Anything rented from a third-party vendor, like a camera, golf cart, or party rental company, will be considered rented equipment. A Special Event General Liability policy does not cover theft or damage to rented equipment. However, it will cover their liability if their use of the equipment causes damage to the venue or injury to guests.
For example, event organizers may need to rent a grand tent for the wedding, camera equipment for a film shoot, or a specialty sound system for a party. What happens if they damage that equipment? They could be on the hook to cover those costs if they do not have proper coverage, usually called Inland Marine Insurance.
A very important distinction to make is between items rented from a third party and party necessities included with the venue rental. Our policies are intended to cover damage to most items included with the venue rental. We often see covered claims for damage to tables, chairs, or other things included in the venue rental.
If it's not covered by event insurance, how do you help ensure the event organizer is covered?
Instruct them to check their current insurance policies, such as their homeowner's insurance, to see if they can add a rider. Rented equipment (aka Inland Marine) insurance policies vary greatly depending on the risk involved, the value, and the type of equipment. That insurance may be built into the rental price, or the rental company may offer coverage when renting the equipment. If the values are lower, a security deposit with the rental company may be an option.
On the other hand, if they rent equipment like a tent, a generator, a sound system, or chairs for their event, their liability while using those items will be covered. Meaning, if they are negligent when setting up the tent and it falls and hurts someone, Special Event General Liability will be there to help cover the cost of those injuries. EventHelper.com Event Liability policies may not cover damage to the chairs they rented from the party rental store, but we will cover damage to the venue's floors they cause by dragging those chairs around the room!
This information is provided to assist you in understanding the coverage being offered and does not modify the terms and conditions of any insurance policy, nor imply a claim is covered. Specific coverage terms vary by class of business. See your policy for full details.
