Why do I need wedding cancellation insurance?
You can plan every detail of your wedding, but life happens.
Hurricanes hit. Pipes break in reception halls. Vendors go out of business. Mothers of the bride need emergency appendectomies. Brides and grooms in the military get deployed. Equipment gets damaged. The possibilities are endless.
When uncontrollable situations happen, it’s enough for you to deal with the disappointment – you shouldn’t have to worry about losing money on top of that.
Protecting your wedding day is easy and affordable. Purchasing insurance for your wedding will protect your financial investment, and help you pick up the pieces and reschedule your wedding if it needs to be cancelled or postponed.
Wedding insurance reviews and information
Below are answers to some common questions that many brides and grooms have. Keep in mind that the answers to some questions will depend on the type of coverage you elect to purchase.
Does a wedding insurance policy provide coverage if the weather forces us to postpone or relocate our wedding?
Yes, coverage is provided if weather conditions are extreme enough to prevent the bride and/or groom, their families or the majority of their guests from attending the wedding or reception.
What if the bride, groom or a family member is in an accident or gets sick before the wedding?
Coverage is provided if the wedding and/or reception is postponed due to an accident or illness that prevents the bride, groom or their immediate families from attending, provided any illness is not related to a pre-existing medical condition.
When should I purchase a policy?
You should purchase a policy as soon as you start to incur costs, which is usually as soon as you begin to plan your wedding. These costs include placing deposits with a venue, caterer, photographer, etc.
Does the policy provide coverage if military leave is withdrawn?
Yes. If the bride or groom is serving full-time active duty in the armed forces or police or fire departments, and must postpone the wedding and/or reception due to a previously granted leave being withdrawn due to circumstances outside of their control (e.g. unforeseen deployment).
What happens if the bride or groom has a change of heart?
Coverage is triggered only by a fortuitous event (such as a fire or death of a close relative). It is not provided for situations within your control or knowledge, such as a voluntary decision.
Are weddings outside of the United States covered?
Yes. Weddings that are scheduled to take place (or on cruise ships departing from) Canada, Puerto Rico or a territory or possession of the United States (such as the Virgin Islands), as well as the United Kingdom, Mexico, the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Caribbean (excluding Cuba) will be covered. However, to purchase a policy, either the bride or groom must reside within the United States.
What about honeymoon expenses? Do you cover these expenses?
Yes, in the unfortunate event your wedding is postponed or cancelled due to a covered condition. Any non-recoverable travel and accommodation expenses for your honeymoon that result from a corresponding postponement or cancellation of your honeymoon may be included in your total cancellation or postponement claim.
If we lose our wedding rings, will they be covered?
Only if they are lost at any time during the seven days preceding the wedding. After your wedding, you should insure them as part of your renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policy.
What about my engagement ring? Will it be covered under this policy?
No, the policy provides coverage only for the wedding bands that will be exchanged during the ceremony, not for an engagement ring.
Does the policy cover all wedding presents, including checks, gift certificates, etc.?
Yes, wedding presents that are lost or damaged within 7 days before or 7 days after your event, while at your home or while in transit between your event and home are covered up to the applicable limit set forth on your specific policy.
Are we covered if the photography is damaged or does not come out?
Yes, the policy provides coverage for the loss or damage (other than under- or overexposure) to the original film or digital files before the finished photographs are received, up to the applicable limit set forth on your policy.
What happens if the rented limousine does not arrive on the morning of the wedding?
Simply make alternative arrangements and keep a full record of the costs involved so you may file a claim after your wedding.
What if the bride's wedding dress or the groom's tuxedo is damaged before the wedding? Are they covered?
Yes, the policy provides coverage for wedding attire that is lost, stolen, or damaged before the wedding -- except for loss or damage resulting from certain specified causes (e.g., climatic conditions and alterations), and for loss or damage to attire not purchased as new that is caused by any process of cleaning, restoration or repair.
Does the wedding cancellation policy have a deductible?
Yes, there is a nominal $25.00 deductible for each covered section.
Whom do I call if I have to make a claim?
Call Markel at 800-236-4252 to report your loss. All claims should be reported as a matter of urgency to avoid delays in settlement and processing. Additionally, any claims relating to theft or attempted theft should be reported to the police as soon as possible.
How long does it normally take to resolve a claim?
If the paperwork and documentation are readily available, then a claim will be settled promptly.