Village Hall Insurance: What Hirers Need to Know

Insurance is one of the most overlooked aspects of hiring a village hall, but it’s important to understand who is covered for what. Most issues never arise, but being properly insured gives peace of mind and protects both you and the hall.

What the Hall’s Insurance Typically Covers

Most village halls carry the following insurance:

• Building and contents insurance: Covers the structure, fixtures, and the hall’s own equipment against fire, flood, theft, and accidental damage.
• Public liability insurance: Covers the hall trustees against claims from third parties injured on the premises due to the hall’s negligence (e.g., a loose floorboard causing a fall).
• Employer’s liability: If the hall employs any staff (cleaners, caretakers), this covers workplace injuries.

What the hall’s insurance does NOT cover:

• Damage caused by hirers or their guests
• Injuries resulting from the hirer’s activities
• The hirer’s own equipment or property
• Claims against the hirer (as opposed to the hall)

What Hirers Need

Public Liability Insurance

If you’re running a commercial activity (fitness classes, paid workshops) or a large event, you should have your own public liability insurance. This covers claims against you if someone is injured or their property is damaged because of your event.

• Regular hirers (fitness instructors, class leaders): Your professional insurance should include public liability cover. Most insurers in these fields include it as standard.
• One-off events: Event insurance is available from specialists and typically costs £30-£80 for a single event with £1-5 million cover.
• Private parties: The hall’s insurance usually provides adequate cover for private social events. Check with the hall committee.

When the Hall Requires It

Many hall hire agreements include a clause requiring hirers to hold public liability insurance. This is particularly common for:

• Commercial activities and paid classes
• Events involving physical activities (bouncy castles, sports)
• Events serving alcohol
• Large gatherings (100+ people)

Check your hire agreement carefully. If insurance is required and you don’t have it, the hall may refuse the booking.

Special Activities

Some activities require additional consideration:

Bouncy Castles and Inflatables

The inflatable supplier should carry their own public liability insurance and provide a copy. Check that their insurance covers the specific inflatable and the location.

Fireworks and Bonfires

Most hall insurance policies exclude fireworks and open fires. You’ll need specialist event insurance and should inform the hall committee in advance.

Alcohol

Selling alcohol requires either a premises licence or Temporary Event Notice. Your event insurance should cover alcohol-related incidents if you’re running a bar.

Protecting Yourself as a Hirer

1. Read the hire agreement carefully before signing
2. Ask the hall committee what their insurance covers and what it doesn’t
3. Get your own cover if running commercial activities or large events
4. Document the hall’s condition before and after your event (photos are useful)
5. Keep the deposit reasonable — typically £50-£200 is standard

Where to Get Event Insurance

Several UK insurers specialise in one-off event cover:

• Your existing home insurance may include some event cover — check your policy
• Many community group umbrella organisations offer insurance for members
• Village hall umbrella bodies (ACRE, county-level Rural Community Councils) can advise hall committees on insurance matters

The key message: check what’s covered before your event, not after something goes wrong. A quick conversation with the hall committee and a check of your own insurance will give you confidence on the day.