Why It Matters, and How to Protect Your Celebration

When you’re planning a wedding or special event, there’s one small but mighty detail that can make a world of difference: Extended Liability Insurance.

It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential, and often required by venues. This coverage protects you from potential financial loss if property damage or injury occurs during your event. Whether it’s a spilled glass of red wine on a rental sofa, or a guest who takes a tumble on the dance floor, extended liability ensures you’re protected and your celebration stays worry-free.

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💍 What Is Extended Liability Insurance?

Extended liability insurance (also called event liability or special event insurance) is a short-term policy that covers accidental injury or property damage related to your event. Most policies also include host liquor liability, which is crucial if alcohol is being served.

Coverage usually includes:

• Bodily injury & property damage — if a guest or venue property is accidentally harmed.
• Host liquor liability — coverage for alcohol-related incidents.
• Tenant legal liability — protection if you accidentally damage the venue space.
• Additional insureds — the ability to list your venue or municipality on your policy.

💡 Pro Tip: Always check with your venue to confirm their requirements, many require $2M in liability coverage, while municipalities often ask for $5M.

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📋 When Do You Need It?

You should always have extended liability coverage if:

• Your venue requires a certificate of insurance (COI) naming them as “additional insured.”
• You’re serving or selling alcohol (especially under a Special Event Permit).
• Your celebration is held in a rented space, municipal building, park, or private venue.
• You simply want the peace of mind knowing you’re covered for life’s unexpected moments.

Even if your venue doesn’t specifically require it, this policy is one of the most affordable and responsible decisions you can make for your big day.

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💸 What Does It Cost?

Most one-day policies range from $100–$350, depending on:

• The size of your event
• Whether alcohol is served
• The total coverage amount ($2M or $5M)

If your venue rental spans a full weekend (Friday through Sunday), many insurers allow you to extend coverage for all three days, typically for just a small additional fee. This ensures you’re protected during setup, rehearsal dinners, the wedding day, and takedown.

It’s a small investment for complete peace of mind, and most insurers offer instant online quotes and downloadable COIs.

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🏢 Ask Your Venue First!

Before purchasing, confirm:

1. Do they require liability insurance?
2. What limit is needed ($2M or $5M)?
3. Do they need to be listed as additional insured?
4. What’s the deadline to provide the COI?

Once you have those answers, getting coverage is quick and easy, many providers issue your certificate instantly online.

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🌿 Where to Get Extended Liability Insurance (Canada)

Here are a few reputable Canadian providers that make it simple:

• Duuo by Co-operators — Fast online quotes, affordable rates, instant COIs.
• PAL Canada — Trusted industry leader for wedding and event insurance with optional liquor coverage.
• K&K Insurance Canada — Ideal for corporate or high-capacity events.
• Westland Insurance — Personal service and coverage options up to $5M.
• Zensurance — Online quotes and flexible add-on options for vendors and venues.

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✅ Quick Checklist

✔️ Confirm venue requirements (coverage limit, additional insured wording, COI deadline)
✔️ Add host liquor liability if alcohol is served
✔️ Apply for your BC Special Event Permit (SEP) if needed
✔️ Extend coverage for multi-day weekend events if your rental runs Friday–Sunday
✔️ Purchase online and download your COI
✔️ Send proof to your venue and planner
✔️ Keep copies at the bar and with your event coordinator

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🌸 Final Thoughts

Extended liability insurance may not be the most exciting part of wedding planning, but it’s one of the most important. It keeps you protected, meets venue requirements, and ensures every toast, dance, and memory is made without worry.

At Living in Love Events, we always encourage couples to check with their venue and secure this simple layer of protection early in the planning process. It’s one of the easiest ways to safeguard your investment and your peace of mind.

✨ Celebrate fully — plan wisely — and let your love story unfold without limits.