Event Cancellation Insurance - Who Needs It?

Event
Cancellation Insurance is purchased for one off events as a protection against
loss of revenue or extra expenses that result from uncontrollable circumstances
such as unforeseen weather conditions, power failure, terrorism, cancellation,
abandonment, postponement, interruption or relocation of an event.

You can obtain a quote by completing an online Event
Cancellation Questionnaire. 

This
type of insurance can also cover public liability, such as a serious injury to
one of your patrons, if property is damaged, there is theft of expensive
equipment or if you face a claim for actual or alleged bodily injury, and it is
found to be your fault.

Why it’s needed:

Event
preparation can take years of planning, and with businesses incurring multiple
expenses on the lead up to the event, most can not afford the costs associated
with postponement, cancellation or relocation of an event. An organization’s
physical assets impact the functionality of a business, therefore with risks to
the bottom line being substantial, event cancellation insurance is needed to
protect against the loss of costs, expenses or revenues associated with this
exposure.

Some
examples of situations that would have benefited from having event cancellation
include the following: 

·       
In July of 2011
a stage collapsed at the Ottawa Bluesfest as the likely result of a strong
downdraft of air from a thunderstorm. There were multiple injuries involved
with including possible spinal injuries.

·       
During the Big
Valley Jamboree in the summer of 2009, a powerful windstorm swept through the
area causing the main stage to collapse. A total of 33 charges were laid
against the three companies involved in this Alberta Stage Collapse. Each of
the charges carries a maximum fine of $500,000 and possible jail time. There
were more than a dozen injuries and one death.

·       
Stage collapse
at a Christian rock concert in April of 2008 where an auditorium floor
collapsed at a church inAbbotsford,BC. Sound and Lighting scaffolds collapsed
onto the front section of the stage and mosh pit with more than 40 injuries.

Who needs it:

Event
coordinators responsible for special events such as film shoots, concerts,
trade shows & exhibitions, entertainment & sporting events, corporate
events such as product launches, and conventions to name just a few.
Circumstances such as extreme weather conditions, civil, social and political
unrest, strikes by employees at the venues to non appearance of key personnel
are all coverages that can be purchased.

·       
A recent example
of the importance for promoters in obtaining event cancellation insurance can
be seen after Michael Jackson’s unexpected death and the outlays and expenses
that resulted from his projected 50 concerts at London’s O2 Arena.

There
are two types of coverages, the costs and expenses of putting on the event,
such as rental promotion and fees charged by service providers, and secondly,
the anticipated profits that the event is expected to generate.

How it’s obtained:

By
contacting your broker and/or completing an online application form and
providing the relevant financial worksheets. You can obtain a quote by completing an online Event
Cancellation Questionnaire. 

How long it takes to obtain:

Generally
48 hours is needed as a minimum in order to obtain coverage.  

What the cost is:

The
cost is generally calculated according to the gross revenue or costs/expenses,
premiums therefore vary widely. Premiums are also dependent on such factors as
whether the event is indoor/outdoor, and if outdoor, what type of protection is
in place to negate the effects of the elements. Additional factors that affect
the premium include whether an event is dependant on particular cast members or
performers and if so, the age and health issues of the performer will need to
be known. Premiums are generally higher for this type of coverage as usually a
“one time” event that doesn’t occur is a total loss.

Our
service is friendly and knowledgeable: please contact us, we would love to hear
from you!

If
calling from Canada,
please contact David Hamilton:   604-684-3456 or e-mail david@frontrowinsurance.com

If
calling from the United
States, please contact Michael
Groner:     818-643-3830 or e-mail mgroner@jonesbirdsong.com