Everything you need to know when buying insurance for a firework display
Fireworks insurance is essential for firework displays, bonfires or parties involving fireworks. These are explosives and require adequate public liability cover. Festivals, fairs and event organisers should consider cancellation insurance for ticketed events.
Here is everything you need to know about firework insurance, answering your most frequent questions.
Do you need firework insurance for operating fireworks?
Anyone organising a fireworks event or firework display requires the appropriate insurance policy. Moreover, insurance is legally required for ticketed events, or if the event employs staff or volunteers. Firework displays in public, such as parks, school grounds, sport club pitches or corporate premises, will require insurance to cover the high potential of third party damages or injury to passers-by.
If you are planning to incorporate fireworks or fire displays as part of your event, this will need to be stated on your insurance documents. Fireworks are dangerous and pose significant unique risks, and could invalidate your insurance if they are not specifically mentioned. Ensure you do your research and update your public liability limits accordingly.
How much does firework insurance cost?
Firework insurance cost will differ depending on the size and location of your event. Larger firework displays will require a higher liability limit as well as a more diverse range of policies. The quickest way to receive a price for your event insurance is to use an online instant quote service; this is even quicker than receiving a quote over the phone.
Insure Our Event provide an instant quote for firework display and events. Fill out your details in the online form and see how much insurance specific to the size of your event would cost.
How much firework insurance do I require?
This will depend on the size of your event and the expected number of attendees. Most insurance providers offer anything from £2 million of public liability cover to £10 million or more. The level of cover equates to the amount an insurer will payout in the event of an accident or injury. £10 million is suitable for high-risk activities and large businesses, and £2 million is for small businesses and events.
At Insure Our Event, we offer the lowest public liability limit of £1 million. Ideal for event runners, this lower limit means a better overall price on event insurance.
Do I need a firework license to operate fireworks?
A licence is required for anybody wanting to store or sell fireworks.
A fine of up to £5,000 and a six month prison sentence is possible if fireworks are stored or sold without a license.
Firework licenses can be acquired from you local council or from the HSE. Find your local council’s details on the government’s website.
Can I buy CAT 4 fireworks?
CAT 4 fireworks are the largest and most dangerous fireworks. They are for professional use only. CAT 4 fireworks are not for sale to the public.
Is insurance required for setting off fireworks in my garden?
Only fireworks professionals are allowed to set off fireworks in public spaces, which is why most fireworks take place in private premises and residential gardens, as this is the only area permitted to amateurs.
Insurance is legally required if:
- Your garden party is a ticketed event
- You are employing staff or volunteers
- The display is ran by a professional
Insurance is recommended if:
- People you do not personally know are attending the event
- The capacity/expected number of people for the event is larger than 50
- The event is catered
At Insure Our Event, firework event organisers can use the instant quote form to purchase public liability insurance, employers’ liability cover, event cancellation cover and bad weather cover.
How much does the average firework display cost UK?
Professional firework displays typically feature at weddings, parties, fairs, festivals and certain times of year. The cost of organising a professional firework display ranges from £1000 to £5000 – this depends on number of fireworks, and category of fireworks.
Pyromusicals, which is fireworks times to a music playlist, is more expensive, reaching up to £10,000.
Firework insurance for a professional firework display can reach £300, but the price also differs drastically depending on the event.
How late can you set off fireworks in the UK?
Fireworks are not allowed past the hour of 11pm, or before the hour of 7am. Fireworks can be set off any day of the year, during the daytime, when on private property. Fireworks are not allowed to be set off by amateurs in public spaces.
Local councils and emergency services must be given notice 2 weeks prior to a firework event, and also give permission.
Firework Insurance and Bonfire Insurance
If you are an event organiser planning a firework show or a bonfire night, you’ve come to the right place. Insure Our Event offer specialised event insurance that sets us apart. We understand the intricacies and safety concerns of these events. We want to ensure event organisers get comprehensive coverage but for a reasonable price.
