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We've analyzed dozens of insurers to find the top 5 providers for community events
Expert comparison of coverage, pricing, and specialist features • Updated December 2025
After helping thousands of village fete organizers find insurance, we've identified the providers that consistently deliver value for community events. This isn't an exhaustive list of every insurer - it's our curated selection of the 5 providers we trust most.
Our selection criteria:
Transparency note: These providers form the basis of our insurance calculator pricing data. We've researched their typical rates for small (under 100), medium (100-500), and large (500+) events to provide accurate cost estimates.
Specialist community event insurer
ProtectGroup specializes exclusively in events insurance, making them our top choice for village fetes. They understand the unique risks of community gatherings - from bouncy castles to bake sales - and their underwriters are experienced with small-scale charity events. Their online quote system is the fastest we've tested, with certificates issued within minutes.
Our insurance calculator uses ProtectGroup's standard rates for small events (under 100 attendees) as the baseline pricing. Their £66 starting price for basic public liability is typically the most competitive for church fetes and small community events.
Trusted business insurance broker
Simply Business is a well-established UK insurance broker serving over 1 million small businesses. While they're not exclusively focused on events, their community event insurance offering is competitive and backed by reputable underwriters. They're ideal if you prefer dealing with a familiar brand name that your venue or committee recognizes.
Simply Business quotes are factored into our medium event (100-500 attendees) pricing estimates. Their broker model means prices vary, but typically range £75-180 depending on the specific underwriter and event risk profile.
Premium event liability insurance
Hiscox is a premium insurer known for excellent customer service and comprehensive coverage. While their pricing is higher, they offer £10 million public liability as standard and include broader coverage for higher-risk activities. Choose Hiscox if you're organizing a larger fete with activities like climbing walls, petting zoos, or other elevated-risk attractions.
Hiscox rates inform our large event (500+ attendees) pricing tier in the calculator. Their £95-264 typical range reflects the premium positioning but includes broader coverage that budget providers often exclude.
Flexible event cover specialist
One Sure specializes in tailored event insurance with excellent flexibility for unusual requirements. If your fete includes activities that standard insurers question (dog shows, vintage tractor displays, archery demonstrations), One Sure's underwriters are more willing to accommodate. They're particularly good for rural community events with traditional activities.
One Sure's pricing is more variable due to their bespoke approach. Our calculator uses their baseline rates for standard village fetes, but complex events may require a direct quote.
Large broker with event specialists
TowerGate is one of the UK's largest insurance brokers with offices across the country. They have a dedicated events team that understands community gatherings. While you may not get the specialized focus of smaller providers, TowerGate's size means competitive pricing through their multiple insurer relationships and local advisors who can meet in person if needed.
TowerGate's broker model means varied pricing. Our calculator references their typical range for community events, which sits mid-market at £80-200 depending on the underwriter they place your risk with.
| Provider | From | Best For | Coverage | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProtectGroup | £66 | Community events | £5-10M | Same day |
| Simply Business | £75 | Recognized brands | £5-10M | Fast |
| Hiscox | £95 | Large events | £10M standard | Fast |
| One Sure | £72 | Unusual activities | £5-10M | Medium |
| TowerGate | £80 | Public sector | £5-10M | Medium |
Prices shown are typical starting rates for small events (under 100 attendees). Actual quotes vary based on event size, activities, and coverage options.
Yes, there are dozens of insurers offering event cover in the UK. However, most are either: (1) general business insurers who don't specialize in community events, (2) extremely expensive premium providers, or (3) only available through specific broker networks. These 5 represent the providers we've found offer the best combination of specialist knowledge, competitive pricing, and accessibility for typical village fetes. We'd rather give you 5 trusted options than overwhelm you with 50 mediocre ones.
Full transparency: No, we do not currently have affiliate relationships with these insurers. We selected them based on our research into pricing, coverage, and suitability for village fetes. Our calculator uses publicly available rate information and our own research into typical pricing. We may establish affiliate partnerships in the future, but our provider selection is based solely on quality and value for community event organizers.
For typical small village fetes (under 100 attendees, standard activities), ProtectGroup or Simply Business will usually offer the best value and you can quote with confidence. For larger events, unusual activities, or if your venue specifically requires a certain coverage level, we recommend getting quotes from 2-3 providers to compare. Simply Business and TowerGate (as brokers) will shop multiple underwriters automatically, potentially saving you time.
We review this guide quarterly (every 3 months) to ensure pricing remains accurate and providers continue to offer competitive service. Insurance pricing can change, and providers occasionally adjust their underwriting criteria. If you notice outdated information, please contact us. Last updated: December 2025.
That's fine! This list represents our recommended providers based on research, but many other reputable insurers offer village fete cover. If you've found competitive rates with another provider (NFU Mutual, Zurich, Aviva, etc.), they may be perfectly suitable. Just ensure they offer adequate public liability coverage (typically £5-10 million), are accepted by your venue, and understand community event risks. If you've had a great experience with an unlisted provider, we'd love to hear about it for future guide updates.
Use our calculator to estimate costs based on these providers' typical rates, then get direct quotes to compare.