Special Event Policy Feature Checklist
What to confirm in a special event policy — what's standard, what's often limited, and what to add if needed — plus the gap most often missed.
Pull out your current event liability policy and check the box next to each feature you can confirm it includes — anything unchecked is worth a quick conversation with your advisor.
Tick each feature you can confirm your policy includes — anything left unticked is a good question for your next policy review.
| Confirm? | Policy feature | What to confirm | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Liability (Each Occurrence & Aggregate) | Covers injuries and property damage at the event — confirm limits meet the venue's requirements. | Standard | |
| Participant Injury | Covers injuries to people taking part (runners, riders, performers) — often excluded unless added. | Often limited | |
| Host Liquor / Liquor Liability | Covers alcohol served or sold at the event — excluded from general liability. | If needed | |
| Assault & Battery | Covers fights and security incidents — often excluded or sublimited for concerts and large crowds. | Often limited | |
| Additional Insureds (Venue, | Sponsor, City) Confirm every party the venue contract or permit requires is added. | Standard | |
| Medical Payments | Pays minor injury bills regardless of fault, reducing lawsuits. | Often limited | |
| Event Cancellation | Reimburses costs if weather, a no-show performer, or an emergency cancels the event. | If needed | |
| Rented Equipment & Property | Covers stages, tents, sound gear, and other rented property. | If needed |
The gap most often missed in this coverage
The most commonly missed gap in this coverage is participant injury. Many event policies cover spectators but exclude people taking part — runners, riders, and performers. Large crowds add another severe exposure: the 2021 Astroworld crowd surge killed 10 people and produced roughly 400 lawsuits. Organizers should confirm participant coverage, A&B coverage, and limits sized for the crowd.
Send us the checklist and we'll review your special event coverage line by line, then market it across multiple carriers that compete for your account.
Related: Special Event Insurance · Special Event Supplemental (apply) · All coverage checklists
Frequently asked questions
What should a special event policy include?
Standard features to confirm in a special event policy include General Liability (Each Occurrence & Aggregate), Additional Insureds (Venue,. This checklist also flags the features that are often limited or sublimited and the ones to add if needed, with a plain-English note on each.
Is this checklist insurance advice?
No. It is a free educational tool to help you have a more informed conversation with a licensed professional. It affords no coverage and is not insurance, legal, or financial advice — only your actual policy language governs what is and isn't covered.
Can Cory Washington & Co. review my special event coverage?
Yes. Share your checklist and we'll review your program line by line, market your account across multiple carriers, and explain the trade-offs in plain English. Cory Washington & Co. LLC is licensed in all 50 states.
This checklist is a free educational tool from Cory Washington & Co. to help you review your own coverage and have a more informed conversation with a licensed insurance professional. It is general information only — not insurance, legal, or financial advice, and not a recommendation to buy, change, or cancel any policy. Coverage terms, availability, limits, and requirements vary by policy, carrier, and state, and only the language in your actual policy governs what is and isn’t covered. Checking or leaving blank any item above does not indicate that you are adequately insured or under-insured. Using this checklist does not create a client, agency, or fiduciary relationship. Always consult a licensed professional about your specific situation.