Special Events Menu

Community Events on Madison Streets

STEP 8: Insurance For Your Event

Many events require insurance. The City Risk Manager will decide if insurance is needed for your event at the Street Use Staff Commission Meeting.

The insurance requirement is based on the risk level of an event, such as: anticipated size/attendance, potential for injury, whether beer/wine is served, road closures, traffic hazards, and other considerations.

Attendance: Anticipated attendance of 300+ people will likely require insurance.

Demonstrations and marches likely to draw more than 300 people, or that involve street closures and traffic control, will likely require insurance.

Tip: apply as early as possible if you are unsure if your event will require insurance.

If insurance is required, what must I do?

If insurance is required, the "event organizer" must provide:

  • a Certificate of Insurance demonstrating proof of a Commercial General Liability insurance policy with minimum limits of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence (or higher limit if determined necessary by the Risk Manager.)
  • Certificate of Insurance must name the City of Madison, its officers, officials, employees and agents as Additional Insureds.
  • Certificate of Insurance should be on file at least 30 days prior to your event, and must be on file and approved before 12 noon on the last business day before your event. Submit certificate to the Risk Manager at the address below.

Sample Certificate of Insurance

Insurance Tips:

  • Insurance policy must be in the name of the event sponsor/event organizer listed on the permit application.
  • Find out if your event organizer already carries insurance. Most nonprofits already have this insurance.
  • Individuals can also obtain commercial general liability policy.
  • Unincorporated associations may also be eligible for special event coverage.
  • If having problems finding insurance, call the City Risk Manager for assistance: (608) 266-5965

Submit your Certificate of Insurance by email, mail, fax or in-person to:

City Risk Manager
210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Rm. 406
Madison, WI 53703
Phone (608) 266-5965
Fax (608) 267-8705
Risk Manager Email

It is recommended that applications are submitted earlier than 30 days prior to the event date if you are unsure if your event is likely to require a Certificate of Insurance.

Standard Indemnification Agreement for Street Use Permits

BY SIGNING THIS APPLICATION, THE "EVENT ORGANIZER/SPONSOR" LISTED ON THE APPLICATION AGREES TO INDEMNIFY, DEFEND, AND HOLD THE CITY AND ITS OFFICERS, OFFICIALS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS HARMLESS AGAINST ALL CLAIMS, LIABILITY, LOSS, DAMAGE, OR EXPENSE INCURRED BY THE CITY ON ACCOUNT OF ANY INJURY TO OR DEATH OF ANY PERSON OR ANY DAMAGE TO PROPERTY CAUSED BY OR RESULTING FROM THE ACTIVITIES FOR WHICH THE PERMIT IS GRANTED.

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