How to Require Renters to Carry Insurance (A Venue Owner's Guide)
A practical guide for venue owners: how to require renters to carry liability insurance, name you as additional insured, and actually collect the certificate every time.
Put it in the contract — then actually enforce it
Most venues already say renters must carry insurance. The gap is enforcement: chasing each host for a certificate, reading a stranger's policy, and hoping it arrives before the event. Here's how to close that gap.
1. Write a clear insurance clause
Your rental agreement should require the renter to:
- Carry commercial general liability insurance at a stated minimum (e.g., $1M/$2M).
- Name your venue as an additional insured — not just a certificate holder.
- Provide a certificate of insurance before the event date.
- Add host liquor liability when alcohol is served.
2. Require additional insured, not just a certificate
This is the detail most venues get wrong. A certificate holder only receives proof a policy exists; an additional insured is actually covered by it. Always require both — see certificate holder vs. additional insured.
3. Set limits that match your risk
$1,000,000 per occurrence is a common floor. Increase it for large headcounts, alcohol, amusement rentals, or physical activities. Put the number in the contract so it's enforced on every booking.
4. Automate collection with a custom link
Instead of chasing paperwork, hand every renter one custom insurance link. Each host buys a compliant policy in minutes, a certificate is issued automatically with your venue named as additional insured, and a copy lands in your inbox before the doors open — with no back-and-forth.
Set up your venue's custom link →
Frequently asked questions
How do I require renters to have insurance?
Put the requirement in your rental contract: state the minimum liability limits, require the renter to name your venue as additional insured, and require a certificate of insurance before the event. Then enforce it by collecting the certificate every time.
What insurance limits should a venue require?
A common minimum is $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. Raise it for large events, alcohol, or higher-risk activities.
What's the easiest way to collect certificates?
Give every renter one custom insurance link. They buy a compliant policy in minutes and the certificate — naming your venue as additional insured — is issued automatically and emailed to you.