Add Markel Specialty event insurance to your guest list
Because every little detail matters.
Your special event has taken you months to plan. And if everything goes right, it will be a smashing success. But how often does everything go according to plan? You may have never thought about it this way, but there can be financial repercussions to almost any hiccup that could occur before or during your event. Thankfully, there’s Markel Specialty event insurance to help you recover or repay for many of those situations.
We offer coverage for a variety of events, including:
- Weddings
- Anniversary parties
- Baby showers
- Baptisms
- Bar or bat mitzvahs
- Birthday parties
- Housewarming parties
- Memorial services
- Quinceañeras
- Retirement parties
- Special achievement receptions
- And much more
What is event insurance?
Whether it’s a birthday party, anniversary, or baby shower, organizing a thoughtful event requires meticulous planning, not to mention a lot of energy. With over 15 years of experience providing special event insurance, we know things don’t always go as planned. That’s why we help you safeguard your investment with affordable event insurance. Our event insurance policies can cover non-refundable deposits, cancellation costs, and even injuries or damage during your event.
Why do I need event insurance?
- Many vendors do not offer refunds regardless of the reason for cancellation or postponement.
- More and more venues require clients to purchase a one-day event liability policy because they’re unwilling to take on sole responsibility for damage to their property.
- If extreme weather causes your venue to be unusable or unreachable, event insurance can help recoup your costs if you have to cancel or move to a new location. (Extreme weather includes a hurricane, tropical storm, or even an epic snowstorm. The average summer thunderstorm would not be covered.)*
- Homeowners insurance often doesn't provide enough protection. Typically, homeowners policies will only cover the event if it’s located at the home of the host and will only cover event liability, not cancellation.
Don't let the unexpected ruin your special day. Get a free online quote today.
What can event insurance cover?
Event liability insurance can help protect you from financial loss if you are held legally responsible for property damage to the venue or bodily injury to someone injured at your event. Coverage highlights include:
- Bodily injury and property damage liability – up to $2 million in coverage available
- Host liquor liability insurance available
- Venues can be named as “additional insured” on the certificate of insurance for no additional cost
- Coverage can be purchased up to 1 day before your event
- Event cancellation add-on – for only $50, you can add $5,000 of event cancellation coverage to your Markel Specialty event liability policy
Best of all, Markel Specialty's event liability coverage is guaranteed to meet your venue’s insurance requirements, or your money back!
Actual claim example^: An antique statue at the venue was knocked over and broken while the policyholder was cleaning up after their event. Our event liability policy paid out almost $2,000 to purchase a new statue for the venue.
^These examples are provided for illustrative purposes only. Any claim submitted under the policy would be evaluated on its own merits and facts compared to the terms of the policy.
Markel Specialty is now offering event cancellation and postponement policies and endorsements in select states. Markel’s event cancellation and postponement policy and endorsement purchased on or after September 18, 2020 will specifically exclude loss due to communicable diseases, including COVID-19. To learn more, including to see if Markel’s event cancellation or postponement policy and endorsement is currently available in your state, please visit our communicable disease notice page.
Our event cancellation insurance can help reimburse you for non-refundable deposits and expenses if you have to cancel or postpone your event due to unforeseen circumstances, such as:
- Vendor bankruptcy
- Extreme weather*
- Accident or illness of host, honoree, or immediate family member
It can also provide coverage for damage to special attire, lost/stolen gifts, photographs, lost deposits from no-show vendors, and more. Coverage can be purchased up to 14 days before your event.
Actual claim example^: A venue went bankrupt and was padlocked 2 weeks before the insured's event. Total damages paid out under Markel Specialty's event cancellation coverage was just over $27,500.
^These examples are provided for illustrative purposes only. Any claim submitted under the policy would be evaluated on its own merits and facts compared to the terms of the policy.
Markel Specialty also offers liability coverage for business and corporate events**. Examples of some of the business events we cover include:
- Business dinners
- Business meetings
- Corporate private parties
- Fundraiser dinners
- Non-profit functions
How much does event insurance cost?
The cost of event liability insurance can range from $75 to $235, depending on coverage limits and coverage options chosen. Our liability limits start at $500,000 and you can choose to exclude liquor liability coverage if there is no alcohol being served at your event.
Event cancellation insurance starts as low as $130. The cost is based on your overall event budget, so you can make sure you have the most coverage for all of your deposits and expenses.
Get a quote online to find out what it will cost to protect your special event.
Get total protection for your event and saveSave up to 15% by purchasing both event liability and event cancellation coverage, and rest easy knowing your event is protected***.

From common event mishaps to ways to keep kids entertained at a wedding reception, find the information and resources you'll need all in one place.

Event insurance doesn't need to be complicated. Explore the most commonly asked questions about event insurance, and get the answers you're looking for.

Looking for an easy way to offer event insurance to your clients? Learn how easy it is to offer Markel Specialty event insurance.
Event insurance policies as low as $75.
Get a fast, free event insurance quote online and get the protection and peace of mind you deserve. Or call +1.800.236.2453 to speak with an event insurance specialist.
Markel Specialty is now offering event cancellation and postponement policies and endorsements in select states. To learn more, including to see if Markel’s event cancellation or postponement policy and endorsement is currently available in your state, please visit our communicable disease notice page.
**Business and corporate events must have less than 500 attendees and are subject to underwriting approval. Event liability coverage for business and corporate events is not available in FL.
***10% for residents of FL.