ons
- Exterior Painting
- Floor Waxing
- HVAC
- Plastering
- Plumbing (other than a leaky faucet or toilet)
- Snow / Ice Removal
Excluded Activities
- Inspectors
- Floor waxing during business hours or in commercial buildings with heavy foot traffic(malls, grocery / convenience / drug stores, hospitals, airports)
- Performing Work over Three Stories in Height(30 Feet)
What's Not Covered by Your Policy
- Activities Involving Firearms
- Performing Work over Three Stories in Height (30 feet)
- Work on 10 or More New Homes or New Residential Units in Any One Project or Development
- See full policy for details
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