How to insure a street or neighbourhood party

A neighbourhood party often starts with a good idea around the kitchen table. A barbecue on the square, a bouncy castle for the children and a hired marquee in case it rains. But as soon as a group of residents takes on the organisation of that event, the legal situation changes.

When do you need event insurance?

It is easy to assume that a street party is a private get-together, but that misunderstanding can lead to serious financial problems. Personal liability insurance usually does not cover damage caused during organised activities. As soon as an event permit is required, the local council will often ask for proof of event insurance. This helps prevent the organisers from being held personally liable if something goes wrong.

Cover in practice

Event insurance for a neighbourhood party mainly focuses on liability and equipment. This includes property damage and personal injury to third parties for which the organisation may be held responsible.
The following is usually included in the cover:

• Personal injury to visitors, for example if someone trips over a poorly secured power cable and breaks a leg.
• Damage to third-party property, such as a party tent blowing over and damaging a neighbour's car.
• Damage to hired equipment, provided this is specifically included in the policy. Think of a hired sound system or beer tap.

Important policy exclusions

Some risks are excluded as standard under a regular event insurance policy. It is important to be clear about these exclusions in advance, so there are no surprises if you need to make a claim.

• Damage caused by or involving motor vehicles is excluded from the cover. If a decorated tractor or a shovel is used for an activity, separate insurance must be arranged.
• Strict prevention requirements also apply to attractions. A bouncy castle, for example, is only insured if it meets the legal safety requirements. This means it must be demonstrably anchored to the ground and supervised by an adult at all times.

Clear agreements in advance

Organising a neighbourhood party should mainly stay enjoyable. By mapping out the risks of the specific activities in advance, you keep things manageable. At No Risk, we look at the concrete plans for your street party and tailor the cover to exactly what will happen on the day. That way, everything is properly arranged and the barbecue can go ahead safely. Contact us for more information or to arrange the insurance straight away.