Often, couples ask the same questions about wedding insurance, so we’ve decided to dedicate an FAQ to this topic. Our partner Consumersadvocate.org helped us sort through the questions. We hope these answers will help you make up your mind regarding wedding insurance in general and learn about the different particular details of wedding insurance contracts. Also, if you have major questions that trouble you, write to us in the comment section below and we’ll do our best to answer them professionally.
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What do you need to know about wedding insurance coverage?
Do I need wedding insurance?
It’s only up to you whether to buy insurance. But note that the bigger your risks, the more you need some kind of backup. If you’re planning a simple micro wedding, it might not be beneficial for you to spend the extra money on insurance.
You probably need wedding insurance when:
- you’re having a grand wedding;
- you're renting a venue or hosting at a private residence;
- the number of wedding guests invited to your wedding is over 50 people;
- you’re serving alcohol (many wedding insurance claims are related to alcohol... there is even a specific coverage called “host liquor liability”, which covers both bodily harm and property damage caused by intoxicated guests).
You might do without wedding insurance when:
- your wedding is simple and the budget is "small" (some experts mention the cost of “less than $10,000”, others “less than $5,000”);
- you've invited only 20-30 wedding guests;
- your wedding is alcohol-free;
- sometimes, coverage from your homeowners or auto insurance is enough.
Is COVID-19 covered under liability insurance?
No. Both liability coverage and cancellation/postponement coverage don’t include COVID-19.
What happens if my wedding venue goes out of business (which is a possibility these days because of COVID-19 influenced issues)?
If you have a cancellation/postponement coverage, you should be able to get reimbursed for any non-refundable expenses.
Do I have to buy an individual policy for wedding rehearsal, ceremony, and reception?
No. Typically, wedding insurance will include all wedding activities. Read your contract carefully to know exactly what is covered and what is not, because every wedding insurance contract is different.
Note that if your wedding rehearsal, ceremony, and reception have separate venues, you have to add them all to your contract as additional insured (if your policy allows it).
Can I purchase liability coverage from one company and cancellation from another?
Yes, it’s possible. Though, the process of getting coverage will be more complicated, as you’re working with two different companies. On the other hand, having two different policies has its advantages. For instance, some insurance companies these days have suspended cancellation coverage, so you can purchase the coverage and cancellation policies from two different companies and choose the best option.
How can I protect myself regarding vendor issues? What if my vendors have their own insurance?
Before making arrangements and signing any contracts with your vendors, discuss their policy on deposits and payments, postponements, and cancellations. It’s important that you know what to expect in case something goes sideways.
Most wedding vendors and venues have their own insurance, but it doesn’t protect you, only the vendors’ equipment, property, health, etc. Their insurance will not protect your expenses and will not cover your payments and deposits in the event of cancellation or postponement. So, don’t count on the vendor’s insurance, you’d better have your own one that will protect your risks and investments.
How do I get back my deposit if a vendor or venue cancels?
Most deposits are non-refundable (unless you agreed otherwise with the vendor), so they’re not obliged to return your deposit. Some of them might do it out of goodwill but don’t count too much on it, especially now, when wedding businesses are struggling to survive. There are only two more or less guaranteed ways to get back your deposit – a civil suit and an insurance policy.
If you paid with a credit card, you could also try to get the money back by filing a claim with the credit card company, but no guarantees there.
Will cancellation/postponement cover deposits and payments made before purchasing the policy?
Some companies do that and some don’t. So, clarify this with your particular insurance company. Even if they cover such payments, there will be some conditions, for example, you will have to provide the receipts or there mustn’t be any impending claims with that same vendor, etc.
Related materials:
Is it realistic to get good wedding insurance during the Covid-19 pandemic? We’ll teach you how!
Top-5 best US insurance companies. Let’s choose optimal wedding insurance for you
