Carnival Insurance Policy Information

Carnival Insurance. Despite the fact that the word "carnival" originally referred exclusively to festivals held for religious reasons, today's carnivals can be held for a wide variety of reasons - including, often, simply to provide entertainment and fun.
Street carnivals or traveling carnivals provide entertainment at fairs and community events. These operations normally have a number of exhibitions, contests, amusement devices, rides, and sporting or skill devices that can be quickly disassembled and transported to the next event.
Because carnivals are so diverse in nature, they may include processions, floats, amusement rides like roller-coasters and carousels, as well as various games and performances.
If you're in the carnival business, you'll move around to share your offerings with a variety of local communities throughout the year. The mobile nature of these businesses adds an extra dimension to the complexity of running your company, as well as to the risks a carnival may face.
For that reason, it is crucial to take steps to protect yourself from possible perils that could have devastating financial consequences. Carnival insurance plays a key role in this, so here, we will examine what kinds of insurance may be required.
Carnival insurance protects entertainment operations from lawsuits with rates as low as $57/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.
Below are some answers to commonly asked carnival insurance questions:
- What Is Carnival Insurance?
- How Much Does Carnival Insurance Cost?
- Why Do Carnivals Need Insurance?
- What Type Of Insurance Do Carnivals Need?
- What Does Carnival Insurance Cover & Pay For?
What Is Carnival Insurance?
Carnival insurance is a type of insurance policy designed specifically for businesses that operate carnivals, fairs, and other similar events. It covers various risks associated with operating a carnival, including liability for personal injury, property damage, and loss or theft of equipment and supplies. It may also provide coverage for food and beverage operations, ride and attraction malfunctions, and weather-related events.
The purpose of carnival insurance is to protect the event operator from financial losses in the event of an unexpected occurrence, such as an accident or adverse weather conditions.
How Much Does Carnival Insurance Cost?
The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small carnivals ranges from $57 to $89 per month based on location, size, revenue, claims history and more.
Why Do Carnivals Need Insurance?

If you own and manage a carnival business, you are in a unique branch of commerce. While carnivals do indeed share some of the same risks common to all businesses, they also have a number of unique hazards to consider.
Should your carnival be impacted by a minor peril, you will likely be fully prepared to cover the costs in-house. Insurance exists to save your business when it falls victim to unforeseen circumstances too extensive in scale to handle on your own.
Essential equipment, whether trucks or fairground rides, could be damaged or suddenly break down, as the result of malfunctions, accidents, or even vandalism.
Not only would this leave a carnival with significant repair or replacement costs if it was not insured correctly, severe damage may even cause costly business interruptions. Theft is another commonplace risk that carnivals are not immune from by any means.
In addition, a worker, paying customer, member of the public, or anyone else could be injured while using, maintaining, or otherwise being exposed to your equipment. In such cases, you are likely to be sued - leading to exorbitant legal costs even if the carnival is not ultimately held responsible.
Another example of a peril carnivals would face is the cancellation of an already booked gig, whether due to acts of nature, other disasters, or the host simply changing their mind.
If you face these or other major perils, having the proper carnival insurance means that the insurer picks up a significant portion of the associated costs, allowing your business to recover more easily.
What Type Of Insurance Do Carnivals Need?
No two carnival business are the same - and an excellent insurance plan will reflect the individual nature of your company and its risk factors.
The nature of the vehicles and equipment you possess and the scope and size of your carnival, including its number of employees are only two examples of factors that influence what types of coverage you need to carry.
This is why it is so important to consult a commercial insurance broker who specializes in the carnival industry, or is at the very least deeply familiar with it. Having said that, the following types of carnival insurance may be a part of the insurance plan that is selected:
- Commercial Property: This type of carnival insurance is not only for physical buildings and outdoor property, but also for smaller physical assets. Should theft, vandalism, acts of nature, and similar perils cause damage to or loss of any equipment and property, this type of insurance helps manage the costs.
- Commercial General Liability: Designed to cover the costs resulting from third party personal injury and property damage claims, it covers broad scenarios of the kind that could take place nearly anywhere. One example would be an employee spilling a hot beverage on a member of the public.
- Amusement Park Liability: Niche insurance companies offer liability policies designed specifically for fairs and carnivals - although this type of coverage can have different names as well. It would cover liability risks specifically related to your industry, such as customers being injured on rides.
- Commercial Auto: Vehicles and mobile equipment will need to be insured in case of accidents or intentional damage as well.
- Event Cancellation: Should a booked event be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, this type of insurance helps you recover some of the lost revenue.
- Workers' compensation: In the event that employees, but not independent contractors, are injured on the job, workers comp will pay for their medical expenses as well as any lost wages.
Bear in mind that companies within the carnival industry have extremely diverse insurance needs, and these types of insurance may not entirely protect your business against all perils. Talk to a commercial insurance broker to discover more about carnival insurance.
Carnival's Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposure is very high due to the number of people attending the carnival. Public and life safety code compliance is very important. The numbers and type of rides and their potential to injure, maim or cause death must be thoroughly reviewed.
Great care must be given to the setup, operation, maintenance, and condition of the devices, with adequate security and safety provided for patrons. Carnival operators must have appropriate permits from the state. The integrity of the operators of the carnival and ride operators is a key concern as inattentiveness can result in injury or death to patrons.
Age, height, weight, and health restrictions on rides must be followed. Good housekeeping is critical to preventing trips, slips, and falls. Complaints must be investigated and resolved promptly. Contracts should be very clear as to the responsibility of the carnival operator and the sponsoring organization.
The carnival rides and other devices may present an attractive nuisance hazard when not in use. There must be adequate security to prevent unauthorized entry to children or vandals. Personal injury losses may occur due to alleged wrongful removal, invasion of privacy, or discrimination.
Products liability exposures can be high if the carnival operates the food services. Employees should be trained in the proper handling of consumables to prevent foreign objects in food, food poisoning, or the spread of other transmissible diseases. If these are contracted out, the carnival should verify that the operators have adequate liability coverage.
Workers compensation exposure is very high. Employees who set up, build, or transport devices can be injured from cuts, puncture wounds, electrical shocks and burns, back injury, hernia, slips and falls, strains, or sprains. If any work is done above ground using lifting devices, falls can result.
Hawkers, peddlers, and vendors have a high potential for slip and fall due to limited visibility as they ascend and descend steps or traverse the premises with items for sale. Animals used for rides or in petting zoos can spread disease, bite, scratch, or kick workers.
Ongoing exposure to noise levels can result in hearing impairment. Food preparation operations can result in cuts, scrapes, and burns. Cleaning and maintenance operations can result in lung, eye or skin irritations and reactions.
Adequate security and training must be provided to employees handling money in ticket booths, gift shops, and concession stands to reduce the possibility of injury due to holdups. Security personnel should be trained to deal with holdups and unruly patrons.
Property exposure comes from the seasonality of operations and from the equipment and its fuel sources. Extensive electrical systems are needed to run the lighting, sound systems, and other electronic equipment. The electrical system must be in good repair, adequate for the equipment used, and meet all current standards.
During the season, equipment should be well maintained and fueled away from flammables. During the off-season, all equipment must be drained of fuel before being put into storage. If stored indoors, utilities should be turned off to prevent fire or water damage.
If repair activities are conducted while the items are in storage, welding and painting must be handled in a safe manner away from flammables. Outdoor storage facilities are often located in rural areas with limited or no access to public water sources.
Carnivals may pose significant attractive nuisances for vandals. There should be adequate daily security to prevent vandalism and break-ins. Business income loss may be substantial following a loss due to the unavailability of backup facilities.
Equipment breakdown exposure is high, particularly if the carnival operates on a seasonal basis. Damage to a key ride, which cannot be repaired quickly due to limited availability of parts, may result in a substantial loss of business. All equipment must be maintained in good condition with records kept.
Crime exposure is due to employee dishonesty and money and securities. Background checks should be conducted on all employees. Ordering, billing, and disbursements should be separate operations. Cash may be collected for parking, admission, and vending operations.
All money must be counted by more than one employee and deposited by another. There should be a monitoring device to match ticket sales to cash. Cashiers' monies should be stripped regularly and deposited on a frequent basis to prevent a large buildup of cash. There must be adequate security from guards.
Inland marine exposures include accounts receivable if the carnival bills for services, commercial articles floater, computers, contractors' equipment, mobile equipment, theatrical property, and valuable papers and records for contracts with suppliers and vendors. Because the carnival is mobile, marine floaters must include transit and off-premises coverages.
Commercial auto exposure is substantial due to the transportation of large, bulky amusement devices and equipment. Packing and rigging of equipment, so it will not shift or overturn, is critical. Drivers must have appropriate licenses for the vehicles being driven. MVRs must be checked regularly and be acceptable. Vehicles must be well maintained and records should be kept in a central location.
What Does Carnival Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Carnivals can be sued for a variety of reasons, including accidents, injuries, property damage, and breach of contract. In these situations, insurance can help protect the carnival and cover the costs of any lawsuits or legal fees. Here are a few examples:
Accident or Injury Claims: Carnival rides and attractions can be dangerous if not maintained properly or if safety regulations are not followed. If someone is injured due to negligence or misconduct by the carnival operator or employees, the injured party may file a lawsuit. Insurance can help pay for medical expenses, legal fees, and any damages awarded in a settlement or judgment.
Property Damage Claims: Carnival equipment and attractions can also cause damage to property. For example, a carnival ride may malfunction and collide with a nearby building or vehicle, causing damage. In such cases, the carnival may be sued for property damage. Insurance can cover the cost of repairs or replacement of damaged property, as well as any legal fees associated with the lawsuit.
Breach of Contract Claims: Carnivals may be sued for breach of contract if they fail to fulfill their obligations under a contract, such as failing to provide promised services or equipment. Insurance can help cover legal fees and any damages awarded in a settlement or judgment.
In each of these examples, insurance can protect the carnival by providing coverage for legal fees, damages, and other costs associated with a lawsuit. It is important for carnivals to have appropriate insurance coverage to protect themselves in case of a lawsuit.
Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification
- SIC CODE: 7999 Amusement And Recreation Services, Not Elsewhere Classified
- NAICS CODE: 711190 Other Performing Arts Companies
- Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 9186 Amusement Device Operator, Carnival, or Circus Traveling - All Employees & Drivers
Description for 7999: Amusement And Recreation Services, Not Elsewhere Classified
Division I: Services | Major Group 79: Amusement And Recreation Services | Industry Group 799: Miscellaneous Amusement And Recreation
7999 Amusement And Recreation Services, Not Elsewhere Classified: Establishments primarily engaged in the operation of sports, amusement, and recreation services, not elsewhere classified, such as bathing beaches, swimming pools, riding academies and schools, carnival operation, exposition operation, horse shows, picnic grounds operation, rental of rowboats and canoes, and shooting galleries. Establishments primarily engaged in showing or handling animals at shows or exhibitions are classified in Agricultural Services, Industry Group 075.
- Aerial tramways, amusement or scenic
- Amusement concessions
- Amusement rides
- Animal shows in circuses, fairs, and carnivals
- Archery ranges, operation of
- Astrologers
- Baseball instruction schools
- Basketball instruction schools
- Bath houses, independently operated
- Bathing beaches, public
- Betting information services
- Billiard parlors
- Bingo parlors
- Boat rental, pleasure
- Boats, party fishing: operation of
- Bookies
- Bookmakers, race
- Bowling instruction
- Bridge club, nonmembership
- Bridge instruction
- Cable lifts, amusement or scenic: operated separately from lodges
- Canoe rental
- Card rooms
- Carnival operation
- Cave operation
- Circus companies
- Concession operators, amusement devices and rides
- Day camps
- Exhibition operation
- Exposition operation
- Fairs, agricultural: operation of
- Fireworks display service
- Fishing piers ant lakes, operation of
- Fortune tellers
- Gambling establishments not primarily operating coin-operated
- Gambling machines, except coin-operated operation of
- Game parlors, except coin-operated
- Games, teaching of
- Gocart raceway operation
- Gocart rentals
- Golf courses, miniature operation of
- Golf driving ranges
- Golf professionals not operating retail stores
- Golf, pitch-n-putt
- Gymnastics instruction
- Handball courts, except membership club
- Horse shows
- Houseboat rentals
- Hunting guides
- Ice skating rink operation
- Judo instruction
- Karate instruction
- Lifeguard service
- Lotteries, operation of
- Lottery club and ticket sales to individuals
- Moped rental
- Motorcycle rental
- Natural wonders, tourist attraction: commercial
- Observation tower operation
- Off-track betting
- Pack trains for amusement
- Parachute training for pleasure
- Phrenologists
- Picnic grounds operation
- Ping pong parlors
- Pool parlors
- Racquetball courts, except membership clubs
- Rental of beach chairs and accessories
- Rental of bicycles
- Rental of golf carts
- Rental of rowboats and canoes
- Rental of saddle horses
- Riding academies and schools
- Riding stables
- River rafting, operation of
- Rodeo animal rental
- Rodeos, operation of
- Roller skating rink operation
- Scenic railroads for amusement
- Schools and camps, sports instructional
- Scuba and skin diving instruction
- Shooting galleries
- Shooting ranges, operation of
- Skating instruction, ice or roller
- Skeet shooting facilities, except membership clubs
- Ski instruction
- Ski lifts, cable lifts, and ski tows operated separately from lodges
- Ski rental concessions
- Slot-car racetracks
- Sporting goods rental
- Sports instructors, professional: golf, skiing, swimming, etc.
- Sports professionals
- Swimming instruction
- Swimming pools, except membership
- Tennis clubs, nonmembership
- Tennis courts, outdoor and indoor operation of, nonmembership
- Tennis professionals
- Ticket sales offices for sporting events, contract
- Tourist attractions, natural wonder commercial
- Tourist guides
- Trampoline operation
- Trapshooting facilities, except membership club
- Waterslides, operation of
- Wave pools, operation of
- Wax figure exhibitions
- Yoga instruction
Carnival Insurance - The Bottom Line
To protect your operations, employees and the people you serve, having the right carnival insurance coverage is essential. To see what types of options are available to you, how much coverage you should have along with the premiums - speak to a reputable commercial insurance agent.
Additional Resources For Arts & Recreation Insurance
Read up on small business arts and recreation commercial insurance.
- Amusement Parks
- Archery Ranges
- Artist
- Athletic Fields
- Ballparks
- Ballrooms
- Billiard And Pool Halls
- Bowling Alleys
- Carnivals
- Cave Tours
- Dance Studio
- Disc Jockey DJ
- Drive-In Theaters
- Entertainers And Performers
- Event Planning
- Fairs And Fairgrounds
- Film Production
- Fine Art
- Guides & Outfitters
- Handball & Racquetball Courts
- Horse & Dog Racetracks
- Indoor Sports Complexes
- Interior Decorator
- Interior Design
- Motorsports Racetracks
- Musicians
- Photo Booth
- Photographer
- Recording Studio
- Recreation Centers
- Riding Stables
- Roller Sakting Rinks
- Shooting Ranges
- Skateparks
- Skeet & Trap Shooting Ranges
- Ski Resorts
- Stadiums
- Talent Agency
- Tennis Centers
- Theaters
- Video Arcades
- Wedding And Special Event
- Specialty Arts And Antiques
- Specialty Clubs And Leisure Time Activities
- Specialty Entertainment

The arts and recreation industry is a vital part of our society and culture, providing entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages. However, as with any business, there are inherent risks and potential liabilities that can arise. This is where insurance comes into play.
One of the main reasons the arts and recreation industry needs insurance is to protect against financial losses due to accidents or injuries. For example, if a performer is injured while rehearsing or performing, their medical bills and lost wages could be significant. Without insurance, the cost of these expenses could potentially bankrupt a small arts organization.
In addition to protecting against accidents and injuries, business insurance can also cover damages or losses due to weather events, natural disasters, and other unexpected circumstances. For example, if a theater is forced to cancel a performance due to a power outage or extreme weather, insurance can help cover lost income and expenses.
Another important aspect of commercial insurance for the arts and recreation industry is liability coverage. This type of insurance can protect against legal claims and lawsuits if someone is injured or becomes ill while attending an event or using facilities. For example, if a patron slips and falls at a theater, they may file a lawsuit against the venue for damages. Liability insurance can help cover the costs of legal fees and any settlement or judgement.
Overall, the arts and recreation industry needs insurance to protect against financial losses and legal liabilities that can arise in the course of business. Without commercial insurance, small arts organizations and recreational facilities could be vulnerable to financial ruin in the face of unexpected events or accidents.
Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Business Income with Extra Expense, Employee Dishonesty, Money and Securities, Accounts Receivable, Commercial Articles Floater, Computers, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Employee Benefits Liability, Umbrella Liability, Hired and Non-owned Auto Liability & Workers Compensation.
Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Building, Bailees Customers Floater, Money and Securities, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practices Liability, Business Auto Liability and Physical Damage and Stop Gap Liability.