Liability insurance is a must if you’re planning a small gathering or even a party in your home.
The cities of Vancouver, Surrey and Langley as well as other communities across Metro Vancouver all require extra liability insurance if you’re planning a gathering or event on city owned property.
Gillian Roberts organized a gathering for 15 women at Surrey’s Beecher Place for a day of quilting and was shocked to hear they had to pay $75 for $1 million dollars in liability insurance.
“I didn’t realize insurance was over and above the rental cost,” Conners told us. But it’s a fact of life if you want to use City of Surrey property.
“Our insurer only covers the city’s operations and not those of a licensee. The city is not in control of the activity and operations… and therefore cannot insure it,” we were told in a statement from the City of Surrey.
General insurance broker, Phyllis Dizon, from Atwater Insurance in Semiahmoo Mall in Surrey says event insurance is a necessity and a day rate is normal.
“We live in a day and age that so many people sue for so many reasons that we have to protect ourselves,” says Dizon.
And it’s not just hobby groups. It’s also something to consider if you’re having a home party.
“You’re inviting more people in expanding your exposure so if you don’t want to be on the hook for a huge lawsuit or something like that, then definitely get event liability insurance,” added Dizon.
The average cost for event insurance is about $100 and if there’s a claim it does not affect your homeowner’s policy. But it’s only for liability, not for covering any property you bring to the event.
There are cheaper alternatives for groups that meet regularly. For example, the Canadian Quilting Association provides liability insurance to its member groups for about $135 that will cover you for a year no matter where you meet. That isn’t applicable to Gillian Roberts and her group, which only met for a one-day event.
