How to Choose the Right Event Insurance Company

Whether you’re a first-time event host or a veteran party-planner, buying the right insurance to safeguard your special occasion can be challenging. Each type of gathering poses unique safety concerns, and each potential insurance carrier offers plans with different coverage capabilities. Without ample time and resources, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and end up with a policy that doesn’t fit your needs. Before buying a special event insurance plan, consider these red flags associated with low-quality companies.

Red Flags 

• Poor customer service:
  A tell-tale sign of a low-quality carrier is a rude or unresponsive customer service team. If the representative you speak with seems unknowledgeable or is unable to answer your questions, it may indicate a problem with staff education or a lack of transparency to clientele. You cannot expect a company with inadequate customer service to lobby for you amid a lawsuit if they don’t meet your needs on the front end
• Service limitations:
  Events are often reserved for the weekend to allow for travel time and day-long celebrations. As a result, it’s important to note whether your provider is available for contact the day your event is held. If an incident occurs and you need to know what information to collect, or you have a last-minute coverage question, you should be able to reach a representative quickly. If the insurance company you’re purchasing from is not open 7 days a week, consider seeking out a business with the availability you need.
• No claims assistance:
  In the event that damages or injuries occur at your gathering, you are responsible for filing a claim to the insurance company. This process can be challenging to navigate alone, and eliciting a speedy payout can be difficult. For this reason, your insurance company should supply you with a team to help with the claims process.
• Cheap price as the main selling point:
  It may be tempting to find the cheapest policy available, especially if you’re planning an expensive or lengthy event; however, liability insurance is not where you want to pinch pennies. Depending on the features of the event you’re hosting (i.e. length, attendance, presence of alcohol), you may need different coverage limits to ensure you’re financially protected from potential mishaps. If a company is boasting inexpensive policies as their main selling point, or advertising claims-made policies, be aware that their plans may lack adequate coverage or may only allow you to file a claim within a certain time frame.
• Limited policy options:
  Standard event liability insurance only protects you from property damages and lawsuits; additional coverages and limits may be required by your venue based on the event. Quality companies will educate you on the necessary add-ons and will offer a variety of policies tailor-made to your needs. Add-ons may include higher limits, host liquor coverage, liquor liability insurance, a waiver of subrogation, primary and non-contributory wording, and additional insureds. If your policy lacks the appropriate additions, you risk being held financially responsible for damages incurred.
• Representative is not assigned to your policy:
  Due to the complex nature of policies and the importance of accuracy when it comes to your financial safety, carriers should always assign a single representative for their customers. Having a consistent team member to manage your account reduces the need for you to explain and re-explain the specifics of your policy concerns each time you contact the company. If you continue to reach new or unknowledgeable staff who do not seem familiar with your case, consider seeking out a dependable company that provides you with a consistent representative.

How One Day Event Raises the Bar 

• Quality customer service:
  At One Day Event we pride ourselves on a knowledgeable and caring customer service team. Our representatives go through a rigorous training program so they’re familiar with our policies, their additions, and can accurately direct you to the most appropriate plan if you have questions. Whether you call or contact us through our website, we guarantee that you’ll receive a timely response from a friendly team member.
• Flexible availability:
  Our representatives know how important it is for you to feel supported on the day of your event – and know questions may pop up at any time. We therefore have commitment to year-round, 7-day-a-week service to ensure that our customers are never neglected in a time of need. One Day Event representatives are available to answer your policy questions from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (EST) every day, including weekends. There are no limits to when, where, or how you celebrate – find a company that won’t place constraints on the support you receive on your big day.
• Claims Advocacy Team:
  When you purchase through One Day Event, you gain access to our skilled Claims Advocacy Team for the life of your policy. These team members guide you through filing a claim, and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure that you get your full payout. Due to our commitment to quality, we’ve developed a good reputation nation-wide with the top-rated insurance carriers; we get fast responses because of this earned respect. Trust our team to protect you and help you navigate through the claims process in the event of a mishap.
• Unbiased quote generator:
  While other carriers may advertise cheap policies or try to upsell customers, we at One Day Event use an algorithm to remove bias from the buying process. Our online quote generator intakes your event details and instantly provides you with the best policy from an A.M. Best A++ rated carrier. We find the best policy fit for you, and align you with plans that are compatible with your needs.
• Diverse policy options:
  Your event may only require a standard special event liability policy; however, if you’re hosting a large gathering with high-risk features, you may need a more comprehensive plan. One Day Event is a broker that provides you with access to a wide variety of policies with the option to add on higher limits and additional coverages. Our team members help you learn what kinds of additions better protect your event, so that you’re well-informed before purchasing your policy.
• Representative assigned to your policy:
  As soon as you contact One Day Event, you have a single customer service representative assigned to your policy. This simplifies the shopping process by reducing the need for you to re-explain your situation to multiple people, and prevents errors resulting from inconsistencies. If your representative is unavailable, a skilled staffer will be able to review the notes kept in your customer file and fill the role of your primary agent. Contact us at 408-217-6787 or find us online at onedayevent.com to connect with one of our friendly and knowledgeable policy experts!

The Bottom Line 

You have a lot of options when choosing a company to insure your event, and you must weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each. When it comes to your financial security, ditch the red flags and purchase through a reliable company dedicated to quality. Since 1985, One Day Event has committed to excellence by educating team members, building carrier rapport, and listening to our customers. You can’t plan for everything when organizing an event – but you can count on One Day Event for the quality service you deserve!