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Fairs And Fairgrounds Insurance Policy Information

Fairs And Fairgrounds Insurance. Fairs of all shapes and sizes are wonderful events. They bring communities together, providing them with a place where they can enjoy fun, festivities, and of course, all types of food.

Rides, games, fun houses, and shows are just some of the attractions. Vendors sell an assortment of unique items, too. There's no doubt about it; there's nothing better than a fair.

Fairgrounds are designed for large public gatherings such as business meetings, cultural events, educational events, exhibitions, fairs, bazaar, sporting or skill events, or other types of programs.

There may be numerous buildings spread over a wide area, including exhibition halls, auditoriums, grandstands, meeting facilities, and open-air livestock barns. There may be permanent stages and seating or these may be temporary for special performances.

Fairgrounds usually have snack bars or numerous food vendors. Liquor may be sold. Thousands of guests may attend events. Operations may be seasonal or available year-round. They are usually owned and operated by a county or state board.

If you're the operator of a fair or a fairground, you are tasked with the wonderful job of spreading joy. However, your job isn't all fun and games; you are exposed to a variety of risks.

In order to protect yourself from the liabilities that are associated with owning and operating fairs and fairgrounds, you need to have the right type of fairs and fairgrounds insurance coverage in place.

Fairs and fairgrounds insurance protects local, county, state and other fairs & festivals from lawsuits with rates as low as $67/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked fairs, festivals and fairgrounds insurance questions:

• What Is Fairs And Fairgrounds Insurance?
• How Much Does Fairs And Fairgrounds Insurance Cost?
• What Type Of Insurance Do Accountants Need?
• What Is An Accounting Insurance Business Owner's Policy?
• What Does Fairs And Fairgrounds Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Why Do Fairs And Fairgrounds Need Insurance?

While you try your best to make sure that your all of the events that are associated with your fair or that are held on your fairgrounds go off without a hitch, there's always a chance that something could go wrong.

A patron could trip over wires that are being used to power rides; an electrical short could spark a fire; a ride could break down, trapping rides inside…. These are just a few of the issues that could arise, and as the owner and operator of a fair or fairgrounds, you are liable for anything that does go wrong.

In order to protect yourself from the unexpected, having fairs and fairgrounds insurance is an absolute must. If you are covered, when something does go wrong, instead of having to pay the related expenses out of your own pocket, your insurer will cover them for you.

In other words, insurance can help to protect you from serious financial losses. Additionally, fairs and fairgrounds are legally required to carry certain types of insurance coverage. If you fail to have the coverage that is necessary, you could be looking at costly fines. There's a chance that you could have your license revoked, too.

Fairs And Fairgrounds' Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposure is high due to the large numbers of visitors on premises during events. Public and life safety code compliance is very important. Good housekeeping is critical to preventing trips, slips, and falls. Floor coverings must be in good condition. Adequate lighting, marked exits, and egresses are mandatory. Steps must have handrails, be well lit, marked, and in good maintenance and repair.

Animals brought to the fairgrounds by exhibitors or for petting zoos can spread disease, bite, scratch, or kick guests. Temporary stages may collapse. Parking areas should be maintained free of snow and ice.

Security at the facility, as well as in the building, corridors, and any owned parking area, needs to be carefully checked and reviewed. There should be an evacuation plan for emergencies. The fairgrounds may present an attractive nuisance hazard when not in use. There must be adequate security to prevent unauthorized entry to children, vandals, or would-be terrorists.

Personal injury losses may occur due to alleged wrongful removal, invasion of privacy, or discrimination. Contracts with suppliers, vendors, event planners, and performers must be clear as to all responsibilities.

Carnival operations pose a significant concern as guests may be injured by malfunctioning rides. Carnival operators must have appropriate permits from the state. Integrity of the operators of the carnival and maintenance of rides are key concerns. Adequate security and safety must be provided for patrons of each ride, particularly, smaller children.

Carnival operators must have adequate insurance limits and should provide certificates of insurance to fairground owners. The insured should consider being added as an additional insured to the carnival operator's policy. Complaints must be investigated and resolved promptly.

Liquor liability exposure can be quite extensive if employees and food service vendors are not properly trained to recognize the effects of excessive alcohol consumption. There must be procedures in place for verifying the age of guests ordering alcoholic beverages and for refusing service to underage guests.

In addition, there should be a "cut-off" time well before closing time to prevent visitors from consuming excessive alcohol prior to driving home.

Products liability exposures can be high if the fairground operates the restaurants or snack bars. 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 fairground should verify that the operators have adequate liability coverage.

Workers compensation exposure can be very high. Employees who set up, build, or transport stage settings, equipment, lighting, and scenery may be injured by cuts, puncture wounds, electrical shocks and burns, slips and falls, or back injuries, hernias, strains, or sprains from lifting or working from awkward positions.

Stage and lighting setup may involve aboveground exposures that need additional protection and precautions to avoid falling from heights or being hit by falling objects. Hawkers, peddlers, and vendors employed by the fair to sell wares in the stands and on the premises have high potential to falls due to limited visibility as they ascend and descend steps while carrying items to sell.

Animals brought to the fairgrounds by exhibitors or performers 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 both holdups and unruly patrons.

Property exposure is very high due to the extensive electrical system necessary to run the lighting, sound systems, and other electronic equipment. Event sponsors and performers will often bring their own equipment that must be fitted into the electrical system provided by the fairgrounds.

The electrical system must be in good repair, adequate for the equipment used, and meet all current building standards. All circuit breakers must be well maintained with no overrides.

Event preparations such as building, painting, or gluing scenery or displays that use wood, plastic or flammables will contribute to the fire load. Some performers incorporate smoke or fireworks into their shows. These operations must be properly controlled, with all flammables stored in approved containers and cabinets.

Fairgrounds are often located in rural areas with limited or no access to public water sources. Smoking must be controlled throughout the facility.

If food preparation is done on premises, such as in concession stands, all cooking equipment must be properly controlled. Fairgrounds may be an attractive nuisance, particularly during the off-season.

There must be daily inspection of the premises to prevent vandalism and break-ins and to detect small fires. Business income loss may be substantial following a building loss due to the unavailability of backup facilities.

Equipment breakdown exposure may be high due to the heating and air conditioning systems, cooking equipment, hot water systems, electrical control panels, and lighting and sound equipment used for special events. Breakdown and loss of use could result in significant loss, both direct and under time element, if replacements parts are unavailable or repair time is lengthy.

Crime exposure is from employee dishonesty and money and securities. Employee dishonesty coverage should be extended to include volunteers. Background checks should be conducted on all employees and volunteers handling money. Cash is collected for parking, admission, gift shop, and vending operations. All money must be counted by more than one employee and deposited by another.

Ordering, billing, and disbursements should be separate operations. Money must be collected and deposited on a frequent basis during the days of operation. No money is to remain on premises overnight. There must be adequate security from guards.

Inland marine exposures are from accounts receivable if the fairground bills customers for services, audio-visual equipment, computers, mobile equipment, musical instruments, theatrical property, and valuable papers and records for contracts with suppliers and vendors.

Values can be very high with the wide variety of equipment for sound, lighting, scenery, and displays. Owned equipment used or taken off the premises can be damaged in transit or stolen. If the fairground assumes responsibility for the equipment of entertainers or other occupants while on the premises, bailees customers coverage should be considered.

Duplicates of records should be made and stored off-site for easy restoration.

Commercial auto exposure is generally limited to hired and non-owned for employees running errands. If there are owned vehicles, all drivers must be licensed and have acceptable MVRs. Vehicles must be maintained on a regular basis with all service documented.

What Does Fairs And Fairgrounds Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Like any other businesses, fairs and fairgrounds face a variety of risks that could potentially lead to lawsuits. These include personal injury lawsuits, property damage claims, food poisoning incidents, and even issues related to intellectual property rights. Insurance plays a crucial role in mitigating these risks by providing financial coverage in case of a lawsuit.

1. Personal Injury: One of the most common reasons fairs and fairgrounds are sued is due to personal injuries. This could happen if a visitor slips and falls, gets injured on a ride, or has an accident due to poorly maintained facilities. General liability insurance can help cover the legal costs, medical payments, and any settlements or judgments resulting from a personal injury lawsuit. This type of insurance is designed to protect businesses from liability for bodily injury, property damage, and personal and advertising injury.

2. Property Damage: Property damage is another common reason for lawsuits. This could happen if a visitor's property is damaged while on the premises, or if fairground property damages someone else's property, like a neighboring business. Property insurance can provide coverage for damage to buildings and personal property. Additionally, a general liability policy can also cover damage that the fairground's operations may cause to others' property.

3. Food Poisoning: Food vendors are a staple at fairs, and if food is improperly prepared or stored, it could lead to food poisoning incidents. This could result in lawsuits against the fairground. Product liability insurance, often a part of a general liability policy, can help cover the costs related to such lawsuits, including legal defense and settlements.

4. Intellectual Property Rights: Sometimes, a fair or fairground may inadvertently infringe on someone else's intellectual property rights, such as using copyrighted music or artwork without permission. This could result in a lawsuit. Intellectual property insurance can help cover the costs associated with defending against such claims, and any damages awarded in such a lawsuit.

5. Employee Injuries: If an employee gets injured while on the job, the fairground could be held liable. Workers' compensation insurance can help cover medical costs, lost wages, and any legal costs associated with a lawsuit. This type of insurance is often required by law for businesses with employees.

By maintaining a comprehensive insurance portfolio, fairs and fairgrounds can protect themselves from the financial burden of lawsuits. It's important to work with a knowledgeable insurance agent or broker to ensure all potential risks are adequately covered.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

• SIC CODE: 7999 Amusement and Recreation Services, Not Elsewhere Classified
• NAICS CODE: 711310 Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities
• Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 9016 Amusement Park or Exhibition Operation & 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 Classifieds: 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

Fairs And Fairgrounds Insurance - The Bottom Line

Since fairs and fairgrounds insurance coverage varies, speaking to a reputable agent who specializes in commercial insurance is highly recommended. A broker will be able to let you know exactly what kind of coverage you'll need, as well as help you determine what limits you should have for your policies.

Furthermore, an agent will help you get the best rates possible so that you can have the coverage you need to protect your operations at a pries that are fair and affordable.

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.