What are the most important riders to add to your event insurance policy?

1 Weather rider

One of the most common and unpredictable factors that can affect your event is the weather. Whether it is rain, snow, wind, or heat, bad weather can cause delays, disruptions, or cancellations of your event. A weather rider can help you cover the costs of rescheduling, relocating, or refunding your event in case of adverse weather conditions. A weather rider can also protect you from losing revenue or paying extra expenses due to weather-related issues. However, you need to be careful about the definition and criteria of weather events in your rider, as some insurers may have different thresholds or exclusions.

2 Terrorism rider

Another factor that can pose a serious threat to your event is terrorism. Terrorism is defined as an act of violence or threat that is intended to intimidate or coerce a government, organization, or population. A terrorism rider can cover the losses or damages caused by a terrorist attack or the fear of one. For example, if your event is cancelled or postponed due to a terrorist threat or incident, a terrorism rider can reimburse you for the non-refundable deposits, fees, or contracts. A terrorism rider can also cover the medical or legal expenses of your attendees or staff who are injured or affected by a terrorist act. However, you need to check the scope and limits of your terrorism rider, as some insurers may have different definitions or exclusions of terrorism.

3 Liquor liability rider

If you are serving or selling alcohol at your event, you need to be aware of the potential risks and liabilities that come with it. Liquor liability is the legal responsibility for the damages or injuries caused by intoxicated guests or patrons. A liquor liability rider can protect you from the claims or lawsuits that may arise from alcohol-related incidents at your event. For example, if a guest gets into a fight, causes property damage, or injures someone after drinking at your event, a liquor liability rider can cover the legal fees, settlements, or judgments. A liquor liability rider can also cover the fines or penalties that may be imposed by the authorities for violating the liquor laws or regulations. However, you need to comply with the state and local laws and regulations regarding the service and sale of alcohol at your event, as well as the terms and conditions of your rider.

4 Non-appearance rider

If you are hosting an event that relies on the presence or performance of a key person or group, such as a speaker, artist, or entertainer, you need to consider the possibility of their non-appearance. Non-appearance is the failure or inability of a key person or group to attend or perform at your event due to reasons beyond your control, such as illness, injury, death, travel delays, or visa issues. A non-appearance rider can cover the losses or expenses that you may incur due to the cancellation or postponement of your event as a result of non-appearance. For example, if your keynote speaker falls ill and cannot deliver their speech, a non-appearance rider can reimburse you for the fees, deposits, or contracts that you have paid or committed to. A non-appearance rider can also cover the costs of finding a replacement or rescheduling your event. However, you need to verify the eligibility and availability of your key person or group, as well as the exclusions and limitations of your rider.

5 Communicable disease rider

One of the most relevant and important riders to add to your event insurance policy in the current context is the communicable disease rider. A communicable disease is a disease that can be transmitted from one person or animal to another, such as COVID-19, influenza, or measles. A communicable disease rider can cover the losses or expenses that you may face due to the outbreak or spread of a communicable disease that affects your event. For example, if your event is cancelled or restricted due to a government order, public health authority, or venue policy related to a communicable disease, a communicable disease rider can compensate you for the non-refundable or additional costs that you have incurred or will incur. A communicable disease rider can also cover the medical or legal expenses of your attendees or staff who are infected or exposed to a communicable disease at your event. However, you need to be aware of the coverage and exclusions of your rider, as some insurers may have different definitions or conditions of communicable diseases.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?