Do you need wedding insurance?
It’s not romantic, it’s not sexy and it’s definitely not exciting, but insurance is an absolute must-have when it comes to weddings! Here we look at why you need it, what it needs to cover and when it needs to start.
Why You Need Wedding Insurance
Undoubtedly, planning your wedding is fun and exciting, but it can also be a stressful time. With emotions running high as you plan the ‘perfect’ day, one thing you just don’t want to have to worry about is the financial consequences of something going wrong. At the very least, having wedding insurance in place will put your mind at rest, knowing that you are protected.
If you’re forced to cancel, wedding insurance can cover the costs you’ve outlaid. In the event one of your suppliers fails to fulfil their commitments you’ll also be covered. Just like other insurances (car, home, holiday), you’re unlikely to need it, but if you find yourselves in the situation where something hasn’t gone to plan… you’ll be pleased to be covered. One thing we should say at this point is that no insurer will cover the breakdown of your relationship. If you and your partner decide to cancel the wedding because of a change of heart you won’t be covered. (Sorry, let’s move on - we had to include that bit though)!
When Do You Need To Take Out Wedding Insurance?
Most wedding insurance policies can be booked two years in advance of your wedding date. As soon as you start putting down deposits and signing contracts you should have a policy in place. If you’re reading this and well into the planning process all ready, don’t panic. Just do some research and get insured as soon as you can – usually any payments already made will still be covered.
What Does Wedding Insurance Cover?
The first thing to do is look at how much you expect to spend on your wedding. This will help determine the policy that is right for you. Try and be as realistic as possible to ensure you have the right level of cover (but without overestimating and thus paying over the odds for what you actually need).
Policies vary but typically the types of things covered include:
Failure of suppliers. If your florist/caterer/band doesn’t turn up, provide damaged goods or simply doesn’t deliver the agreed services, then you should be covered.
Venue closure or cancellation.
Cancellation due to illness, accident or death. No one wants to think about this, but should the worse happen and someone integral to the wedding becomes unwell, dies or has an accident, you will be able to cancel or rearrange. (This usually also covers jury duty or an unexpected armed forces overseas posting).
Cancellation due to extreme weather conditions. This is usually with the caveat that at least 50% of your guests are unlikely to make your big day. (Check policy wording especially for winter weddings).
Lost, stolen and damaged goods. Think wedding cake, attire and rings. Wedding gifts are also often covered too, but ensure they’re not left unattended (for example in the marquee overnight)!
Photography faults. Mainly for technical issues (not just because you aren’t keen on the images).
Personal liability. For example if damage is caused to the venue.
Often you can add additional extras, such as ceremonial swords (yes, that’s a thing) and guest public liability.
One of the most important things to remember is to get signed contracts, written agreements and keep receipts. You’ll need a paperwork trail if you do need to make a claim!
Do You Need Extra Marquee Insurance
If you’re booking your wedding with us (or another marquee supplier) then yes, you’ll need to add marquee cover to your policy. Our structures are strong, sturdy and resilient, but in the unlikely event they become damaged during your wedding, you won’t want to end up with the repair bill! (Trust us, we know how much our babies cost)! Adding on marquee cover will mean you’re financially protected in the event our structure (or any of our furniture) gets damaged during your wedding. There are also specific components related to theft as the equipment is in your care during the hire period and covering theft is important.
What Does Our Damage Waiver Cover?
Whilst we always recommend taking out wedding insurance we also provide a damage waiver (3% of your hire) which essentially negates the risk of any accidental damage that occurs during the hire (someone spilling red wine, burning a carpet with a sparkler end etc). This covers everything with the following exceptions:
The first £500 of any claim.
Any loss due to theft (the goods still remain your responsibility during hire).
Any loss or damage due to the clients failure to adhere to any special security arrangements that have been agreed.
Any loss due to wilful neglect, malicious acts or legal liability.
Where to find wedding insurance?
Our first stop would normally be a comparison website such as Compare the Market or Money Supermarket but we would also reccommned you try the specialist team at Marquee Insurance.
Ok…. We think that should ‘cover’ it (no pun intended)! Wedding insurance may seem like an annoying expense when you’re probably already paying out a lot of money but with a bit of research you can buy a policy and concentrate on the fun stuff… did someone say it’s time for a wine tasting…?!
Any questions just give us a shout.
Take Care,
The Coastal Tents Team
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Phone: 01929 505005
Email: info@coastaltents.co.uk