
Event insurance can provide financial protection against unexpected weather-related issues and losses. Many event insurance policies cover damage to equipment and property caused by severe weather.
Weather-related cancellations or postponements are also often covered, with some policies offering reimbursement for lost revenue or expenses. This can include costs associated with rescheduling or relocating an event.
Some event insurance policies even offer additional coverage for specific weather-related risks, such as lightning strikes or floods. However, the extent of this coverage can vary depending on the policy and the specific circumstances of the event.
It's essential to carefully review your event insurance policy to understand what is and isn't covered in the event of bad weather.
Does Event Insurance Cover Weather?
You can purchase rain insurance or inclement weather insurance to protect against unexpected weather conditions. Rain insurance coverage options include several types of coverage to consider.
Some event insurance policies do cover weather-related issues, but it's essential to review the policy details to understand what's included.
Inclement weather insurance is a specific type of coverage that can be added to an event insurance policy to protect against weather-related risks.
You have several options when purchasing rain insurance or inclement weather insurance, including different types of coverage to consider.
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Understanding Exclusions

Most event insurance policies have exclusions that can catch you off guard. Some policies don't cover predictable weather risks, so if you're hosting an event during hurricane season, your claim might be denied.
You can't buy weather coverage at the last minute. Most insurance companies require you to purchase coverage at least 14 days in advance, and if a storm is already forecasted, it's considered a "known event."
A "known event" is like trying to buy fire insurance after your house is already on fire – it's too late. If a storm is forecasted, you can't get coverage for it, so make sure to plan ahead.
Read the fine print on your event insurance policy to see if it excludes weather-related cancellations. Look for event cancellation insurance that specifically includes weather, because many policies don't cover this.
Types of Weather-Related Events
Hurricanes and tropical storms are typically covered by event cancellation insurance if they're unexpected and not a named storm in peak season.
Blizzards and ice storms are also covered if roads become impassable or travel is unsafe.
Flooding is covered if it prevents access to the venue.
Tornadoes and high winds are covered if wind speeds exceed safe levels.
Light rain or normal bad weather is not typically covered, unless you have special weather insurance.
Heatwaves or extreme cold may not be covered, but some policies may cover extreme conditions.
Here's a breakdown of the types of weather events that are typically covered by event cancellation insurance:
Assessing Risks
Assessing risks is a crucial step in determining the type of weather coverage you need for your event. Think about the specific weather risks your event might face, such as sudden rainstorms or high winds.
Outdoor events like concerts are more vulnerable to rain, while winter events could be at risk of snowstorms. This is because different types of events are exposed to different types of weather risks.
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Your location can be a significant factor in determining the type of weather risks your event faces. For instance, events held in areas prone to extreme heat or cold may require specialized coverage.
Assessing these risks will help you decide what type of weather coverage is best suited for your event. This will ensure that you're prepared for any unexpected weather conditions that may arise.
Policy Options and Coverage
You'll have several options to consider when purchasing special event insurance, including coverage for adverse weather, illness, and vendor no-shows. Some policies may pay out if a certain amount of rain accumulates during key event hours, covering losses due to reduced attendance and sales.
A rain insurance policy might cover losses if 0.2 inches of rain accumulate during key event hours. This can provide significant financial protection, especially if you've spent thousands of dollars on the event.
Special event insurance can also cover the costs of postponing or canceling the event if a key participant, like the bride or groom, falls ill or gets injured.
Financial Protection

Financial Protection is a top priority when planning a special event. Special event insurance provides a safety net against unexpected circumstances, such as a hurricane canceling a wedding.
Imagine spending thousands of dollars on a wedding, only to have it canceled due to a hurricane. Without insurance, you could lose all that money. With special event insurance, you can recover some, if not all, of your expenses.
Special event insurance often covers adverse weather, illness, vendor no-shows, and more, providing peace of mind and allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day. For example, a rain insurance policy might pay out if 0.2 inches of rain accumulate during key event hours, covering losses due to reduced attendance and sales.
The cost of rain insurance can vary depending on how long you need coverage, but you can typically expect coverage costs to range from 2-10% of the cost of the event you're insuring. If you need a total of $50,000 of coverage, your rain insurance policy will likely cost between $1,000 and $5,000.
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Here's a breakdown of the factors that can impact the cost of coverage:
It's often recommended to get event weather insurance at least 14 days in advance of your scheduled event.
Rain Coverage Options
Rain coverage options are designed to provide financial protection against adverse weather conditions that may impact your special event. You can choose from various types of coverage, including cumulative rainfall coverage, which allows you to select an increment of rain accumulation that works best for your event.
Cumulative rainfall coverage applies to total accumulation regardless of how many times rain occurs during the selected time period. This type of coverage is especially useful for outdoor events where rain can significantly impact attendance and sales.
One option for cumulative rainfall coverage is to choose an increment of 1/4" or 1/2" over the duration of your scheduled event. This allows you to customize your coverage to fit your specific needs.
Rain insurance policies also provide coverage for cancellations necessitated by adverse weather and natural disasters, such as hurricanes. This type of coverage ensures that you won't be left out of pocket due to circumstances beyond your control.
Here are some common types of rain coverage options:
- Cumulative rainfall coverage: allows you to select an increment of rain accumulation that works best for your event
- Fixed rainfall coverage: pays out if a certain amount of rain falls within a specific time frame
Regardless of the type of coverage you choose, special event insurance provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day.
Choosing the Right Options
Start by comparing policies from different insurance companies to understand the range of coverage options and costs available.
Each policy can differ significantly in terms of what weather conditions are covered and the extent of the coverage. For example, some policies may cover only rainfall, while others may include snow, wind, or extreme temperatures.
Consider choosing cumulative rainfall coverage, which gives you the option to select coverage based on the total rainfall accumulation you expect might interfere with your event.

This type of coverage applies to total accumulation regardless of how many times rain occurs during the selected time period, allowing you to choose an increment of rain accumulation that works best for you, such as 1/4" or 1/2" over the duration of your scheduled event.
Special event insurance policies often cover cancellations necessitated by adverse weather and natural disasters, such as hurricanes.
They may also provide coverage for cancellation due to the death, illness or serious injury of a key participant in the event, such as the groom or a member of the immediate family.
Here are some additional special event insurance riders you may want to consider:
- Military service – Provides coverage in the event the bride or groom is in the military or active reserves and is suddenly called to duty.
- Liability – Event venues generally have their own liability insurance. If you are holding the event at home, you may want to purchase liability insurance above and beyond what is provided under your homeowners policy.
Claim Process and Reimbursement
If you're planning an event and are concerned about weather-related losses, understanding the claim process and reimbursement is crucial.
Typically, event insurance policies have a specific process for filing claims, which may include providing detailed documentation of damages or losses.
You'll need to carefully review your policy to understand what is covered and what is not, as well as any time limits for filing claims.
Reimbursement Expectations

Understanding the reimbursement process can be a crucial step in navigating the claim process. Most insurance companies require weather data to file a claim.
To prepare for this, you'll need to know what documentation is required. This typically includes weather data from a national weather station or an approved independent weather observer.
Having this information in advance will help you gather the necessary proof, such as rainfall amounts during a specified time period, in case you need to make a claim.
How Is a Claim Monitored?
Your event weather insurance company may use data from a national weather station to determine what type of inclement weather occurred during your event.
Insurance companies rely on experts at a local weather command to determine how much inclement weather occurred during an insured customer's event.
Data from national weather stations, independent weather observers, and local weather commands are all used to verify the occurrence and severity of inclement weather.
Real-Life Examples and Case Studies
A major music festival purchased event cancellation insurance with weather coverage, and their policy covered lost ticket revenue and vendor refunds when a dangerous heatwave forced organizers to cancel.
Some event organizers may think they can avoid the costs of weather-related cancellations by skipping insurance altogether, but a couple who planned a destination wedding during peak hurricane season learned the hard way that this can be a costly mistake.
They lost over $20,000 in non-refundable deposits when a storm hit, highlighting the importance of considering weather insurance when planning an event.
Real-Life Cases: Helped (and Didn't)
A major music festival purchased event cancellation insurance with weather coverage, and their policy covered lost ticket revenue and vendor refunds when a dangerous heatwave forced organizers to cancel.
The couple who planned a destination wedding during peak hurricane season skipped weather insurance and lost over $20,000 in non-refundable deposits when a storm hit.
Having the right insurance coverage can be a lifesaver for event planners, as seen in Case #1, where the festival's insurance policy helped them recover from lost revenue.

The type of rain insurance that gives customers the option to choose coverage based on total rainfall accumulation is called Cumulative Rainfall Coverage.
This type of coverage applies to total accumulation regardless of how many times rain occurs during the selected time period, making it a valuable option for event planners who want to be prepared for unpredictable weather.
Choosing the right type of insurance coverage is crucial, as seen in the contrasting outcomes of Case #1 and Case #2.
Case #1: Festival Saved
A major music festival purchased event cancellation insurance with weather coverage and was able to recover from a heatwave that forced organizers to cancel.
This type of insurance can cover lost ticket revenue and vendor refunds, which is a huge relief for event organizers.
The festival likely benefited from the insurance policy, which can be a lifesaver for events that are heavily reliant on good weather.
You can buy event cancellation insurance with weather coverage to protect your event from unforeseen circumstances.
Some examples of events that can be protected with this type of insurance include fairs, art shows, weddings, and festivals.
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Work with a Reputable Provider
Working with a reputable provider is crucial when it comes to event insurance, especially when it comes to weather-related cancellations.
Choose an insurer with a history of paying claims for weather-related cancellations, as this will give you peace of mind and ensure that your event is protected.
A reputable provider will have a strong track record of handling weather-related claims, so it's essential to do your research and choose one that fits your needs.
Look for providers that have experience in the industry and a good reputation among their clients.
By working with a reputable provider, you can rest assured that your event insurance will cover you in case of unexpected weather-related cancellations.
Independent Agent Help
An independent insurance agent can be a huge help in finding the right event weather insurance.
They can shop and compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best deal.
This can save you time and money in the long run.
A local independent insurance agent will also be there to help you file claims or update your coverage as necessary.
They can provide personalized service and expert advice to ensure you have the right coverage for your event.
This can give you peace of mind and protect your investment against adverse weather.
Consider Additional
Event cancellation insurance can be a lifesaver, but it may not cover everything. Consider purchasing additional weather insurance to get full protection.
This type of insurance can help reimburse you for losses due to weather-related events, such as hurricanes, floods, or wildfires. It's a smart move, especially if you're planning an outdoor event.
Weather insurance can be purchased separately from event cancellation insurance, and it's often more affordable than you think. For example, you can consider purchasing weather insurance alongside event cancellation coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is weather insurance for an event?
Weather insurance costs typically range from 2% to 10% of the insured amount, depending on the event type, location, and coverage needs. The exact cost will vary, so it's best to consult with an insurance provider for a personalized quote.
Which one is not typically covered by event insurance?
Typically, event insurance does not cover damage to your property, belongings, or a vendor's equipment or property
Sources
- https://esportsinsurance.com/does-special-event-insurance-cover-weather/
- https://www.trustedchoice.com/business-insurance/liability/special-event/weather-rain/
- https://www.iii.org/article/special-event-insurance
- https://letsfindinsurance.com/does-event-insurance-cover-weather-cancellations/
- https://www.events-insurance.co.uk/adverse-weather-insurance
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