Find answers to frequently asked questions about John Lewis Event Insurance.
Click on one of the following categories to reveal related questions and answers.
Why do I need Event Insurance?
When it comes to a big event there are various things that might go wrong. Event Insurance covers problems such as cancellation of your venue, damage to equipment and injury to guests.
The cost of Event Insurance will depend on the size of your event so it’s important that you buy a policy that suits the event you're holding.
For more information on John Lewis Event Insurance take a look at the Policy Wording or Policy Summary.
How long before my event should I take out an insurance policy?
We suggest that you take it out as soon as you've paid for any part of the event, so that your deposits are covered. John Lewis Event Insurance can be taken out up to one year before the event date.
If I've already arranged part of my event, or paid deposits for things, before taking out my policy, will I still be covered?
Yes, with John Lewis Event Insurance, hired equipment and event property you've already booked or paid for will be covered. However, you can't take out a policy if you're already aware of a reason to claim.
Can anyone take out an event policy?
Yes, as long as they have a financial interest in the event, like the organiser or the person who’s paying the main cost of the event. They must be over 18 years old.
Who is the insurer for John Lewis Event Insurance?
Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc – one of the largest and most experienced insurers in the UK.
How long can I insure my event for?
You can insure your event from 24 hours (1 day) up to a maximum of 72 hours (three days) and can take the policy out up to a year before the event.
Can I pay monthly?
No, we only accept one off payments for our event policies.
What does Cancellation Cover protect me against?
If you or your event organiser has to cancel your event, Cancellation Cover provides for any deposits or costs that you can't get back.
However, the reason for cancelling has to be listed in your policy as an insurable one. This includes event staff, as well as the caterers, speakers, musicians etc. not turning up because of adverse weather conditions (if no suitable replacement is available).
Cancellation Cover also includes costs involved if you have to rearrange the event somewhere else if your original venue can't host it. This could be due to an outbreak of food poisoning, or problems with the sanitary facilities.
You should also check the upper limits of the Cancellation Cover to make sure you'll get back all your costs if you do have to make a claim. John Lewis Event Cover provides cover for events costing up to £10,000.
If I have to cancel an event because of a pre-existing medical condition, will I be covered?
This policy won’t provide Cancellation Cover because of an ongoing medical condition, or a medical condition that needed medical treatment (including consultations or advice) within the 12 months before the purchase date, for anyone that’s insured.
What does Hired Equipment/ Event Property protect me against?
If you're hiring equipment for your event, this cover provides insurance for loss or damage while the equipment is at the event or in transit to or from the venue.
What does Public Liability Cover protect me against?
The event organiser is protected against:
- being sued by a guest for accidental injury or death.
- being sued by a guest for accidental loss or damage to third party property.
The policy would pay for financial and legal costs up to the cover level chosen. John Lewis Event Insurance offers you £1 million or £2 million Public Liability Cover.
Event Insurance won’t cover injury, death, illness or disease of anyone if it’s caused by a dangerous activity.
Can you cover my event if it takes place abroad?
Unfortunately, John Lewis Event Insurance can only cover your event if it takes place within the UK, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Do any age restrictions apply to Cancellation Cover?
John Lewis Event Insurance won’t provide Cancellation Cover following the death, injury or illness of anyone that’s insured over the age of 75 years.
Are there any things the policy won’t cover?
Yes, for more information please see the Policy Wording or Policy Summary.
What is Marquee Cover?
John Lewis Event Insurance offers Marquee Cover as an optional extra. Marquee Cover has to be bought with John Lewis Event Insurance; it can’t be purchased on its own.
Marquee Cover provides cover for loss or damage to the marquee. It also includes:
- staging
- chairs
- tables
- lighting
- flooring
- equipment hired or leased by you.
Can I take out marquee cover on its own?
Unfortunately not: Marquee Cover does have to be bought with John Lewis Event Insurance.
How do I make a claim?
If you need to make a claim, just give us a call on 0845 078 7598 or take a look at our claims page for a step-by-step guide.
When you buy John Lewis Event Insurance, your policy wording will contain full instructions on how to make a claim.
What if I want to cancel my policy?
You have up to 14 days after receiving your policy documents to change your mind and get a full refund, as long as you haven’t already made a claim and the event hasn’t taken place.
After that, you can cancel at any time before your event date by calling 0845 078 7527. Please note, if you cancel after 14 days, you won’t be entitled to a refund.
Can I change my cover?
Yes. Just give us a call on 0845 078 7527 if you’d like to add Marquee Cover or upgrade the level of cover for your event.
Did we answer your question? If you’re still unsure or would like to ask us a question not listed here, please contact us.
We have carefully selected Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc to underwrite John Lewis Event Insurance.
Terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and eligibility criteria apply.
John Lewis Insurance is a trading name of John Lewis plc. Registered office: 171 Victoria Street, London SW1E 5NN. Registered in England (No. 233462). John Lewis plc is an appointed representative of Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc. John Lewis Event Insurance is underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc (No. 93792). Registered in England and Wales at St. Mark's Court, Chart Way, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1XL. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Calls may be recorded and monitored.