There are many ways to make a positive impact in our communities. We at Smyrl Insurance are proud to be Montgomery County, PA
residents, where non-profit organizations abound. We can find an event to support some worthy cause almost every weekend. Large-scale events are a great way to raise a lot of money in a short amount of time. These events take tons of planning, but they are usually worthwhile for both the money and awareness raised.
Whether you are involved in a non-profit entity, or you’re just looking to raise money for a cause by hosting a group event, it’s important to obtain the right kind of insurance coverage. Insurance protects you as the event organizer, the participants, and the venue and sponsors. Of course, not all coverages are made the same, so be sure to start with a local insurance agent who knows your local laws and takes time to understand your event details.
Special Event Liability Insurance for Non-Profit Organizations and Fundraisers
Special Event Liability Insurance is a policy that organizers obtain in order to share liability risks with the venue where their event will be held. Because the venue is protected by the organization hosting the event, they can keep their rental costs a bit lower.
If you are not affiliated with a non-profit, the idea of special event insurance may sound intimidating. It can also be disappointing to know that paying for insurance on your event will cut into the amount you’re able to give to your beneficiaries. But ultimately, you don’t want to lose everything if something goes wrong that results in injury or property damage. Also, most event organizers are pleasantly surprised to learn how inexpensive event insurance really is.
To get the most affordable coverage, it’s important to go over the details of your event with your insurance agent. Make sure the agent knows:
- What type of event is being held (auction, 5k race, bingo, dinner, dance, combination event)
- What activities will take place during the event
- What participants might bring to the event (pets, strollers, bikes)
- Whether or not alcohol will be served
- Whether there will be vendors selling products or consumables
- Where the event will take place or if it will span multiple locations
- What security or health & safety precautions will be in place
Don’t procrastinate on getting your quote. Make it part of the early planning process to avoid any gaps in coverage or last-minute emergencies. Keep in mind that cancellation insurance is separate from your liability insurance. If you want to protect your event in the case of cancellation or postponement, ask about cancellation coverage as well.
Do I Need Insurance if I’m Using an Event Management Service?
Resources are always limited when it comes to organizing a fundraiser event. Event management services help groups and individuals run their events more efficiently. These services typically provide all the necessary equipment, registration technology, and administrative paperwork. They’ll give your group a checklist of your responsibilities so that you understand who does what. Event management services may offer insurance as part of their package.
When you work with a service to help you run your fundraiser, ask upfront if they include an insurance policy. Ask if they recommend additional insurance, and request a copy of their coverage. Review the coverage with your own trusted insurance agent to determine if it provides enough protection for your organization. If you are acting as the go-between for the service and your event venue, make sure the provided insurance meets the venue’s requirements as well.
Event Insurance Provides Peace of Mind for Your Fundraiser
We all imagine that our fundraiser events will go perfectly so that the beneficiaries receive the vital support they need. While insurance is a small additional expense for your event, it is one that protects you and your cause in the event of a liability. With a properly insured event, you can have peace of mind that the funds you raise will go exactly where they are needed most.
Are you getting ready to plan your very first fundraiser event? Or maybe you’ve had them in the past and someone else handled all the administrative work. At Smyrl Insurance, we are proud of our community and all of the mission-minded people in it. We’ll work with you as an individual, or with your non-profit organization to help you get exactly the right insurance coverage for your fundraiser event. We work with clients in Hatfield, Lansdale, Souderton, Harleysville and throughout Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Contact us today to go over your event details and learn more about your insurance needs.