Yes. In most events, vendors should carry their own insurance instead of relying on the organizer's policy to absorb their operational risk.
Why organizer coverage is not enough
An organizer may have event liability in place, but that does not mean a vendor-caused loss should flow through the organizer's policy first. Vendor insurance creates a cleaner risk boundary.
What organizers should request
At minimum, most organizers ask for a certificate of insurance, confirm the business name, coverage dates, and liability limits, and request additional insured status where appropriate.
Where this matters most
Food vendors, bartenders, exhibitors, rental companies, and service vendors with equipment or staff onsite create the most obvious need for independent coverage.
The practical rule
If the vendor can injure a guest, damage the venue, or create a contract issue, they should almost always show their own coverage.
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