Apples and pumpkins have coverage needs too

One of the highlights of fall could serve as an opportunity for providers

As autumn rolls in, agents and brokers have the perfect opportunity to boost their bottom line with a fundamental staple of American culture. 

Fall festivals specializing in everything from apples to haunted houses have a range of coverage needs that providers can serve - and the favorable economic climate benefits expansion for these annual traditions.

“It [the market] has been fairly stable. There hasn’t really been a decline, but there hasn’t been an extraordinary spike in new festivals and offerings along that line,” explained Ron Norton, Senior Vice President of K&K Insurance’s Leisure Division. “I think as the economy continues to improve its popularity will gain some strength.”

Providers should also be aware that coverage needs are highly dependent on the source. There are policies written for government entities, non-profits and even individual vendors. 

“Generally speaking you’ll have an event coordinator and they could be someone of an independent nature who brings you to the town, or it could be someone within the board of directors who sits on the town council,” stated Norton.

“If they’re under a different organization and not associated with government entities they’re usually a not-for-profit and there to generate buzz for that community. When they are not-for-profit they tend to use a lot of volunteers and we do have volunteer accident coverage that is strongly recommended.”  

Other coverages include policies for rented equipment and even workers compensation for some of the larger, up-scale coordinating companies. 
Norton also weighed-in on some suggestions for providers getting into this market.

“If you’re asking advice [for providers] it’s to seek out professionals that have seen and been part of thousands of festivals and they can be coached through the entire process. There’s also a national association called the International Festivals of Events and Attractions (IFEA). For the coordinators who are in this and take it very seriously as well as have larger than average exposures, it’s a good idea to be a part of that organization.  They offer a number of risk management courses and you can actually become certified.” 

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