Philadelphia Insurance Companies Logo
Loginor create an account
Start typing in your search to see relevant search terms below

How to Choose the Right Private Event Insurance

Planning a private event? Whether it's a party, dinner, gala, banquet, or reception; add private event insurance to your event planning checklist because there is a very good chance that you will need it.

ProductBy Philadelphia Insurance Companies
Tables under a tent with multi-color decorations for a private event.

Planning a private event? Whether it's a party, dinner, gala, banquet, or reception; add private event insurance to your event planning checklist because there is a very good chance that you will need it.

Also known as special event insurance, many venues require this kind of coverage before you can host your event there. However, even without this requirement, there are more than 40 million lawsuits in the U.S. every year. With the risk of litigation from guests who were injured by slips and falls, or of damage to the property, it's a good idea to insure your event.

The relatively low premium is a small price to pay for the peace of mind and protection you get. And with Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY), you can rest easy knowing you're getting an exceptional policy from a team with an Overall Customer Satisfaction rating of 96%. Learn more about choosing the right policy for your event and how you can get a quote in just minutes.

Top Questions to Ask When Choosing a Private Event Insurance Policy

As you plan your event and look at coverage options, the amount of information on insurance policies can be confusing. So we've broken it down into a few straightforward questions you should ask when looking for event coverage:

What will the deductible be?

The deductible is what you will have to pay out of pocket if an incident occurs that you need insurance to cover. Some event liability insurance policies will have attractively low premiums but high deductibles meaning you could lose out financially if you need to file a claim. At PHLY, our policies come with a $0 deductible, which means if your claim is approved, you won't pay anything out of your own pocket.

What will the premium be?

Like other forms of insurance, the premium for your private event insurance represents what you'll pay for your policy. While it can be tempting to choose the lowest premium, be sure to look carefully at the coverage you're getting if the premium seems too low, you might not be getting adequate special event insurance coverage. At the same time, you'll want to make sure you find a premium you can fit into your budget. Our premiums are competitively priced and an excellent value for the policies we offer. In most states, premiums start at just $175.

How high are the limits?

When choosing private party event insurance, the limits are one of the most important things to look at. The policy limits are the maximum amount the insurance company will pay if you file a claim that's covered. Generally speaking, you'll want to ask about the limits per occurrence and the aggregate limit. The limit per occurrence is how much the insurance company will pay for a single claim, while the aggregate limit is what your policy will cover for all approved claims. Because of the high costs associated with issues like property damage or a slip and fall incident, you'll want to make sure you have adequately high limits. With our policies, you'll have access to limits of up to $1M per occurrence and $3M aggregate. Will alcohol be served at the event?

Planning to serve alcohol at your private event? You'll need to look into adding host liquor liability coverage. Nearly every state and the District of Columbia have social host liability laws in place. This means if an intoxicated person who was served alcohol at your event causes bodily injury or property damage, you could be held liable. Liquor liability covers claims related to these incidents and protects you financially. At PHLY, liquor liability coverage is available upon request.

How long will the event last?

Make a note of the start and end times of your event. One-day event coverage starts at 12:01 a.m. (just after midnight) on the day your event begins. Coverage will end at 12:01 a.m. the next day. If there's a chance your event will continue past midnight, you'll also need to purchase insurance coverage for the following day.

Getting a Quick Quote for Private Event Insurance

Getting a quote is quick and easy. Follow these steps to get a quote in just minutes:

  1. Visit our Special Events page to start the application.

  2. Provide answers to basic questions about yourself, your event, and the venue (including potential exposures and whether or not alcohol will be present).

  3. Pay using our convenient and secure online payment.

  4. Open your email for your instant proof of coverage.

Once you've completed these steps, you'll have an electronic copy of your policy and an official Certificate of Insurance that you can show your venue to prove you have the necessary coverage to host your private event. With more than 30 years of experience and a culture built around outstanding customer service, our team is ready to make your special event a reality. Get a quote and apply for private event insurance coverage today!

Related Blogs

Read More PHLY Blogs
Risk Management

Outdoor Burning Safety: How To Prevent Fires and Protect Your Property

Outdoor burning safety is more critical than ever, with wildfires scorching tens of thousands of acres of land in 2025. Learn more about PHLY's essential fire risk management tips for backyard fire pits, agricultural burns, and property protection to help prevent disasters and safeguard lives and assets.

Product

Insurance for Schools: Emerging Trends to Watch

With liability risks growing, schools face financial and reputational challenges that demand tailored solutions. Administrators can protect their students, staff, and their schools from costly claims with PHLY's comprehensive coverage plans.

Risk Management

Avoid the Pitfalls of Evidence Spoliation

Accidents happen, but what you do afterward can make all the difference. PHLY helps organizations implement clear evidence retention policies to avoid spoliation risks and prevent costly claims, sanctions, and settlements.

Risk Management

Scald Injury Prevention: Safeguarding Vulnerable Populations and Your Organization

Scald injuries can happen in seconds—and for organizations serving children, seniors, or other vulnerable groups, the consequences can be severe. Practical prevention tips, first aid guidance, and strong risk management policies are key to reducing hazards and protecting both people and property.

Product

Six Things Non-Profits Need to Know About Special Event Insurance

Small oversights at non-profit special events can lead to big claims. Non-profit special event insurance helps protect your organization’s finances and reputation so you can focus on your mission.

Product

Looking for a Commercial or Contract Surety Bond? PHLY Has What You Need

Surety bonds can feel complex, but they’re a powerful way to help businesses secure contracts and protect obligations. Backed by A++ financial strength and expert support, PHLY offers a full range of surety solutions.

Risk Management

Risk Management Related to Staffing Agencies: A Comprehensive Guide

Staffing agencies face growing risks—from compliance challenges and discrimination claims to data breaches and workplace safety concerns. Effective risk management starts with thorough employee vetting, client assessments, and staying ahead of changing labor laws.

Risk Management

Winter Weather Preparedness: 5 Essential Tips to Protect Your Fleet, Property, and People

Winter storms can bring costly risks to businesses, from slips and falls to burst pipes and stranded vehicles. This guide shares five essential tips for winter weather preparedness to help organizations safeguard people, property, and operations.

Risk Management

Staying Safe Before, During, and After a Tornado

When The Wizard of Oz blew into theaters in 1939, one major character was absent from certain news reports.