The intent of a Special Events General Liability policy is to cover unintended injuries to guests and spectators who otherwise would expect to leave the event in the same physical shape as when they arrived. It is NOT the intent to cover injuries to people participating in or training for a demonstration, show, competition, contest or athletic or sporting activity. This includes any entertainer, stage hand, crew, or independent contractor. This could also include a customer or audience member who signs up to participate. The General Liability policy is also not going to cover injuries to anyone who is working as a volunteer, employee or individual compensated by the insured.
If you have customers participating, you may want to talk to your legal counsel regarding a waiver or release of liability form.
If you have employees or volunteers, you will want to talk to your local insurance agent about Workman's Compensation insurance.
If you have hired independent contractors (i.e. vendors, caterers, wedding singer or anyone who runs their own business) you will want to make sure they have the proper insurance to cover themselves or their staff.
For Special Event Policies, the typical exposures expected would be a guest of the wedding or party, for example, slipping & falling on an extension cord laid by the insured or on their behalf.
If you are looking for coverage in case a sporting participant or performer chooses to not accept responsibility for their own actions and decides to blame you, give us a call. One of our agents will be able to assist with a policy that could include excess medical costs.