Public liability insurance for small street parties

Streets Alive believes that most street parties should not require Public Liability Insurance. Though some residents may choose to take it out, raising the funds for the £100+ premium is often a hindrance to organising the event, especially for the first time and in poorer communities in particular.

The risks at a small street party are very low and so the risk of liability to councils is low.

There are doubts about the validity of such insurance in loosely arranged events. In the event of a serious incident it is possible that residents may not have been aware of exclusions etc. in the 'small print'. For example:

• Inflatable equipment, such as bouncy castles are usually excluded from public liability insurance policies i.e. they exclude any injury to the user. Also, the supplier's own insurance usually only covers the equipment, not the user.
• Other 'contractors' such as entertainers are also usually excluded from event insurance.

There are also complications regarding Highway Authority own insurance and liabilities.

Events with more risk-taking activities or sports may require insurance and larger public events certainly would.

If residents are being required by councils to take out insurance, please contact Streets Alive to ask us to help you question your council about it. It may be that they are just asking for this automatically for all events and not thinking about street parties.

Buying Insurance

If you still have to or want to buy insurance here is a company you may want to try:

Important note: This advice is to help in planning an event, but it is not intended to constitute a complete list of organisational arrangements, responsibilities or liabilities for the planning of a street party or event. Streets Alive Ltd. recommends that professional advice is sought if organisers are in any doubt.