Event Insurance in St. Maarten

Why Consider Insuring an Event?

An event is a short-term project with fixed dates and costs that may not be refundable. In St. Maarten, a hurricane warning during the season from 1 June to 30 November, a supplier who cannot deliver, an injured guest or a stolen sound system can all lead to unexpected costs. Event insurance is usually arranged for a specific date or series of dates, rather than as a year-round policy.

What Event Insurance May Cover

Depending on the insurer and policy wording, event insurance may include:

• Cancellation and postponement: non-recoverable costs if the event cannot go ahead for a reason listed in the policy.
• Public liability: claims from guests, vendors or the public for injury or property damage.
• Equipment and décor: loss of or damage to sound, staging, lighting, marquees and rented items.
• Venue and hired property: damage to the venue or to items that were hired.
• Money and ticket receipts: theft or loss of event cash, within limits.
• Weather disruption: additional cover for outdoor events, with some insurers.
• Liquor liability: claims linked to alcohol service, where relevant.

What is and is not covered varies by insurer. Pandemics, known risks and some weather events may be excluded or may need to be requested specifically, so it may be worth reviewing the exclusions before the policy starts.

Types of Events

Event insurance may be considered for events such as:

• Weddings, receptions and anniversary parties
• Concerts, festivals and carnival-season events
• Regatta, sports and charity events
• Corporate meetings, conferences and product launches
• Exhibitions, markets and pop-up shops

Points to Consider

1. Timing: cancellation cover generally applies only once the policy has started, and some risks may not be available once a warning has been issued.
2. Costs: it can help to list deposits, venue, catering, entertainment, rentals and staff.
3. Supplier and venue contracts: some venues and organisers may ask for proof of liability insurance, so it may be worth checking their terms.
4. Event details: guest numbers, location, alcohol, fireworks and activities can all affect what an insurer offers.

Events in Sint Maarten and Saint Martin

Weddings, regatta parties, concerts and corporate gatherings take place at venues in areas such as Simpson Bay, Maho, Cupecoy, Dawn Beach, Oyster Pond and Philipsburg. Guests and suppliers often travel between the Dutch and French sides, or come from nearby islands such as Anguilla, Saint-Barthélemy (St. Barths), Saba and Sint Eustatius (Statia), which are reached by sea or air. Hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November, so the date matters: it is worth asking how a policy treats named storms and when cover has to be arranged. Travel disruption for overseas guests may be a further concern, so it can help to ask whether it is addressed and to check guests’ own travel cover. US dollars are widely used locally, but a policy may be written in another currency, so the currency of the sum insured and premium is worth checking. An advisor can discuss these points with you.

Related Cover

Other Policies to Consider

Businesses that regularly host events may look at an annual public liability or general liability policy, and property insurance for the venue itself. Guests who are travelling to the event may consider travel insurance.

Weather-related questions are also covered on the hurricane insurance page.

Contact Us

You can speak with an advisor about the date, venue, guest numbers and budget for your event, and about the options that may be available. Request a call back or call +1 721 542 5078.