Which one is right for you?
Picking the right public liability limit is probably one of the most important decisions you'll make when you're organising an event. Whether it's a small community gathering or a larger commercial festival, your liability cover is the amount of money that protects you if someone is accidentally injured or their property is damaged. But with limits ranging anywhere from £1 million to £10 million (and sometimes higher), how do you know what's right for your event?
1. Start with the venue's requirements
Many venues have set minimum limits for public liability cover, and these can vary dramatically. A small village hall might only need £1 million, while a historic building, council-owned space, or large outdoor venue may require £5 million or even £10 million before they'll let you book. Always check this early — it's often the quickest way to narrow down your options.
If you're unsure, ask the venue to confirm it in writing. It avoids last-minute stress and ensures you're choosing a limit that keeps everyone happy.
2. Think about the size and nature of your event
The more people attending, the greater the risk - and the higher the cover you may want. A quiet book festival with 50 visitors carries a very different risk profile to a 2,000-person outdoor music event with staging, vehicles, and catering stalls.
Events that involve movement, crowds, temporary structures, or public interaction are likely to need higher limits. At any event, if you're introducing activities that create additional risk (inflatables, rides, sports, or anything involving heat, tools, or animals), choosing a higher limit is usually a smart move.
3. Consider third parties
If your event involves contractors, performers, food vendors, temporary staff, or volunteers, their actions could still create liability for you as the organiser. While each third party should have their own insurance, their presence naturally increases the overall level of risk.
For example, if you're bringing in staging, lighting, or sound equipment, think about the risk of falls, electrical faults, or structural issues. If you have food vendors, there's the potential for slips, burns, or allergic reactions. The more moving parts, the more sensible it becomes to look at £5 million or above.
4. Look at what's happening in the space around you
Your liability doesn't just stop with guests. If your event is in a public place, town centre, park, or mixed-use area, a member of the public passing by could still be affected. This wider exposure is one of the biggest reasons organisers choose a higher public liability limit, because if an incident affects someone outside your event, the costs can escalate quickly.
This is also true if your event involves anything that could travel or spread, like smoke, water, or debris. Even small accidents can have wide-reaching consequences.
5. Assess your equipment, structures, and setup
Temporary structures such as marquees, gazebos, staging, tiered seating, barriers, or lighting rigs can increase your potential exposure. These setups are often exposed to weather, uneven ground, and general wear and tear - all things that can increase risk, contribute to accidents, and affect the cover you need.
If you're using expensive hired equipment, or introducing anything that could cause someone to trip, slip, or fall, it's worth considering a higher limit. It doesn't matter how careful your team is! We all know how unexpected issues can happen, and your liability cover is there to catch those moments.
6. Match the cover to your financial risk tolerance
At its core, public liability insurance exists to protect you from the financial fallout of an accident. If a claim was severe, or involved long-term injury, would you be comfortable knowing you only had minimal cover in place?
Higher limits provide peace of mind, especially when you're responsible for large groups or more complex setups. Many organisers choose £5 million as a sensible middle ground, with £10 million reserved for larger or higher-risk events.
Still unsure? Speak to a specialist
If you're wavering between different limits, talking to an event insurance specialist can help clarify things. They look at the type of event, your venue, expected attendance, activities, and third-party involvement to recommend the most suitable level of cover.
When it comes to choosing your public liability cover, it's not about just guessing. You need to match your protection to the reality of your event.
