Insurance Guidance for Commercial Hosts (Bed & Breakfast, Short-Term Rentals, Studios, Businesses, Boutique Inns, etc.)

Why Insurance Matters As a Commercial Host, your property is already recognized as a business asset. That means you’ve likely taken steps to protect yourself with commercial liability insurance or specialized policies designed for businesses or short-term rentals.

For most overnight lodging businesses, these policies cover guests staying on the property—but hosting events (weddings, yoga classes, photo shoots, family celebrations, workshops) can sometimes fall outside what’s automatically included. That’s why a quick check with your insurance provider is so important.

What to Ask Your Insurance Provider

• Does my current policy specifically cover events or gatherings on my property?
• Are there any limits on guest counts or the types of activities allowed?
• If food, alcohol, or entertainment is involved, am I still covered?
• Do I need an additional event rider, or would a separate event-day insurance policy make sense?

Why You’re Already in a Good Position
Because you’re already running a lodging or rental business, you’re in one of the easiest positions to expand into event hosting:

• You already carry commercial liability coverage that protects your property as a business.
• Adding an event endorsement or rider is usually a simple step with your provider.
• Many carriers who support short-term rental insurance already offer options for event coverage—meaning you won’t be starting from scratch.

Additional Event Day Insurance
You can require your Guests to purchase event day insurance. This additional coverage is designed for one-time events (like weddings, birthday parties, or reunions). It’s simple, affordable, and completely separate from your homeowner’s policy. Examples of Event Day Insurance include:
1: https://www.markel.com/m/event/geico
2: https://www.theeventhelper.com
3: https://www.proper.insure
4: https://www.theeventhelper.com

Bottom Line If you’re already welcoming overnight Guests, you’re halfway there. With a quick call to your insurance provider, you can confirm or add the right event coverage. That way, your property can seamlessly evolve from a place to stay into a memorable event venue—without exposing you or your business to unnecessary risk.