How to Choose an Event Insurance Provider in Australia

Start with the right product

Begin with an accurate description of the event type, activities, attendance, location and dates. Confirm that the insurance is designed for the event organiser and that your event falls within the provider’s available event types.

Event organiser insurance and an independent supplier’s business insurance serve different purposes. A product designed for the organiser will not automatically replace the insurance needed by exhibitors, stallholders, performers, contractors or other participating businesses.

Check whether the online product suits your event → review event eligibility and the buying process.

Compare event insurance like for like

A lower price is meaningful only when each quote is based on the same organiser, event, activities and insured period. Compare:

• The legal name of the insured organiser and the event activities
• The Public Liability limit and deductible
• The complete insured period, including relevant planning, setup and pack-down
• The applicable conditions, exclusions and endorsements
• The premium, taxes, charges, fees and total payable
• When documents are issued and how policy changes are handled

Understand what Public Liability does

Public Liability insurance is designed to protect the insured organiser where they are legally liable for accidental bodily injury to a third party or accidental damage to third-party property arising from the event.

It does not replace event cancellation, property or equipment insurance, workers compensation, Volunteer Personal Accident insurance or the separate insurance required by independent suppliers and stallholders.

Understand the organiser’s protection → learn how event Public Liability insurance works.

Compare how volunteers are treated

If a volunteer accidentally injures a guest or member of the public, Public Liability insurance can respond where the event organiser is legally liable for the injury or resulting third-party property damage.

It can also respond where the organiser is legally liable for an injury suffered by a volunteer. However, it does not automatically pay a volunteer’s medical expenses or lost income simply because they were injured while helping. Separate Volunteer Personal Accident insurance is needed where specified accident benefits are required without first establishing the organiser’s legal liability.

How event insurance pricing works

Pricing is based on the event type and expected attendance. Each event type has a rate per attendee that reflects its risk profile, with minimum premiums applying.

Event types with a higher risk profile generally have a higher rate per attendee and a higher deductible. Taxes, statutory charges and applicable fees are then included in the total price shown before purchase.

One-off or annual event insurance?

One-off event insurance is arranged for a particular event and insured period. Annual insurance can suit organisers who need continuous protection across a broader programme of events.

Compare the combined cost, administration and flexibility of arranging individual policies with the terms of an annual policy. The right option depends on the event calendar and insurance needs, not simply the number of events being organised.

Consider both approaches → compare one-off and annual event insurance.

Where Zipcova fits

Zipcova brings live pricing, online purchase and policy administration together in one platform. Organisers can see a live price before entering personal information and complete eligible purchases online.

Zipcova Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative of YourCover Pty Ltd, AFSL 461299, Authorised Representative number 001299479. Zipcova provides the online platform and customer support and is not the insurer or underwriter. The applicable insurer and underwriting information are identified in the quote and policy documents.

Read more about Zipcova’s role → view the Financial Services Guide.

Compare documents and support

Check when the policy documents and Certificate of Insurance will be issued, what information will appear on the certificate and how to request an amendment if an event detail changes.

Before purchasing, confirm whether your venue or council has a required Public Liability limit or any specific insurance or certificate requirements.

Prepare for common approval requirements → review council and venue insurance requirements.