Planning School Events? Don’t Overlook Events Liability Insurance

Organising school events is rewarding, but it can be incredibly time-consuming. The amount of paperwork and planning that’s required is extensive, yet Events Liability Insurance is often overlooked until an accident happens. Auto and General Insurance offers tailored cover designed to protect your school against unexpected incidents, providing you with peace of mind and financial security. In this guide, we’ll answer your pressing questions - what’s covered, how much insurance you need, and how to ensure your school event runs smoothly.

What to know about Events Liability Insurance for schools

Events Liability Insurance is designed to protect schools from financial loss if someone is injured, property damage occurs, or a legal claim arises during a school-organised event. This applies to a wide range of activities, including field trips, concerts, sports days, fundraisers, and any event where students, staff, and the public are present.

This type of insurance is required for anyone responsible for organising or overseeing school events, including principals, teachers, school governing bodies (SGBs), and parent-teacher association (PTA) organisers. Even if the event seems low risk, the potential for accidents, injuries, or property damage makes insurance essential.

Insurers conduct a thorough risk assessment to determine the potential hazards associated with each event. This assessment helps identify safety measures, the type of activities planned, the number of participants, and the venue conditions. A comprehensive risk assessment ensures that the cover provided matches the real risks, reduces the likelihood of rejected claims, and encourages schools to implement safety precautions. According to SafetyWallet, school activities must also comply with national safety measures and conduct risk assessments for activities that fall outside the normal school day or take place off school premises.

School event planning: why Liability Insurance matters

Liability Insurance for school events and functions is a critical safeguard against unexpected risks. Schools face a range of potential incidents, including accidents, legal claims, injuries, and property damage. Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act 2 of 2010 requires that insurance be taken out for designated events and activities. A spectator might slip and break a bone during a sports day, a parent could trip on the stands at the cricket pitch, a food stall could collapse, causing damage to venue property, or an electrical fault could result in minor fire damage. Events Liability Insurance typically covers Public Liability, which protects the school against claims made by guests, visitors, or third parties who are injured on site. It also covers damage to tangible property belonging to third parties. Additionally, our Events Insurance policy provides emergency medical costs t. To treat the third-party injured during the event.

It's also important to understand what’s not covered. Intentional acts of negligence, reckless behaviour, or unapproved activities often fall outside the scope of your cover. For instance, if a teacher deliberately ignores safety protocols or an event organiser runs an activity that hasn’t been approved by the SGB, any follow-up claims may be denied.

Understanding liability risks for school functions and activities

Some school events carry higher risks and need extra attention when it comes to Events Insurance. Activities such as inflatable rides, science experiments, sports tournaments, and off-site excursions introduce additional hazards for participants and spectators. 

Contractors and vendors involved in school events should also be considered. Activity providers, food stalls, and entertainers should be asked to provide proof of their own Liability Insurance cover. For instance, a catering company should provide a certificate of insurance to cover accidents at their stall or foodborne illnesses.

Event insurance for one day provides quick and affordable protection for single-day school events, covering risks such as accidental injuries or third-party property damage. It’s a simple way to ensure your once-off event runs safely and stress-free.

3 Ways Liability Insurance protects your school events

Events Insurance is essential for schools looking to manage risks and ensure successful, worry-free events. Here’s how it provides protection:

1. Financial protection

If an accident happens, such as a third party slipping during a sports day or a stall tipping over at a school fair, Liability Insurance covers the associated medical expenses, repair costs or damages. This prevents unforeseen expenses from impacting the school’s budget.

2. Legal Protection

In the event of a third-party claim or lawsuit, insurance covers legal fees and potential settlements. For example, if a parent sues after a minor injury at a sports day, the policy supports your school’s legal defence, reducing stress and safeguarding finances.

3. Compliance with venue or municipal requirements

Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act of 2010 requires that insurance be taken out for designated events and activities.

By providing financial support, compliance assurance, and legal support, Events Liability Insurance lets teachers, principals, and organisers focus on delivering engaging and memorable experiences. Schools can confidently run fairs, sports tournaments, and more, knowing they are protected if the unexpected happens.

Essential insurance coverage for school event organisers

For school events such as concerts, fairs, sports day, and fundraisers, having the right insurance is crucial. Events Liability Insurance for events covers injuries or property damage to attendees, so that the school isn’t financially liable. Cover for rented items safeguards any hired equipment, like AV systems, inflatables, and tents, against accidental damage or loss. By combining the cover, school organisers can confidently plan and host entertaining events while managing potential financial risks.

Frequently asked questions about school Events Liability Insurance

• Do schools need Liability Insurance for events?

Yes, it protects schools from financial and legal risks that can arise from accidents, injuries, or property damage during events like concerts, fundraisers, school fairs, or sports days.

• What does school Events Liability Insurance cover?

Typical coverage includes property damage, accidental death, bodily injury or illness to third parties, and vendor-related risks. This ensures schools are financially protected if equipment is damaged, an attendee is hurt, or a vendor is involved in an accident during an organised event. 

• How can schools manage risks when planning events?

Schools can conduct risk assessments, verify that all contractors and vendors carry their own insurance, implement practical safety measures, and maintain clear emergency procedures to ensure a safe environment. Following our events risk checklist will make sure that all hazards are considered.

Get an Events Liability Insurance quote from Auto and General

Protect your school events with comprehensive cover. Get a personalised Events Liability Insurance quote from Auto and General today and ensure every concert, fundraiser, and sports day runs safely and stress-free.