We’ve all had (or been...) that coworker who has a little too much fun and does something they fully regret the day after the annual holiday office party. If you’re on the event planning side of this year’s holiday party, you might want to consider special event insurance (Canada) as you prepare for this year’s office shenanigans. After all, the holidays is about celebrating and relaxing, not worrying about all the unforeseens that could go wrong if you don’t have insurance.
Short-term event insurance is designed to protect your event - whether it’s a conference, business party, festival or something else (for a full list of covered events click here) from ALL of the possible circumstances that might occur during your event that are beyond your control. This includes potential lawsuits caused by damage to the location you are renting or lawsuits that arise if your guests are injured at the event.
Nobody plans an event with the intent of it going sideways, but any good event planner will tell you that they always have a backup plan in place in case things fall off the wagon. With affordable starting rates and policies that can be purchased online in just five minutes, what better reason do you need to make sure your next event is covered in the case that any accidents happen?
Location matters – If you’re planning a holiday office party, chances are you won’t be doing it at a park or outdoor venue in the dead of winter. However, if you’re hosting it at a third-party venue or on municipal property, event liability insurance is pretty much always required - especially where alcohol is involved. Think you’re in the clear if your boss is hosting it at her mega-mansion? Think again. You’ll want to double check her homeowner’s policy because parties of a certain size are often not covered - again, especially when alcohol is being served.
Equipment rentals – In the case that you’re renting tables, chairs, sound equipment or anything else you might need to throw the ‘holiday party of the decade’, consider what might happen if your vendor ends up being a no-show. You’ll want to be covered if that’s the case (hello, unpredictable winter weather) or if any damage occurs to the stuff you rent during the event. Accidents happen and sometimes you just can’t tell how much crazy fun your co-workers might have…
First-aid – Speaking of which, it’s all fun and games until somebody gets hurt! Protect yourself against staff injuries or a staff member suing you in the case of a bad injury. Holiday party liability insurance will cover you if you are sued by an employee by providing a free lawyer to defend you and paying the judgement costs awarded to your injured guest.
Serving it right – Booze and the holidays usually go hand in hand. If you’re planning to serve alcohol at your office party, you’ll need to purchase one-day liquor liability insurance. One way to get around this? Hire a licensed caterer who will serve alcohol for you. But even then, make sure you have all your bases covered so that your liability is kept to a minimum.
Regardless of where, when, and how your next holiday party comes together, always keep your guests - or in this case, your staff - top of mind. Their safety is best managed with the proper special event insurance (Canada).
Are you in the US? Event insurance in the US can be arranged quickly through our online program.
Related Post: Holiday party insurance: do you need it?