Entertainment insurance

Howden's Entertainment team can arrange insurance solutions for a wide range of clients in the entertainment and events industry, including event organisers, promoters, production companies, performers, audio visual and lighting engineers, venues, festivals, exhibitions, conferences, sporting events and community events. Whether you're running a one-off event or managing an annual program, we can help you find cover.

In most cases, Public Liability insurance is not a legal requirement. However, many venues, councils, landlords, suppliers and contractors will require you to hold Public Liability cover before allowing your event to proceed. It is often a contractual requirement and an important way to help protect your business against the financial impact of third-party claims.

Public Liability insurance can provide cover if your business or event activities cause personal injury to a third party or damage to their property. It can help cover legal defence costs and compensation amounts that you become legally liable to pay following an insured claim.

The insured parties will depend on the policy wording and who is named on the policy schedule. Generally, cover applies to the individual, business or organisation named as the insured in the policy schedule. Cover may also extend to directors, employees, volunteers when acting on behalf of the insured but doesn’t usually extend to cover your contractors or sub-contractors. Your Howden broker can also help explain exactly who is covered under your policy. Please also refer to your insurance policy and schedule.

A venue's insurance is designed to protect the venue and its own interests. As the event organiser, you may be held responsible for injuries, property damage or other incidents arising from your event activities. The venue's insurance is unlikely to respond to claims made against you or your organisation, which is why organisers are typically required to arrange their own insurance cover.

The earlier you arrange Event Cancellation insurance, the better. You are unable to purchase cover less than 14 days prior to the commencement of your event. 
Cover is generally intended to protect you against unforeseen circumstances that arise after the policy is purchased. Taking out cover as soon as you have financial commitments tied to your event, such as venue deposits, artist bookings or supplier contracts, helps maximise the protection available. 

If you need to make a claim, notify Howden as soon as possible after the incident or event giving rise to the claim. Our team will guide you through the process, explain what information is required and help liaise with insurers on your behalf. Prompt notification can help ensure your claim is handled as efficiently as possible. Please also refer to the claims conditions contained in your insurance policy. 

Payment options vary depending on the insurer, policy type and premium amount. In some cases, monthly premium funding arrangements may be available however please note that the total overall cost is higher if you pay monthly. Your Howden broker can discuss the payment options available for your policy and help find a solution that suits your needs.

If a venue, council, landlord or other organisation requires noting as an interested party, simply contact your Howden broker with their details. Where approved by the insurer, we can arrange for the interested party to be noted on your Certificate of Currency and provide an updated certificate.