The Tulsa Forum by TulsaNow

Explain to me this. If you are a non-profit organization such as a neighborhood association or a group like TulsaNow, all you need to do to rent a space in a hotel or other private business is to pay them.

HOWEVER, if the space you want is a "public space" such as a park pavilion, school auditorium, etc. You have to BUY INSURANCE (in addition to rental fees).

WTH?

Good question. I had to pay for a million dollar policy that covered not only my boats, but my vehicles, my drivers and anyone associated with the business even if they just walked on the path with the RPA named as additional insured on the policy. That seemed pretty strange to my agent who specialized in tour companies. He promptly charged me more. They told me even the shoe shine man at the airport had to do the same. They will shut you down immediately if it lapses (unless you are the owner of Big Splash or operate the fair...then they just frown and say...don't do that again).

I would guess that their answer would be that the private business that rents out to you has insurance of their own and includes it in the cost of rental. Or a pretty good idea that you could pay for whatever damage is done to their facilities and a contract specifying your liability. All they answer to is their board of directors or owners. A public facility has a much larger exposure and generally self insures (meaning the taxpayer will foot the bill for damage).