Christmas really is the most magical time of the year, and events thrown over this period boast a festive ambience and plenty of good cheer. Whether you’re organising your company’s annual Christmas party or throwing a seasonal event like a Christmas Market, keep everything merry and bright with Christmas event insurance.
Why should you take out Christmas event insurance?
Are you putting together a Christmas-themed event? It could be a market full of stalls, a festive crafting workshop, Santa’s grotto, a Christmas lights switch-on, or a carol-singing event. Whatever you’re hosting, insurance keeps your finances safe should you receive a claim for compensation for personal injury or property damage or if your equipment is lost, damaged, or stolen at the event.
Although your event may be infused with the spirit of Christmas, accidents and mishaps can happen. Someone could trip on a power cable and hurt themselves, a spillage on the dancefloor could send someone toppling, and your catering staff could drop a tray of mulled wine when on your venue’s expensive cream carpets. Your business is liable for all the associated compensation costs if you don’t have Christmas event insurance.
What about the office party?
The Christmas party is top of the to-do list for many businesses. But deciding on catering and the venue are not the only important decisions to make. Staff welfare at the party should be a top priority whether the party is on-site or out at a different venue, such as a restaurant or club. Your employer’s liability insurance may not cover any injury caused during a Christmas party. It’s better to be sure, so check with your insurance adviser.
If you’re having the party at your business premises, your business insurance may not cover damage caused to equipment. Don’t worry; you don’t need to call the whole thing off. You can buy day Christmas event insurance cover specifically for the party without breaking the bank.
If you’re going to a different venue for your party, they will usually have adequate insurance to cover most things that can go wrong. To be sure, ask to see copies of their insurance. While you don’t want to risk being underinsured, there is no point in doubling up on insurance if you don’t need to. If you’re still not sure, speak to your insurance broker.
What festive cover do you need?
Public liability is a must when your event is attended by members of the public—even if they’re all your own staff attending a Christmas shindig. This cover covers claims of personal injury and property damage, including compensation, legal costs, and any medical fees.
If you’re employing people to work at your Christmas event, you must hold at least £5 million of employers’ liability cover. You will need this if a member of staff claims they were injured or made sick as a result of their employment.
Whether you’re using your own equipment or hiring it, you should take out equipment cover to protect against loss, damage, and theft. You could also take our stock cover if you’re hosting or selling at a Christmas market.
If your event was set to bring in money for your business, event cancellation cover will protect your non-refundable deposits and loss of earnings – so don’t let a blizzard or power cut ruin your Christmas.
To avoid a “Ho ho oh no!” when you’re trying to make a claim, it’s worth noting what isn’t covered as standard when you take out Christmas event insurance, and this includes:
- Cancellations due to poor attendance
- An event that you continued to organise with the knowledge of a scenario that could cancel it
- Loss of stock or equipment that is left unattended or in an unlocked vehicle
- Hazardous activities such as fireworks, bonfires, ice skating, and inflatable play equipment
Christmas market insurance
Christmas markets are one of the highlights in the run-up to the big day. They are the perfect opportunity for local businesses and artisans to sell their produce to the community.
Christmas market insurance, also known as Christmas stall insurance, can be taken out both by the organisers of the event and the stallholders to protect against third-party claims and business losses. These policies offer the same covers as Christmas event insurance but often include coverage for the cash at the event as standard.
Thinking of setting up your own Christmas stall? Read our blog post for creative Christmas market stall ideas.
Keeping your business safe this Christmas
Everyone loves a bit of tinsel, a few baubles, and a Christmas tree in the corner of the office or shop. But put them in the wrong place and you could be accidentally breaking Health and Safety rules. If that happens, your insurance could be invalidated, and you won’t get a penny if something unexpected happens. That doesn’t mean you have to go all Grinch and ban decorations. Here are a few tips to help you get the festive look and stay safe:
- Don’t hang decorations on the lights. If you do, it can cause a fire hazard.
- Make sure the wires for Christmas lights are safely tucked away. You don’t want any members of staff, visitors, or customers tripping over them.
- Double-check that the decorations are not blocking a fire exit.
- Opt for LED lights, as these don’t give off heat.
- Use a step ladder to put up and take down out-of-reach decorations.
- Do not stand on a chair or desk.
You need to think about more than meeting health and safety rules. Faulty electrical items are a leading cause of fires at Christmas. It’s a common myth that lights have to undergo PAT testing. Technically, they don’t, but check if electrical items, such as singing Santas or Christmas lights, are CE-approved.
Because Christmas lights are not a feature all through the year, problems caused by them may not be covered by your usual insurance policy. Check the small print first, or speak to your broker to be sure. You can take out additional Christmas lights insurance for a small premium if you need to. It’s a little price to pay for peace of mind that your pretty lights won’t land you with an ugly big bill.
FAQs
Does an event organiser’s insurance automatically cover stallholders?
No, so it’s a great idea for a stallholder to take out their own Christmas stall insurance.
How much does Christmas market insurance cost?
The cost of insurance for your Christmas event will be calculated according to the expected number of attendees, the location, the levels of individual covers you set, and the duration of the event.
When should I take out Christmas event insurance?
You can take out a policy as early as possible before spending money on your deposits, stock, and equipment.
Does my business need more cover at Christmas?
If you’re a venue that regularly hosts parties, entertainment, and social events, then you’ve probably already got comprehensive events insurance. However, during a Christmas party, things can get ‘lively’, which means the chances of suffering breakages or damage are higher. If your venue insurance doesn’t quite give you the cover you want or think you may need, then the pre-Christmas period is the best time to get it updated.
Are you bringing any extra equipment into your venue, for example, a bigger sound system or snow machine? If so, is this covered by your current policy?
Will you expect bigger crowds over Christmas and New Year? Check that your existing insurance doesn’t have a cap on numbers. If it does, check it is high enough or get this changed so you’re covered.
Christmas is a time for having fun. But read the small print on your insurance policy first, and if in doubt, contact one of our friendly team at Park Insurance. We’ll be able to help you with no-nonsense, honest advice on Christmas event insurance and other cover.