Special Event insurance can provide up to $2 million of coverage, offering reasonably priced protection against liability for injuries and damage to property —as well as losses that may be incurred by third parties such as paid entertainers. Event Cancellation insurance can prevent you from losing money on non-reimbursable expenses and non-refundable deposits if you are forced to cancel or postpone your event due to unforeseen circumstances.
Coverage is available for events held anywhere in the United States, its territories and possessions, plus Puerto Rico, Canada, The United Kingdom, Mexico, The Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Carribean (excluding Cuba).
*We do not offer liability coverage for events in the Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean, Mexico, United Kingdom or cruise ships leaving from ports within these territories.
How do I file a claim?
Call 1-800-236-4252 or visit our events claim page to begin the process. All claims should be reported as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing. Claims regarding theft should be reported to police immediately. If paperwork and documentation are submitted along with your claim, you should expect a prompt turnaround.
Markel Specialty, one of Markel Corporation’s five insurance divisions, underwrites innovative property and casualty solutions for both standard and hard-to-place risks. Success in specialty insurance is about knowing your markets. With 70+ years of experience in our niche markets, our product focus is on commercial programs and personal lines offering admitted and excess and surplus lines solutions.
For over 10 years, Markel has been providing special event insurance policies to protect your special events. Whether it’s a wedding, birthday party or retirement party, our special event insurance policies can help take the stress out of your special day.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Special Event insurance is ideal for private events, corporate/business events, and other group gatherings like non-profit fundraisers. It helps safeguard your investment so you don’t lose deposits, incur additional expenses, or suffer liabilities.
The Alumni insurance program offers two types of event insurance:
Event Cancellation insurance can be purchased up to 15 days before your event date. Policies include reimbursement for:
-Lost deposits and other non-reimbursable expenses due to full event cancellation/postponement.
-Loss of event photographs due to photographer no-show or damage to film or digital files.
-Extra expenses incurred to avoid cancelling an event.
-Loss of special gifts, attire, or jewelry.
Event liability insurance can be purchased up to one day before your event date and includes protection against liability involving:
-Bodily injury to guests, workers, and others present at covered events.
-Property damage or destruction to the property of others (such as a rented venue).
-Host liquor liability for events at which alcohol is served at no charge to guests and for which alcohol is not included as part of any admission charge.
You can add your venue as an Additional Insured on your Event Liability policy – at no additional charge. Event cancellation and event liability can be purchased together for total event insurance protection—and a 15% discount (10% in AK and FL).
Special Event Insurance through your Alumni Insurance Program can provide up to $2 million of coverage.
It’s a good idea to purchase a policy as soon as you begin to pay deposits. Caterers, photographers, and other vendors usually require a significant non-refundable deposit up front with the remainder due by the day of the event. Markel’s event cancellation coverage can be purchased up to 14 days prior to the event date. Markel’s wedding liability coverage can be purchased up to 1 day prior to the event date.
Yes. Coverage is provided if weather conditions are extreme enough to prevent the honoree or majority of guests from attending your event.
Yes. Event cancellation policies have a $25 deductible for each area of coverage. Event liability policies have a $1K deductible for property damage.
Yes. Gifts that are lost or damaged seven days prior to and seven days after the event are covered up to the applicable limit set forth in your policy. There is a $300 limit on cash, checks, and gift cards.
Yes. The policy provides coverage for special attire that is lost, stolen, or damaged before the event. Some exclusions apply.
If an accident or illness prevents the guest of honor or an immediate family member from attending the event, we provide coverage, as long as illness is not due to a pre-existing medical condition.
Yes. Cancellation coverage is available for events that are scheduled to take place in Canada, Puerto Rico, or U.S. Territories, as well as in the U.K., Mexico, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Caribbean (excluding Cuba). Liability policies are available for events scheduled to take place in U.S. Territories, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Both cancellation and liability policies include cruise ships departing from these locations.
Yes. The policy provides protection if your film or digital files are lost or damaged before you take possession of them. The policy does not cover photographer error such as under- or overexposure.