Presented by Auto&General

Event season is around the corner – is your event protected?

 ·3 Sep 2026

From weddings and sporting events to corporate functions, festivals and community gatherings, the warmer months bring people together. 

Event planners are masters of dealing with surprises, but no matter how carefully planned an event may be, accidents can happen. 

A guest could suffer an injury or damage to their property as a result of a single mishap, which can lead to a costly liability claim and reputational harm for the organisers, suppliers, host brand and venue. 

Taking the time to understand potential event liability and putting in place proactive measures to mitigate risks should be key parts of the event planning process.

Why event liability matters

Event organisers have a responsibility to provide a reasonably safe environment for guests, staff, suppliers and members of the public. 

Claims can arise from a number of situations, including slips and falls, crowd-related incidents, accidental property damage, or injuries caused by temporary structures and equipment malfunction. 

While many risks can be managed through careful planning, no event is completely immune to the unexpected – and protecting yourself against the unexpected wherever possible is an essential step.

The 7-point event hosting checklist

Before your next event, make sure you’ve ticked off these essential risk management measures:

  • Conduct a risk assessment

Identify potential hazards and put plans in place to address them before the event begins.

  • Assess venue safety

Ensure exits are clearly marked, walkways are unobstructed, the venue complies with safety requirements, and that attendee numbers do not exceed the venue’s approved capacity.

  • Vet suppliers and contractors

Work with reputable service providers who follow safety standards and have appropriate insurance where necessary. 

It is worth reviewing even long-standing partnerships to ensure they’re still at the top of their game. 

  • Prepare for emergencies

Develop and communicate procedures for medical incidents, extreme weather, security concerns and evacuations.

  • Implement crowd management measures

Monitor attendance numbers and ensure adequate security and access control measures are in place, bearing in mind the venue capacity and infrastructure.

  • Review health and safety protocols

Inspect staging, electrical equipment, food service areas and temporary structures to ensure they are safe for use. 

Certification is no longer enough – protect your reputation by checking everything yourself.

  • Arrange event liability insurance

Event liability insurance provides an important safety net when things don’t go according to plan – and reduces the potential financial, reputational and operational consequences that may affect future events.

By taking the right precautions and securing the appropriate insurance cover, organisers can focus on delivering exceptional experiences with greater peace of mind. 

As you prepare for the busy spring and summer event season, don’t leave your event exposed to unnecessary financial risk.

Click here to get an Auto&General events liability insurance quote, or contact Auto&General at 0861 333 877.

Auto&General is a licensed non-life insurer and FSP. Ts & Cs apply.

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