Planning a Class Reunion. Do I need liability Insurance?

Question

I'm the one planning our class reunion. Do I need to get liability insurance? If so, how?? What's the price of something like that? I'd never heard of this for a reunion yet it's listed.

Answer 1

You should ge people to help you if you can.
We didn't have any insurance for our 30th, 35th or 40th.
It was a gamble - if someone had drunk too much and driven, then hit a tree, their heirs might have sued us.
Having it in a banquet room / restaurant is a great idea.

Here's some advice I give to everyone whose Q has the words "Class reunion" in it:

The single most important thing you can do to insure a good time is talk to the DJ before hand. The people who never left town and see each other every week at PTA, soccer practice, poker night etc. are going to want to dance. The ones who did leave town and flew 1,500 miles to attend are going to want to talk, and they are not going to want to shout over the music.

The ideal solution, if you can afford it, is to hire two rooms. Unless you are from Beverly Hills High, you won't be able to do that. Having the music "on" for 30 minutes, then off for 30 would be a reasonable compromise. Promise the DJ the same amount of money as if he played all night. Impress upon him the desire of half the audience to talk. Reunions are not the same as dances or concerts. People (some people) want quiet time, to talk. Keep hammering that home to the DJ. If necessary, tattoo it on his forehead backwards and give him a mirror. Appoint a "Quiet time" monitor.

I hear "It was a nice reunion, but the DJ ruined it" a dozen times a year from friends and family.

Answer 2

The more litigious our country gets, the more you are going to see these requests... Cities are even asking for "event" liability policies for reunions that are held at city parks.

They aren't hard to get..you will have better luck going to an independent ins. broker. they will need an approx number of people involved, alcohol being served? or offered? some companies may restrict or excluded liquor liability.

In a lot of the larger hotel chains it is ultimately more cost effective to book them for the reunion, they will usually give you a "block"rate on the rooms, so you won't have the problem with some nut driving off into the sunset with one too many cocktails to worry about. You have the advantage of the hotel facilities, pool, room service, restaurants, and they just love large groups.. usually go overboard for groups like yours.

Because it's in one area, the price will be lower for the "event coverage", and some of the larger chains include the cost in their fee.

Answer 3

planning class reunion liability insurance

Answer 4

The best way to go about it is to have at a restaurant or bar.

That way you are all the clients of the facility and the party and liability falls under their umbrella.

You may want to consider personal liability as the planner.

Price will vary based upon the amount you choose. Talk to an agent (or many); quotes are always free.

Answer 5

Well, of course it's a good idea. If you're going to be renting a hall or such, you'll likely be required to show them that you have liability insurance. Of course, it's EXPENSIVE - if you got a one year policy, which would cover the committee for the full year AND the event, it will probably cost you around $750. If you get a one DAY policy to cover just the event, it will probably cost you around $300.

You would contact your local, independent agent to get quotes either way.

Answer 6

you probably should consult with a attorney dealing with liability and then you will know the real skinny.

Better to be safe than sorry.