Festival Vendor Insurance - Des Moines Guide

Events and Special Uses Iowa 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of Iowa

In Des Moines, Iowa, vendors at festivals and special events must follow city permitting rules that commonly include proof of insurance, named additional insured, and specific coverage types for activities on public property. This guide summarizes how insurance is evaluated for permits, who enforces requirements, how to submit certificates, and steps vendors should take before an event.[1]

Check permit application instructions early in your event planning.

What insurance vendors typically need

The city commonly expects commercial general liability and, when applicable, liquor liability or commercial auto insurance. Exact coverage types and limits are determined per permit and event; check the permit conditions for the event you are applying for.[1]

  • Commercial general liability: proof of coverage naming the City of Des Moines as an additional insured may be required.
  • Liquor liability: required if alcohol is sold or served under the event permit.
  • Commercial auto insurance: required if vendor vehicles are used in operations on city property or for deliveries.
  • Certificates of insurance: vendors typically must submit a certificate of insurance (COI) before the permit is issued.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of vendor insurance and permit conditions is handled by the issuing department for the permit (commonly Parks & Recreation for park events) and by city Risk Management for insurance verification. Specific civil fines, suspension language, or criminal penalties are not itemized on the cited event permit page; see the code or permit terms for final enforcement details.[1][2]

  • Fines: monetary penalties for noncompliance are not specified on the cited permit pages or Risk Management guidance; see the municipal code for any codified fines or contact the issuing office for amounts.[3]
  • Escalation: first-offence procedures, repeat penalties, and continuing offence fees are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: permit denial, permit revocation or suspension, removal from city property, and orders to cease activities are enforcement tools referenced in permit guidance.
  • Enforcer and inspection: Parks & Recreation issues park permits and inspects events; Risk Management reviews insurance documentation and can be contacted through the city department contacts listed below.[1][2]
  • Appeals and review: formal appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited permit pages; contact the issuing department for appeal procedures and any statutory deadlines.
If you operate without required insurance, your permit may be denied or revoked.

Applications & Forms

The special event permit application is the primary form for festivals and will state insurance requirements or attach an insurance checklist. The permit application and submission method are available from Parks & Recreation; Risk Management provides certificate submission instructions. Specific form names or form numbers for insurance certificates are not listed on the general permit page.[1][2]

How to prepare your insurance documentation

Vendors should contact the event organizer and the issuing city department early. Common preparatory steps include getting a COI from your insurer, confirming additional insured wording, and allowing time for Risk Management to review documents before the event.

  • Start insurance discussions at least 4 weeks before permit deadlines or earlier if required by the event organizer.
  • Submit the certificate of insurance to the city contact listed on the permit instructions via the method specified on the permit application.
  • If Risk Management requests additional endorsements, work with your insurance agent to provide the exact language required.
Always verify required coverage types and limits on your issued permit.

FAQ

What proof of insurance do I need to vend at a Des Moines festival?
Proof of commercial general liability is commonly required; liquor liability and commercial auto may be required depending on activities. Exact limits and endorsements are stated on the permit or by Risk Management.[1]
Who do I contact in the city about insurance questions?
Contact the issuing department on your permit (commonly Parks & Recreation for park events) and City Risk Management for certificate requirements and submission instructions.[1][2]
Must the City of Des Moines be named as additional insured?
The permit or Risk Management guidance will state whether the City must be named as additional insured; check the permit conditions for the required endorsement language.[2]

How-To

  1. Review the event permit application to find insurance instructions and deadlines.
  2. Contact your insurance agent to obtain a COI and any required endorsements naming the City of Des Moines.
  3. Submit the COI to the city via the method listed on the permit; confirm receipt with the issuing department.
  4. Follow up with Risk Management if the city requests additional documentation before the event.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the special event permit for insurance specifics before applying.
  • Obtain a certificate of insurance early and confirm additional insured requirements.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Des Moines Parks & Recreation - Special Event Permit
  2. [2] City of Des Moines Finance - Risk Management
  3. [3] Des Moines Code of Ordinances (Municode)

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