Event Planner Insurance Guide: Complete Coverage for Wedding Planners, Corporate Events & Event Coordination (2025)

Author: Jennifer Smith | Published: February 13, 2026 | Updated: February 13, 2026

Quick Answer

Event planners typically need 5-7 insurance policies costing $4,500-$15,000 annually. Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions) is essential, covering planning mistakes and contract failures ($2,000-$6,000/year). General Liability protects against guest injuries and vendor accidents ($1,500-$4,000/year). Chubb specializes in event planner insurance with comprehensive coverage unavailable from most carriers, offering higher limits, vendor failure protection, and white-glove claims service ideal for wedding planners, corporate event coordinators, and high-end event design businesses. Most event planners also need Event Cancellation insurance, Cyber Liability, Equipment Coverage, and Workers Compensation.

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Why Event Planners Face Unique Insurance Challenges

Event planning combines high financial stakes, tight timelines, emotional clients, and dependence on third-party vendors, creating a perfect storm of liability exposures. A single missed detail or vendor failure can ruin once-in-a-lifetime celebrations, triggering lawsuits seeking hundreds of thousands in damages.

Unlike most businesses where errors can be corrected, event planning failures are often irreversible. You cannot reschedule a couple's wedding date, recreate a company's 50th anniversary celebration, or undo the embarrassment of a botched product launch. This creates unique consequential damage exposures uncommon in other industries.

Event planners face liability from multiple directions simultaneously: professional errors in planning and coordination, vendor failures and no-shows, guest injuries at events, property damage to venues, equipment failures, and cybersecurity breaches exposing client payment information. Each event involves contracts with dozens of vendors, any of whom can fail and create liability for the planner.

Beyond liability risks, event planners depend on specialized equipment, maintain sensitive client data, and operate in a reputation-driven industry where a single negative review or lawsuit can destroy years of relationship-building.

Consider this real scenario: A wedding planner coordinated a $120,000 destination wedding for 180 guests. Three days before the event, the contracted caterer declared bankruptcy and ceased operations. The planner frantically secured replacement catering, but the substitute cost $28,000 more than originally contracted. The couple sued the planner for $35,000 in additional catering costs plus emotional distress. The planner's Professional Liability insurance covered the $28,000 settlement plus $9,400 in legal fees. Without insurance, this single vendor failure would have bankrupted the planning business.

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Essential Insurance Coverages for Event Planners

Professional Liability Insurance (Errors & Omissions)

Professional Liability insurance, also called Errors & Omissions (E&O), protects event planners when clients claim mistakes, oversights, contract failures, or failure to deliver promised services.

What Professional Liability Covers for Event Planners:

Planning errors and oversights (wrong dates, incorrect guest counts)
Vendor failures and no-shows you're held responsible for
Contract disputes with clients or vendors
Missed deadlines and coordination failures
Budget overruns blamed on planner negligence
Failure to secure proper permits or licenses
Inadequate vendor vetting leading to service failures
Copyright infringement in event materials
Legal defense costs (paid in addition to policy limits)
Consequential damages from ruined events

Real Claim Example: An event planner booked a corporate gala for 400 people at a prestigious venue. In the contract, the planner accidentally listed the date as Saturday, October 14th instead of Saturday, October 21st. The venue was already booked on the correct date and refused to accommodate the error. The company had to completely rebrand the event, send corrected invitations, and compensate speakers who had conflicts with the new date. They sued the planner for $85,000. The planner's $1 million Professional Liability policy covered the $62,000 settlement and all legal costs.

Business Type	Annual Revenue	Annual Premium	Recommended Limits
Part-Time/Startup Event Planner	$50,000 - $150,000	$2,000 - $3,200	$1M per claim / $1M aggregate
Wedding Planner (10-20 events/year)	$150,000 - $500,000	$2,800 - $4,500	$1M-$2M per claim / $2M aggregate
Corporate Event Coordinator	$300,000 - $1,000,000	$3,500 - $6,000	$2M per claim / $2M-$3M aggregate
High-End Event Design Studio	$750,000 - $3,000,000	$5,000 - $9,500	$2M-$5M per claim / $3M-$5M aggregate
Full-Service Event Company	$2,000,000 - $10,000,000	$8,000 - $18,000	$3M-$5M per claim / $5M aggregate

Given the high cost of weddings and corporate events, most event planners should carry minimum $1-2 million Professional Liability limits. Wedding planners handling luxury events exceeding $100,000 and corporate event coordinators planning large galas need $2-5 million limits.

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General Liability Insurance

General Liability (GL) insurance covers bodily injury and property damage from event operations, setup, and execution. This protects planners when guests are injured or property is damaged during events.

What General Liability Covers for Event Planners:

Guest injuries during events (slip-and-falls, trip hazards)
Property damage to venues during setup or teardown
Injuries from event decorations or equipment
Food poisoning from catered events (if planner has oversight)
Damage to rented equipment or venue property
Alcohol-related incidents (if planner serves alcohol)
Advertising injury claims
Medical payments for minor injuries

Real Claim Example: During a corporate awards gala, a decorative lighting truss suspended from the ceiling partially collapsed, injuring three guests with falling equipment and glass. Investigations revealed improper installation by the event setup crew. The injured guests sued the event planner, venue, and lighting company collectively for $450,000. The event planner's $2 million General Liability policy contributed $125,000 to the settlement plus all legal defense costs.

Most event planners carry $1-2 million General Liability per occurrence with $2-3 million aggregate. Venues often require minimum $1-2 million coverage naming them as Additional Insured. Annual premiums typically range from $1,500-$4,000 depending on revenue, event types, and number of events coordinated.

Event Cancellation Insurance

Event Cancellation insurance (also called Event Liability or Special Event coverage) protects financial losses when events must be canceled, postponed, or interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances beyond your control.

What Event Cancellation Coverage includes:

Extreme weather forcing cancellation (hurricanes, blizzards)
Venue sudden closure or damage
Key participant illness or death
Vendor no-shows and failures
Travel disruptions preventing guest attendance
Civil unrest or terrorist threats
Communicable disease outbreaks
Non-refundable deposits lost
Rescheduling costs and expenses

Real Claim Example: A wedding planner coordinated a 220-person destination wedding in the Caribbean. Five days before the event, a Category 4 hurricane hit the island, destroying the resort and forcing total event cancellation. The couple had $180,000 in non-refundable deposits for venue, catering, photography, and travel. The planner had secured Event Cancellation coverage as part of the planning package. The policy paid $165,000 to reimburse deposits and partially fund a rescheduled wedding six months later.

Event Cancellation coverage is often purchased on a per-event basis rather than annual policies. Premiums typically range from 1-5% of total event value depending on location, season, and covered perils. High-end wedding planners often include this coverage in their service packages.

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Cyber Liability Insurance

Event planners maintain sensitive client information, payment data, vendor contracts, and guest lists, making Cyber Liability insurance increasingly essential.

What Cyber Liability covers:

Client credit card data breaches
Ransomware attacks on planning software
Guest list information theft
Email phishing and wire transfer fraud
Business interruption from system outages
Notification costs and credit monitoring
Legal fees and regulatory fines
Forensic investigation and system restoration

Real Claim Example: An event planning company was targeted by email phishing attack. A planner received what appeared to be a legitimate email from a vendor requesting payment via wire transfer for $32,000. The planner initiated the transfer before realizing the email was fraudulent. The company's Cyber Liability policy with Funds Transfer Fraud coverage reimbursed the full $32,000 loss.

Annual Cyber Liability premiums for event planners typically range from $600-$2,500 for $500,000-$1 million coverage. Essential endorsements include Social Engineering Fraud and Funds Transfer Fraud.

Inland Marine Insurance (Equipment and Property)

Inland Marine insurance protects event planning equipment, decorations, and property while being transported or used at event venues.

What Inland Marine covers:

Event planning equipment and tools
Decorations, linens, and rentals you own
Laptops, tablets, and mobile devices
Photography and audio-visual equipment
Theft from vehicles or event venues
Damage during transport or setup
Client property in your care

Event planners who own significant equipment or maintain inventory of decorations should carry Inland Marine coverage with limits of $10,000-$100,000 depending on property value. Annual premiums typically range from $400-$1,800.

Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers Compensation insurance is legally required in most states if you have employees. It covers medical expenses and lost wages when employees are injured during event setup, coordination, or teardown.

Common injuries for event planning staff:

Back injuries from lifting decorations and equipment
Slips, trips, and falls during event setup
Burns from candles, lighting, or kitchen equipment
Ladder falls during decoration installation
Vehicle accidents during event transportation
Repetitive strain injuries from setup work

Annual Workers Compensation premiums for event planners typically range from $800-$2,500 per employee depending on state, job duties, and claims history.

Why Chubb Specializes in Event Planner Insurance

Event planning insurance requires specialized underwriting expertise and coverage breadth that most standard carriers don't offer. Chubb has developed comprehensive event planner programs specifically designed for wedding planners, corporate event coordinators, and event design businesses.

Chubb's Event Planner Insurance Advantages

Specialized Coverage Features:

Professional Liability limits up to $5-10 million
Vendor failure protection included in E&O coverage
Event Cancellation coverage available as endorsement
Liquor Liability for events where planner serves alcohol
Non-owned/Hired Auto for vendor vehicle exposures
Manuscript policies customized for unique operations
International coverage for destination events
Crisis management and reputation protection services

Industry Expertise:

Underwriters who understand event planning operations
White-glove claims service with dedicated adjusters
24/7 emergency claims reporting for event-day incidents
Risk management resources and contract templates
Fast certificate of insurance issuance for venue requirements
Experience with high-value weddings and corporate events

Typical Chubb Package Pricing for Event Planners:

$200,000 revenue wedding planner: $4,500-$7,500/year (Professional Liability + GL + Cyber)
$500,000 revenue event coordinator: $6,500-$10,500/year (comprehensive coverage)
$1,500,000 revenue event design studio: $9,500-$15,000/year (premium protection)
$5,000,000+ full-service company: $15,000-$28,000/year (maximum protection)

Why Many Carriers Don't Cover Event Planners

Event planning is considered a high-risk professional service by most insurance carriers due to:

Irreversible nature of event failures
High consequential damage claims
Dependence on third-party vendors
Emotional nature of weddings and celebrations
Complex multi-party contracts
Difficulty quantifying actual damages

Hartford and many regional carriers either exclude event planning entirely or offer limited coverage inadequate for professional planners. Chubb's specialized underwriting and claims expertise make them the preferred carrier for event planning businesses requiring comprehensive protection.

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Common Insurance Mistakes Event Planners Make

Mistake 1: Relying Only on General Liability

Many new event planners purchase only General Liability, believing it covers all business risks. GL doesn't cover professional errors, vendor failures, contract disputes, or planning mistakes, the primary exposures event planners face.

Solution: Professional Liability (E&O) is essential primary coverage for event planners. General Liability is secondary, addressing physical injury and property damage. Both policies are necessary for complete protection.

Mistake 2: Inadequate Professional Liability Limits

Event planners often purchase minimum $1 million Professional Liability without considering that single high-value weddings or corporate events can exceed $150,000-$500,000. Lawsuits seeking damages for ruined events often exceed basic policy limits.

Solution: Wedding planners should carry minimum $1-2 million Professional Liability, with those handling luxury events exceeding $100,000 needing $2-5 million limits. Corporate event coordinators planning galas and conferences require similar higher limits.

Mistake 3: Not Requiring Vendor Insurance

Event planners who don't require vendors to maintain insurance and provide certificates naming the planner as Additional Insured become liable for vendor failures, accidents, and negligence.

Solution: Require all vendors to carry General Liability with minimum $1-2 million limits naming your business as Additional Insured. Verify coverage before events and maintain certificate files. Your contract should specify insurance requirements and hold-harmless provisions.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Event Cancellation Coverage

Many planners assume clients will understand when events must be canceled due to weather, venue failures, or emergencies. Clients often hold planners financially responsible even when circumstances are beyond planner control.

Solution: Offer Event Cancellation insurance as part of planning packages, especially for high-value weddings and destination events. This protects both planner and client from catastrophic financial losses. Include clear contract language addressing force majeure and cancellation scenarios.

Mistake 5: Insufficient Cyber Liability Protection

Event planners maintain thousands of dollars in client deposits, credit card information, and sensitive event details. A data breach or wire transfer fraud can destroy client trust and create significant financial liability.

Solution: Carry Cyber Liability with minimum $500,000-$1 million limits including Social Engineering and Funds Transfer Fraud coverage. Implement multi-factor authentication, encrypted email for sensitive information, and verify all payment requests via phone before initiating transfers.

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How to Reduce Event Planner Insurance Costs

Implement Written Vendor Agreements

Documented vendor contracts with insurance requirements, hold-harmless clauses, and clear performance standards reduce Professional Liability exposure and demonstrate risk management to insurers.

Cost savings: 10-15% premium reduction for comprehensive contract management and vendor vetting procedures.

Maintain Detailed Event Documentation

Thorough documentation of client communications, vendor agreements, timelines, and change orders provides critical defense in professional liability claims and demonstrates professional operations.

Cost savings: 5-10% premium reduction for documented quality control and record-keeping systems.

Join Professional Associations

Organizations like American Society of Professional Wedding Planners (ASPWP), Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC), and Meeting Professionals International (MPI) often offer group insurance programs with specialized coverage and competitive rates.

Cost savings: Variable, but can reach 10-20% compared to standard market for small planning businesses.

Maintain Claims-Free History

Professional Liability claims dramatically impact future premiums and coverage availability. Claims-free planners receive substantial discounts, while those with claims face surcharges or difficulty obtaining coverage.

Cost savings: Claims-free credits reach 15-25% after 5+ years without losses.

Bundle Policies with Specialized Carrier

Purchasing Professional Liability, General Liability, Cyber Liability, and Workers Compensation from a specialized event planner carrier like Chubb generates multi-policy discounts and ensures coverage coordination.

Cost savings: $1,000-$3,500 annually for planners bundling 3+ policies with specialized carriers.

Increase Deductibles Strategically

Higher deductibles on Professional Liability ($2,500-$5,000 vs. $1,000) reduce premiums. Best for established planners with strong cash reserves and clean claims history.

Cost savings: $500-$1,500 annually depending on coverage limits and deductible increase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need insurance if I only plan a few events per year?

Yes. Even part-time event planners face significant professional liability exposure. A single planning error or vendor failure can generate a lawsuit exceeding $50,000-$100,000. Annual policies protect all events during the policy period, whether you plan 5 events or 50 events.

Does my Professional Liability cover vendor no-shows?

Coverage varies by policy and carrier. Some Professional Liability policies exclude vendor failures entirely, while others like Chubb include Vendor Failure endorsement. Review your policy carefully and always require vendors to maintain their own insurance naming you as Additional Insured.

Am I covered for destination weddings and international events?

Standard U.S. policies provide limited or no coverage outside North America. For destination events, verify your carrier offers international extensions or purchase separate Event Liability coverage for specific events. Chubb offers worldwide coverage for event planning operations.

What if a guest is injured at an event I planned?

General Liability covers bodily injuries during events if you're found negligent (improper setup, hazardous conditions you created). However, if venue or vendor negligence caused injury, their insurance should respond first if you properly required insurance and Additional Insured status. Your GL provides backup coverage if vendor coverage is inadequate.

Does insurance cover refunds if clients are unhappy?

No. Insurance doesn't cover service quality disputes or client satisfaction issues. Professional Liability only responds when clients allege actual damages from planning errors, contract breaches, or professional negligence. Clear contracts with scope of services and change order procedures minimize refund disputes.

How much does insurance cost for a startup event planning business?

A startup event planner with $75,000 projected revenue and no employees typically pays $3,500-$6,000 annually for essential coverage (Professional Liability, General Liability, and Cyber Liability). Costs increase with higher revenue, more events, employees, and equipment owned.

Can I purchase insurance for a single event only?

Yes. Special Event or One-Day Event policies provide General Liability and sometimes Event Cancellation coverage for individual events. However, they don't include Professional Liability for planning errors. If you regularly plan events, annual policies are more cost-effective than per-event coverage.

Do I need Liquor Liability if I coordinate events serving alcohol?

If you only hire caterers and bartending services who serve alcohol, their Liquor Liability should cover alcohol-related incidents (verify with certificates). However, if you purchase, serve, or have control over alcohol service, you need your own Liquor Liability coverage. Some event planner policies include this as an endorsement.

What happens if my insurance claim exceeds policy limits?

You're personally liable for amounts exceeding limits. High-value weddings and corporate events can generate claims exceeding $1-2 million. Commercial Umbrella policies provide additional coverage above underlying limits. Event planners coordinating luxury events should carry Umbrella coverage of $1-5 million.

Should I add clients as Additional Insured on my policy?

Venues often require being named Additional Insured, which is standard practice. However, adding clients as Additional Insured is unusual and may not benefit them. Clients should consider purchasing their own Event Cancellation or Wedding Insurance. Focus on requiring vendors to name you as Additional Insured to protect your business.

Getting Started: Next Steps for Event Planners

Event planning involves irreplaceable moments, complex vendor coordination, and high financial stakes that create unique insurance needs. Comprehensive Professional Liability and General Liability coverage are essential foundations, but specialized policies addressing event cancellation, cyber risks, and equipment protection complete your insurance program.

Chubb is the preferred carrier for event planning businesses due to specialized underwriting expertise, comprehensive coverage options unavailable from standard carriers, vendor failure protection, and superior claims service essential when event-day disasters occur. Their manuscript policies can be customized for wedding planners, corporate event coordinators, and event design studios requiring higher limits and broader protection.

Work with an insurance advisor who specializes in event planning and understands the unique exposures of coordinating weddings, galas, conferences, and celebrations. The cheapest policy is rarely the best value when missing Professional Liability coverage or inadequate limits leave you exposed to career-ending lawsuits.

Review your insurance program annually and before taking on significantly larger or more complex events. Expanding into destination weddings, adding employees, or coordinating events exceeding $100,000 all affect insurance needs. Maintain claims-free operations through documented vendor management, comprehensive contracts, and clear client communications setting realistic expectations.

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