Wedding season is upon us. And while weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of love, the cost of having one is going up. According to The Knot, the average cost of a wedding was $28,000 in 2021, and in more expensive states like New Jersey, that number is even higher.
Couples spending thousands on their special day should make sure that all that money doesn’t go to waste — and a wedding insurance policy is just the way to do that. Getting the right wedding insurance policy ensures you’re covered financially if the unexpected happens. Whether it be a ripped wedding dress, a wildfire on the vineyard or the venue goes bankrupt, having a policy in place means you’re not on the hook for thousands of dollars.
“Liability insurance will [also] protect the couple in case of an injury or property damage. When you have an event where guests will be drinking, it’s always important to protect yourself as there are many unknowns that can take place,” says Samar Hattar, founder and lead event planner at Blissful Events.
The best wedding insurance company for you depends on what type of protection you need and what your venue requires. But you don’t have to figure it out all on your own — if you are wondering how to get wedding insurance, look no further. Insure.com has compiled the best wedding insurance companies of 2022 so that no matter what happens on your big day, you are prepared.
The best wedding insurance policies out there
The OG of wedding insurance: Wedsure
At a glance:
Cost: Starts at $125
Liability limits: Coverage goes up to $5 million
Coverage options: Event cancellation coverage, weather insurance, loss of deposit coverage, rented property coverage, change of heart coverage and professional counseling
Backed by the world’s second-largest insurer, Allianz, Wedsure invented the business of wedding insurance, and they continue to provide comprehensive coverage for couples. Allianz consistently receives superior scores from ratings agencies and, as of 2022, Moody’s has given Wedsure a rating of Aa3, and AM Best rates A+; these determinations are based on their financial health — such as solvency and their ability to pay policyholder’s claims.
With Wedsure, you pay for peace of mind and customizability: you can select from unique add-ons to get the coverage you want, rather than paying for a policy with features you might not need.
Additionally, you can buy Wedsure online immediately, meaning less stress waiting around for your policy to be approved. Wedsure also offers the most extensive coverage in Canada and Puerto Rico for weddings beyond the continental United States.
Best for the really fun wedding: eWed
At a glance:
Cost: Starts at $119
Liability limits: Coverage goes up to $1 million
Coverage options: No-fault medical expense insurance up to $5,000, waiver of subrogation, cancellation and postponement coverage and vendor liability coverage
eWed Insurance is backed by Tokio Marine HCC, a leading national insurance provider and proves to be the best for couples who are expecting a rowdier party. Unlike many other insurers, eWed offers zero deductible insurance. Meanwhile, supplemental coverage such as host liquor liability insurance and naming the venue as an insured come at no additional cost, making the cost of additional coverage cheaper than some other carriers.
eWed is also known for its quick underwriting and 24/7 concierge service, making it not only affordable, but easy to use.
While eWed is a newer company, it has superior financial ratings: Moody’s rates Aa3 and AM Best rates A++.
Best for small weddings: Progressive
At a glance:
Cost: Starts at $67 with a 5% discount for Progressive members
Liability limits: Coverage goes up to $2 million per occurrence and $5 million per policy
Coverage options: Host liquor coverage, waiver of subjugation and wedding cancellation or postponement and additional special coverage
Progressive offers wedding and event insurance provided by The Event Helper to protect your nuptials. Because The Event Helper also covers smaller events — like a 5k run — coverage is very affordable and can be customized to each couple’s needs. Those with smaller weddings or a lower budget will be happy with an insurance policy that can be as little or as big as they need it to be. There’s also a pretty nice return policy attached: if the policy doesn’t meet the venue’s insurance requirements, Progressive offers a money-back guarantee.
Additionally, Progressive’s wedding insurance comes with special coverage that goes beyond the venue’s basic requirements. Spill red wine on your white dress? Special coverage has you covered.
Progressive has an A.M. Best rating of A+ Superior and Moody’s rating of Aa.
Best for no-frills coverage: WedSafe
At a glance:
Cost: Varies depending on state and event
Liability limits: Coverage goes up to $1 million with the possibility for more
Coverage options: Cancellation and postponement coverage and straightforward liability insurance
WedSafe was founded in 1999 and is backed by K&K Insurance, a firm specializing in insuring sports, leisure and entertainment products. If you need last-minute coverage without any frills, WedSafe does the job: it offers straightforward liability and cancellation coverage at affordable prices. Bargain shoppers can receive a 15% discount if they purchase both liability and cancellation wedding insurance as a package.
Their holding company has an A.M. Best Rating of BBB+.
Best for people who prefer a rookie: Markel
At a glance:
Cost: Starts at $75
Liability limits: Coverage goes up to $2 million
Coverage options: Liquor liability insurance, event cancellation and vendor can be named as additional insured
Markel wedding insurance has been around for over 70 years, and for people who prefer the safety net of reliability, it definitely offers that up. Allstate, an industry name, offers wedding insurance through Markel, and you can bundle and save if you purchase any additional policies through Allstate.
Additionally, Markel offers comprehensive coverage that is sure to protect your big day from anything going sideways: alongside standard liability insurance, their cancellation insurance covers a wide range of scenarios — from the vendor going bankrupt to military deployment.
Markel has high ratings: A.M. Best rates Markel A for excellent, and Moody’s rates A2 for good.
How to buy wedding insurance
First and foremost, you should have the details of your wedding nailed down – the number of attendees, venue, wardrobe and coverage dates. Couples will need liability insurance to protect against any accidents, while cancellation insurance is a nice add-on. After that, follow these steps to purchase your policy:
- Choose your desired coverage amount
- Select supplemental coverage add-ons
- Pick coverage limit and a deductible
- Receive a quote and finalize policy details with an agent
- Sign policy papers and pay your premium
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life — make sure it’s covered by purchasing wedding insurance. To get a policy that provides the right coverage for you at the most affordable price, make sure to shop around.
Methodology
We investigated the policies and reputations of established wedding insurance companies to determine the best wedding insurance companies out there. Our analysis considers price, coverage offered and rankings from the top ratings agencies.