18 May, 2012

With an increase in the number of summer events and street parties this year, South West firm Cornish Mutual is reminding people to have the right insurance in place should they need to make a claim.

The company, which insures around 24,000 Members across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset, is concerned that celebrations such as the Olympics, Euro 2012 and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee may lead to a rise in accidents involving damage, personal injury or other financial losses.

With the Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday fast approaching, the rural insurer is urging home owners and event organisers across the region to contact their local authority if appropriate and make sure they are properly insured.

Philip Wilson, Business Development Manager for Cornish Mutual, says "We want people to really enjoy and make the most of the special events taking place this year without the worry and hassle of something bad happening. We feel it's important to remind people that they should have the right insurance in place, so if things do go wrong they are covered.

"Organising a public event such as a festival, fete or party is not always easy and may have certain risks associated with it. Some local authorities insist that organisers apply for a licence and that they have mandatory public liability insurance in place as an absolute minimum in order to ensure they are covered if a claim is made against them."

Public liability gives protection if the organiser is found to be at fault for injury or damage caused to a member of public or their property. It should include any legal fees and expenses resulting from a claim made against them. It only, however, covers third party claims.

Licensing Team Manager at Cornwall Council, Angie McGinn, says "If you are planning a special event, say for the Diamond Jubilee or the Olympics, then it is important that you do not overlook any licensing requirements. If your event is to include activities such as selling alcohol, providing certain types of entertainment or fund raising for example, then it is likely that some form of authorisation will be required from your local Council's Licensing Service."

Cornish Mutual is also advising Members to take steps to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved in the event by completing a proper risk assessment.

Philip says, "Unfortunately sometimes accidents happen so it's always a good idea for event organisers to carry out a risk assessment to identify the risks beforehand, make the celebration as safe as possible and reduce the chances of something untoward from happening. Checklists, risk assessment templates, advice and guidance are often available from your local authority, so it's worth making contact with them first."

Depending on the type of event, who is organising it and how many people are attending, other types of insurance cover may be recommended to protect against a potentially expensive claim. 

He adds, "If you are employing people to work at your event, you must have employers' liability insurance to cover against any accidents that might happen to employees for which you may be legally liable. Personal accident cover can provide a weekly benefit for voluntary helpers and organisers should they suffer an injury whilst organising an event.

"You should also make sure you're covered for the loss of any cash or cheques, such as ticket money or charity collections; as well as all goods, equipment, fixtures, utensils and tools that are owned or being looked after by the organisers."

Philip says, "Even if the party is a social gathering with friends and relatives, it's worth making sure you have the correct level of insurance cover for your home and contents. Some people have no insurance cover at all and that can leave them exposed to costly damage or accidents."

Organisers looking to find out more about insuring their event can contact Cornish Mutual. For more information visit www.cornishmutual.co.uk or call 01872 277151.

Anyone thinking of holding a street party should ensure they let Cornwall Council know by completing an application form. Further details about how to obtain the relevant permissions and the application forms are available on Cornwall Council's website www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=27190 or by contacting the Council's Streetworks Team on 0300 1234 222.