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Employers’ liability insurance
Employers’ liability insurance can help protect you against compensation claims if an employee is injured or becomes ill as a result of their work at your event. It can cover compensation if you are found legally liable, as well as the legal costs of defending a claim.
Employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement for most employers, whereas event public liability insurance is not. Under the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969, most employers in Great Britain must have at least £5 million of cover, although many insurance policies provide £10 million as standard.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforces this law. Employers who fail to hold the required insurance can be fined up to £2,500 for each day they are uninsured.
Employers’ liability insurance can be arranged for a single one-off event or for multiple events under one policy.
Do I need employers’ liability insurance?
If you employ staff to work at your event, you will normally need employers’ liability insurance by law, unless an exemption applies under the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969.
Whether you need cover depends on the working arrangements, not simply whether someone is paid or called self-employed, a temporary worker or a volunteer.
To help you work out whether someone working at your event is classed as an employee, think about whether you:
- Control where, when and how they work
- Provide the equipment and materials they need to do their work
- Require them to carry out the work personally, rather than allowing them to send someone else in their place
- Treat them in the same way as your other employees, including working under similar conditions
- Deduct Income Tax and National Insurance from their pay
This isn’t a complete list. To help you work out whether you need cover, see the Health and Safety Executive’s guidance on employers’ liability insurance.
If you’re unsure whether someone working at your event is classed as an employee, you should seek legal advice.
How much does event employers’ liability insurance cost?
What is this price based on?
This is an actual quotation arranged through David J Miller Insurance Brokers and underwritten by Bspoke Underwriting Ltd on behalf of Accelerant Insurance UK Limited dated 19 October 2026. Your premium will be calculated based on the details of your event and the cover you choose, so the price you receive may be higher than the example shown.
Factors that can affect the premium include the total attendance throughout the entire duration of the event, the number of employees and the duration of the event. Adding public liability, event equipment or cancellation cover can also increase the premium.
Your responsibilities as an event organiser
As an event organiser, it’s your responsibility to check whether you need employers’ liability insurance for anyone working at your event and make sure you have the right cover in place. This includes checking whether temporary workers, self-employed contractors or volunteers should be treated as employees for insurance purposes.
If you’re using outside contractors or suppliers who bring their own staff, check that they have their own employers’ liability insurance where required. Don’t assume everyone working at your event is automatically covered by your policy.
How to get an event insurance quote
You can call us, complete our online form, or ask us to call you back. Choose whichever option suits you best.
Find out how to contact us, what information we will need and what to expect when requesting a quote.
Why choose Event Insurance Direct?
Specialist event insurance with direct support from a UK-based team
Why Choose UsEmployers’ liability insurance for events FAQs
Answers to common questions about employers’ liability insurance for events.
Does employers’ liability insurance cover volunteers at events?
Yes, volunteers can be covered by employers’ liability insurance, but they aren’t automatically included. As the event organiser, it’s your responsibility to check what insurance is needed for any volunteers helping at your event and make sure cover is in place.
Does employers’ liability insurance cover temporary event staff?
Yes, temporary event staff can be covered by employers’ liability insurance. If you employ casual, seasonal or short-term workers, you will usually need to insure them, even if they’re only working for one day.
Can I get employers’ liability insurance for a one-day event?
Yes, employers’ liability insurance can be arranged for a one-day event or a one-off event lasting several days.
Does employers’ liability insurance cover injuries during event setup and dismantling?
Yes, employers’ liability insurance can cover injuries to employees while setting up or dismantling your event. You’ll need to make sure your policy covers the work involved and the days needed for setting up and clearing away afterwards.
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