General Liability (GL)

• Third-party bodily injury and property damage - a guest trip/fall, equipment damage at the venue
• Typical limits: $1M/$2M; higher limits available for larger events
• Additional Insured, Primary & Noncontributory, and Waiver of Subrogation for venues
• Per-event policies for single events; annual policies for regular vendors

Many Georgia venues will not allow load-in without a current Certificate of Insurance (COI) showing the required AI and PNC wording. We maintain templates for major venues to expedite certificate issuance.

Professional Liability (E&O)

• Claims alleging negligent planning or vendor mismanagement causing financial loss
• Pairs with GL to cover purely financial losses not addressed by GL
• Claims-made form - retroactive date protection is important if you switch carriers
• Especially relevant for full-service planners coordinating multiple vendors

A scheduling error or vendor miscommunication that costs a client their deposit is an E&O claim, not a GL claim. Planners managing multiple vendors should carry this alongside GL.

Liquor Liability (Host or Dram Shop)

• Host Liquor: incidental alcohol service at private events (most weddings)
• Dram Shop: required for any vendor selling alcohol or operating as a licensed caterer
• Required by many Georgia venues for events with alcohol
• Available as an event rider or standalone annual policy

Georgia's Dram Shop Act imposes liability on vendors serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals. This coverage is crucial for caterers and bartending services at events.

Event Cancellation & Weather

• Reimburses non-refundable costs and lost revenue from a covered cancellation or postponement
• Named perils (rain, wind) or all-cause coverage where available
• Particularly valuable for outdoor events in Georgia
• Can cover vendor no-shows, venue unavailability, or key person illness depending on policy form

A rained-out outdoor event can lead to significant financial loss. Cancellation coverage protects against such risks, especially for vendors relying on seasonal events.

Inland Marine (Gear & Rented Equipment)

• AV/lighting equipment, cameras, instruments, and tents
• Covers owned and rented gear on-site, in transit, or in storage
• Theft during load-in/load-out is a common risk
• Scheduled or blanket coverage; worldwide options for traveling crews

Equipment left unattended during events is at risk of theft. Inland Marine coverage is essential for protecting mobile event equipment.

Workers' Compensation

• Required by Georgia law for any business with employees
• Covers crew injuries during setup/teardown
• Includes Employers Liability for negligence suits
• Short-term labor solutions available for seasonal events

Event production involves physical risks. Georgia requires WC even for small crews, and non-compliance can lead to significant fines.

Commercial Auto / Hired & Non-Owned Auto

• Owned vehicles for transporting gear and supplies
• HNOA extends liability when staff use rentals or personal vehicles
• Covers liability during transport on Georgia roads

Frequent supply runs and last-minute pickups mean HNOA coverage is essential for vendors using personal vehicles for business.

Cyber (Ticketing & PII) and Umbrella

• Cyber: incident response and business interruption for ticketing platforms and guest data
• Umbrella: extra limits over GL, Auto, and Employers Liability - often required for larger events
• Social engineering and funds transfer fraud options for Cyber
• Major events in Georgia may require higher total liability limits via Umbrella

Events handling guest payment data face cyber exposure beyond typical vendor risks. Ensure your coverage meets venue requirements.

Venue Insurance Requirements

Many venues in Georgia maintain strict insurance requirements, typically $1M/$2M GL minimums with specific Additional Insured, Primary & Noncontributory, and Waiver of Subrogation wording. Certificates must be submitted in advance of load-in to avoid delays.

City Permits for Events

Events in public parks or requiring street closures often need a special event permit from the city. Permit applications typically require a Certificate of Insurance naming the city as Additional Insured, often with specific aggregate language.

Georgia Liquor Licensing

Georgia's laws require vendors serving alcohol to have appropriate Liquor Liability coverage. Ensure your policy matches the requirements of the venue and any applicable permits.

Worker Classification in Georgia

Georgia's worker classification laws can impact event staffing. Misclassification of workers can lead to compliance issues and fines. Review your staffing model to ensure compliance with state regulations.