Wedding insurance
Find out what it covers and slash costs
Weddings and civil partnerships can be both costly and emotionally charged events – from selecting the ideal rings and attire to securing the dream venue – and that’s all before factoring in food, cake, and guests. Given the potentially high expenses involved, it’s worth thinking about whether insurance is necessary. This guide outlines what wedding insurance typically covers and how to find an affordable policy.
What is wedding insurance?
In essence, this is a voluntary policy designed to provide protection if unforeseen issues arise with your wedding plans—such as trouble with the venue, a vendor, or a significant member of the wedding party becoming ill.
It can offer coverage leading up to the wedding day or on the day itself. However, it doesn’t apply to changes of mind or pre-wedding jitters.
What does wedding insurance typically cover?
Every wedding insurance policy varies, so it’s important to review the fine details. However, as a general guideline, here’s what a typical policy might include:
- If your wedding or reception venue shuts down or cancels your booking, this is generally included under ‘cancellation coverage.’ Such situations usually result in the wedding being called off. If your claim is successful, you’ll typically receive a cash payout, allowing you to reschedule at a comparable venue.
- If a supplier fails to deliver, you’re protected. Whether it’s a pre-booked vendor like a florist or photographer, or if the product or service arrives damaged, you’ll be compensated for any deposits paid and any extra expenses. Be sure to have a written contract or agreement in place, and review the policy to see which suppliers are covered, as it may differ between insurers.
- You may need to cancel if essential individuals are unable to attend due to illness, jury duty, an accident, or a death, provided it wasn’t caused by a pre-existing medical condition. This applies to the couple getting married or a member of the wedding party, such as immediate family, bridesmaids, or the best man. Some insurance policies also cover situations where more than half of your guests are unable to attend due to severe weather, leading to the wedding being postponed.
- Misplaced, stolen, or accidentally ruined wedding rings, floral arrangements, cakes, attire, and presents. Cakes and flowers are generally protected until the reception begins, except if stolen when left unattended or harmed by improper packaging during transport. Wedding rings are usually insured starting one week before the ceremony and for up to 24 hours afterward, but engagement rings are not included, so it’s wise to think about adding them to your home insurance policy.
Wedding clothing, including dresses and suits, is insured for repair or replacement if it becomes lost or damaged while in your care. For purchased attire, coverage typically begins from the day the policy is taken out, while for rented items, it starts 24 hours before the event.
Wedding gifts are protected as long as they aren’t left unattended. However, there are often value caps of approximately £250 per gift, and some plans may not cover cash or cheques. This coverage usually extends from a month before the wedding until 24 hours after.
What does wedding insurance typically exclude?
Be cautious, as the following items are frequently NOT included in typical wedding insurance policies:
- If you choose to no longer pursue marriage, this is referred to in the fine print of your policy as a ‘disinclination to get married’ in the terms and conditions.
- If only a minor issue arises during the day, such as damage to the wedding cake, you will receive a refund for the cake’s cost. However, this refund does not extend to other expenses or cover any cancellations related to the wedding.
- Adjustments or cancellations stemming from Covid-19. It’s highly probable that new policies will exclude any claims related to the coronavirus or any pandemic. As a result, if you need to cancel because of government-imposed restrictions or if you’re required to reduce the number of attendees, you probably won’t be covered.
- Cancelling a wedding because of financial hardship, excluding redundancy. If you find yourself unable to afford your wedding and must cancel, coverage is typically limited to situations involving redundancy. However, there might be additional conditions, like requiring the policy to have been active for at least eight weeks prior to your job loss.
- Severe weather can negatively impact your event. Standard policies typically do not provide coverage if heavy rain or a thunderstorm disrupts your plans. However, for those hosting an elaborate outdoor ceremony, there are specialized insurance options that may be accessible through brokers for added protection.
- Using marquees on your own property or rented land typically isn’t included in standard insurance policies. However, some plans may offer this as an optional add-on, usually providing coverage for damages to the marquee itself as well as any associated items like staging, chairs, tables, lighting, and flooring.
Do I need wedding insurance?
You’ve proposed, they’ve accepted (hooray!), and now the exciting journey of planning your special day begins. However, with wedding expenses reaching tens of thousands of pounds, is it wise to invest in insurance to safeguard your celebration? Ultimately, purchasing insurance is a personal choice, so you’ll need to assess whether the expense is justified for your situation. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:
– Consider purchasing wedding insurance only if financial loss would be a concern in case of unexpected issues. Should you decide to invest in a policy, the type you require will depend on your budget and the specifics of your wedding plans (check out our 50 Affordable Wedding Tips for saving strategies). If you feel capable of rescheduling the event without significant hassle, wedding insurance may not be necessary.
If the financial and emotional strain of rescheduling becomes overwhelming, it may be wise to look into wedding insurance. Most couples opt for this coverage due to two primary concerns: venue cancellations and supplier failures. The average cost of wedding insurance ranges from less than £30 for UK weddings with a budget of £3,000, to nearly £400 for those planning a wedding costing £80,000. If you’re hosting a wedding overseas, the premiums tend to be higher.
– Using a credit card offers a certain level of complimentary protection, but it should not be seen as a replacement for insurance. Purchases made with a credit card that are valued between £100.01 and £30,000 are safeguarded under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. This regulation holds the card issuer responsible if issues arise. Notably, even if you make a deposit with a credit card (such as for a venue) and pay the remaining balance in cash, you are still protected for the total amount.
There is a less robust chargeback option available when using a debit card or for credit card purchases under £100. However, these options do not provide coverage for specific situations that insurance does, like illness or loss of stolen items.
– Choosing a reputable supplier can significantly reduce your risks. To minimize the chances of any issues arising that could spoil your special day, it’s crucial to select dependable companies while planning your wedding. Opting for a venue that’s part of a multi-billion pound hotel chain can offer greater peace of mind regarding its stability, although it’s essential to remember that no option is entirely without risk.
Seek tailored suggestions and conduct thorough research on vendors by exploring online reviews. Additionally, consider browsing various platforms for inspiration and engaging with local Facebook groups and forums for advice and recommendations. One notable resource to explore is Hitched, a dedicated wedding forum.
– Many home insurance policies offer increased contents coverage for a month during your wedding or civil partnership. Some insurers temporarily raise your coverage limit at no additional cost, usually by 10-20% or a set amount—like £7,500. However, this increase is not a replacement for wedding insurance, as it only applies to extra items in your home, such as wedding gifts. It’s a good idea to verify whether your insurer provides this benefit and whether you need to request it proactively.
– If you’re considering an elaborate stunt or fireworks for your event, it’s wise to engage a professional and possibly invest in additional insurance coverage. Keep in mind that standard wedding insurance typically excludes firework displays or any activities involving fire.
Be sure to verify whether such coverage is part of your policy or if it can be added for an increased premium. Fortunately, if you work with a reputable company that has its own insurance, you might not need to worry about extra costs. A skilled professional not only possesses the expertise to ensure a successful display but also typically holds public liability insurance, often providing coverage in the millions, in the event of an unforeseen issue.
Wedding insurance need-to-knows
Here are six essential points to consider before choosing a wedding insurance policy, especially if you believe it could benefit you.
1 – You can buy up to TWO years in advance – the sooner you buy, the sooner you’re covered
Purchasing wedding insurance as early as possible ensures that you’re protected in case of any unexpected events that may lead to the cancellation, postponement, or refund of any part of your wedding.
Booking your policy earlier incurs no additional costs, and most insurance options can be secured anywhere from two years prior to your wedding date right up to a week or even 24 hours before the event, regardless of whether deposits have already been paid.
This means that if your venue were to be damaged in a fire a year ahead of your wedding or if a family member were to face a serious health issue six months prior to the ceremony, you would still have coverage.
2 – Get everything in writing and keep receipts, so you’re prepared if you need to claim
Document all your bookings in writing, ensuring you have formal agreements or contracts with your providers, and keep receipts for all payments made. These documents may be necessary when filing a claim.
Note the deadlines for each full payment to avoid losing deposits or overlooking any suppliers.
3 – A successful claim doesn’t always mean cash in your pocket, the insurer may rearrange the wedding instead
Smaller incidents, like wilting flowers or damaged suits, generally result in a single compensation for the associated costs.
However, if the situation is more serious—such as a flooded venue requiring a complete wedding reorganization—your insurance provider might facilitate an alternative wedding instead of offering a cash payout. In this case, they’ll handle the arrangements for your new special day without providing direct financial compensation.
It’s important to note the terms “usually” and “may,” as there are no absolute guidelines; these aspects can differ between insurers.
Additionally, keep in mind that any claim will include an excess fee. For instance, if your wedding flowers are deemed unsalvageable upon arrival, you might typically be covered for £2,000 but have a £25 excess to pay, resulting in a net reimbursement of £1,975.
4 – Getting married overseas? Not all policies cover this so be careful, and know any limitations
If you’re opting to leave behind the potentially rainy weather of Britain for a more sun-soaked destination and require wedding insurance for your overseas event, it’s crucial to review your policy details to ensure it provides coverage for international weddings, as not all policies do.
Typically, this may add around 10% to your costs, though the exact amount can vary.
Additionally, keep in mind that certain aspects of the policy may not apply to weddings held abroad, particularly public liability coverage for events in the United States or Canada. Always read the fine print before making a purchase. You might also want to check out our tips for saving on overseas travel to help manage your expenses.
5 – Wedding insurance doesn’t cover any honeymoon – you’ll need separate travel insurance
Wedding insurance does not extend to cover your honeymoon. You will need to purchase a separate travel insurance policy, just as you would for any other vacation.
As with any trip, it’s essential to secure your coverage as soon as you finalize your booking. This ensures you are protected against cancellations or other potential issues that could arise before your honeymoon. For comprehensive assistance and to discover the best options available, check out our guide on Cheap Travel Insurance.
6 – You should be protected if your insurer goes bust
Ensuring that your wedding insurance provider is regulated by the FCA is crucial for your protection under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
In the event your insurer faces bankruptcy, the FSCS will attempt to locate an alternative provider to assume your policy or will provide a substitute. Additionally, if you have any pending claims or need to file a claim while a new insurer is being arranged, the FSCS will guarantee your financial coverage.
How to find wedding insurance
If you’ve gone through the essential information and believe wedding insurance is a suitable option for you, follow our comprehensive guide to securing the most effective coverage at the best price.
Although many prominent wedding insurance providers had halted the sale of new policies due to the impact of coronavirus and the associated cancellation risks, coverage options are once again available.
Our outlined steps for obtaining insurance, including for weddings abroad, will be beneficial.
Start with Step 1, which focuses on preparation. Then, choose the best policy you can find from Steps 2 to 4, and check if you can receive cashback as an additional benefit in Step 5.
Step 1: How much is the wedding
Before diving into the search for wedding insurance policies, it’s essential to create a comprehensive list of all the expenses you anticipate. This will help you determine the total budget for your wedding. Not only is this crucial for effective budgeting, but insurance companies categorize their coverage options based on the overall cost of the wedding.
Getting this figure correct is key to ensuring you have adequate coverage. For instance, if your budget is £20,000 but you end up spending £30,000 without adjusting your insurance accordingly, you would only be covered for the original amount. In the event of a cancellation, this could leave you with just two-thirds of your actual expenses covered.
To prevent this situation, make sure to inform your insurer of any unexpected cost increases during the planning process. Be aware that you might incur additional charges to raise your coverage limits. However, exclude expenses that don’t require insurance. For example, if you plan to pay a large drinks bill after the event, don’t factor that into your insurance calculations.
Step 2: Use a comparison site
A great way to begin is by utilizing comparison websites to discover the most affordable insurance options.
These sites gather your information and send it to multiple insurance company and broker websites to locate the best quotes available.
For a diverse range of insurers, consider using these two comparison platforms:
- ProtectYourFamily.co.uk*
Pros: After providing information about the wedding location, the coverage level required, and any additional options like a sword ceremony, you receive a tailored quote.
Cons: You must disclose your personal information to receive an online estimate. - CompareWeddingInsurance.org.uk
Pros: The pricing and coverage details for cancellations and suppliers are presented transparently.
Cons: A personalized quote requires direct contact with the insurer.
Step 3: Carefully check the policy
Be sure to thoroughly review the policy, as restrictions related to Covid-19 may be in effect.
It’s essential to examine the policy in detail to clearly understand what is included and what is excluded.
Some insurance providers offer policies that either allow for the extension of Covid-19 coverage or continue to impose Covid-19 restrictions.
When coverage is available, it typically applies only in situations where a close family member or a member of the wedding party experiences a significant illness that prevents them from attending.
As always, ensure that the policy coverage aligns with your requirements for the special event.
Step 4: Brokers can help
Obtain Quotes from Brokers. If you have the time, consulting brokers can be beneficial as they can provide guidance on which policy to choose. They usually have relationships with multiple insurers and may be able to secure a special offer for you.
To maximize your chances of finding the ideal product, look for a broker affiliated with the British Insurance Brokers’ Association.
Step 5: Look for cashback
After determining your lowest price, search for any available cashback offers. If you’re unfamiliar with cashback websites, be sure to check out our guide on the Best Cashback Sites, which outlines the advantages and disadvantages of using them before you start.
How to complain about your insurance provider
The insurance sector often struggles with its customer service image. What might work well for one individual can be a nightmare for another.
Frequent issues include delayed or denied claims, unexpected fees, and exclusions buried in fine print. It’s advisable to reach out to your provider initially, but if that doesn’t resolve your issue, you have alternatives.
Consider utilizing the free complaint tool, Resolver. This resource assists you in organizing your complaint and, if the insurer remains unresponsive, it also guides you in escalating your issue to the no-cost Financial Ombudsman Service.