Are you planning a wedding? You may need to purchase general liability insurance to cover the risks. Many weddings today are occurring outside of the traditional venues. That’s okay, as long as you take steps to protect all involved. The key here is to invest in a policy reflective of the risks you face in a wedding scenario. Why do you need this coverage and how do you get it?
Why General Liability Insurance Is Necessary
Many people opt to have their marriage outside a traditional hall or church. They want to gather family and friends at an area park. They may wish to have their wedding in a museum or even a private estate. These locations are popular for their uniqueness. However, some lack the liability insurance to cover such events. The owners are increasingly requiring the hosts to invest in liability insurance to cover their own risks.
What Risks Are Present?
A person at the wedding can fall. They can suffer an injury due to an uneven walkway, for example. In other situations, alcohol is a key factor. If you serve alcohol and a person is in a vehicle accident, you could be responsible. Liability insurance helps cover losses related to these types of instances. It is quite valuable to have.
How Can You Obtain It?
Sometimes called wedding liability insurance, this form of general liability insurance is available through most insurance agencies. Policies valued up to $5 million are available. The coverage should:
- Meet the requirements of the facility
- Provide coverage during the entire event, including any time you are there before the wedding occurs or afterward
- Provide alcohol or liquor coverage if you plan to serve it at your event
- Specifically, state the venue and the estimated people at the event
- Provide coverage for the day of the event. But, if you plan to host other events there, such as a rehearsal dinner, it should include this time, too
Most of the time, this form of general liability insurance is relatively inexpensive. It is never something to overlook as you plan your big day.
Speak to the venue about liability risks clearly. Many will have contracts outlining your need to obtain this coverage. Some will have you automatically sign on with their insurance company. You can – and should – find a policy that fits your needs through your own local Baton Rouge agent, though. Then, you do not have to worry about what happens on your big day.