Compare Sports Event Insurance

Insurance for sporting events, races and tournaments

Insurance for a sports event protects you as the organiser if a competitor, spectator or member of the public is injured, or their property is damaged, and they hold you responsible. Public liability is usually the core of the policy.

You may also see it called sport event insurance. You’ll have a range of cheap quotes to insure a sports event within moments. Compare UK quotes with our independent, unbiased service.

It suits clubs, schools, charities, leagues and private organisers running anything from a five-a-side tournament to a 10k road race.

What is sports event insurance?

It’s a policy, or a set of covers, for a sports event you’re organising. It usually starts with public liability and can include employers’ liability, equipment cover and cancellation cover. You can buy it for a single event, or annually if you run several.

Why do sports events need insurance?

Sports events can involve physical contact, speed, crowds and temporary structures, so accidents can happen. If someone is hurt and claims you were negligent, the legal costs and compensation can be high.

Councils and venues often make cover a condition of using their land. Arun District Council asks for at least £10 million of public liability for any event that needs road closures (Arun District Council).

What does a sports event policy cover?

Depending on the provider, you can usually choose from:

• public liability, for injury or damage claims from spectators, competitors and the public
• employers’ liability, which most employers must have as soon as they take on paid staff, with a minimum of £5 million (GOV.UK)
• cover for equipment you own or hire, such as goals, timing kit, marquees and PA systems
• cancellation cover, if the event is called off for a reason the policy covers, such as severe weather
• product liability, if you sell food or drink

Check whether the policy covers competitors as well as spectators. Some policies treat injuries between participants differently, so read the terms or ask the provider.

How do I get a quote for a sporting event?

Fill in one short form on Quotezone with details of the event. Providers usually ask for the sport, the date and length of the event, and how many competitors and spectators you expect. They also ask about the venue and the limit of cover you need. Compare the quotes, then click through to buy from the provider you choose.

How much does it cost to insure a sports event?

There’s no fixed price, as each provider rates the event’s risks. The main factors are usually:

• the sport, and how physical or fast it is
• the number of competitors and spectators
• whether the event uses public roads, water or temporary structures
• the limit of public liability you choose
• any extra covers, such as cancellation or equipment
• your claims history

Whether you are hosting an athletics meet or a show jumping competition, your insurer will factor these elements in.

Races and events on public roads

If your race, ride or parade uses a public road, the council may need to restrict or close it. Under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, a traffic authority can restrict or prohibit traffic to allow a sporting event held on a road (legislation.gov.uk).

Allow plenty of time to apply, and check the insurance level the council asks for before you get quotes.

Football tournaments, fun runs and other sports events

The same cover works for most organised sport. Common examples include:

• football and basketball tournaments, where teams may need their own cover too
• fun runs, 10k races and cycling sportives
• school and company sports days
• swimming galas, regattas and other water-based events
• equestrian shows and gymkhanas

Very large or high-risk events, such as motor sport, may need a specialist policy. If your club runs sport week in, week out, sports club insurance may suit you better than cover for a single event.

Planning a safe sports event

A provider may ask how you have planned for safety. The HSE says planning should be in proportion to the size of the event and how risky it is (HSE).

Its guidance puts risk assessment at the centre of a safety plan. For a sports event, think about the course or pitch, first aid, stewarding, spectator areas and what you’ll do in bad weather.

If you hire stewards or security staff, check whether they work for you or for a contractor with its own insurance. Your employers’ liability needs to cover anyone you employ directly.

You might also need

If you pay staff for the day, see employers’ liability insurance. For events that aren’t sport-based, our main event insurance page has more.