A wedding reception can be the most memorable celebration of a couple’s life - and also one of their biggest investments. With the average cost of a wedding ringing in at $36,000, making sure every base is covered matters. So when a wedding venue requires insurance to host a ceremony or reception, it can feel like one more thing on an already lengthy to-do list.
Yet wedding liability insurance is not red tape, nor a suggestion or formality: It’s a condition for using the space. Without it, nobody in the wedding, from the bride and groom to their guests, will be allowed through the door on the big day.
Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY) is well-versed in the liability coverage needed for weddings. Couples and their agents might be surprised to learn that securing a certificate of insurance (COI) against wedding-related mishaps can be quick and affordable.
What Is Wedding Liability Insurance?
Sometimes called event liability insurance for a wedding, this coverage is a short-term policy that protects against third-party bodily injury and property damage. It shields the couple and other insureds against financial losses when things go awry during (and in some cases, after) the ceremony and reception.
Each wedding insurance policy is a little different, but the basic protections should include:
General liability covering third-party bodily injury and/or property damage claims that arise during the event.
Premises liability to cover injuries or damage tied to the physical condition of the venue, such as a guest who trips over an electrical cord taped to the floor.
Auto liability for damages arising from hired and non-owned vehicles connected to the event.
While dry weddings are on the rise, roughly four in five weddings still serve alcohol. If champagne and spirits are flowing, venues might also require host liquor liability coverage for overindulgent guests who may harm themselves or others, from slips and falls during the reception to post-celebration accidents.
What Are Key Wedding Liability Insurance Terms?
When discussing wedding insurance with an agent or venue, it’s useful to be versed in a few key features of the coverage, such as:
Certificate of insurance (COI). Most wedding venues will ask for this proof of coverage prior to the event. After applying for coverage, PHLY can email a COI almost instantly for qualified events. Coverage begins at 12:01 a.m. on the day of the wedding and ends at 12:01 a.m. the following day, with extensions available.
Limits. Different venues may have different requirements for insurance limits, with $1M in liability coverage being a common minimum. PHLY offers policies with two options: either $1M in coverage per occurrence and up to $3M total, or $2M in coverage per occurrence and up to $4M total.
Additional insured. A venue may ask to be added to your policy as an additional insured, which means the venue will be covered under your policy. PHLY offers this service upon request for qualified insureds with an additional insured endorsement added to the COI. Vendors usually need their own separate coverage for the event, as PHLY will only provide coverage for the host (ex. the bride and groom).
The PHLY Difference: Fast, Stable Wedding Liability Insurance
At PHLY, we know how critical it can be to have reliable wedding insurance to protect against significant financial loss. Coverage highlights include:
An easy online application process with near-instant quotes for eligible weddings
No deductible
The ability to add event venue(s) as additional insured(s)
Online payment option and proof of policy/COI issued within minutes
Premiums starting at $175 in most states
With a claims satisfaction rating of 96.7% and an A++ (Superior) rating by AM Best, we have the financial strength and responsiveness to protect your wedding from financial risk - and give couples one less thing to worry about.
Ready to find out more? Apply online via our online portal or call 800-873-4552 to get started.