Do You Need Insurance to Hire a Bouncy Castle in the UK? (2025 Parents’ Guide)
You’ve picked a date, invited the guests, and now you’re about to book a bouncy castle for your child’s party. But just before you click “confirm,” a question pops into your head:
“Am I legally responsible if something goes wrong?”
You’re not alone. Thousands of parents across the UK ask this every month—and it’s the right question to ask.
The truth is, not all bouncy castle hire companies include insurance, and even fewer explain what’s actually covered. If you’re not careful, you could be held liable for injuries or damage, especially if the provider hasn’t met safety standards.
This guide cuts through the noise. We’ll explain:
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When insurance is required
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What public liability actually covers
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What to look for in a safe, certified hire provider
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And how Bizi Bouncers protects you from day one
Because when children are jumping, sliding, and laughing—you shouldn’t have to worry about anything else.
Why Insurance for Bouncy Castle Hire Matters
A bouncy castle might look like harmless fun—and 99% of the time, it is. But accidents can and do happen. Children slip. Collisions occur. Equipment tears or deflates unexpectedly. And when they do, the question becomes: who is liable?
The answer depends on one key detail: insurance.
Whether you’re hosting a birthday in your back garden or managing a PTA event in a public hall, there’s always a legal responsibility to provide a safe environment. That includes ensuring the inflatable is installed correctly, supervised appropriately, and maintained to professional standards.
In recent years, the UK has seen a noticeable rise in event-related claims—especially involving unsupervised or uncertified bouncy castle setups. These incidents have pushed local councils, insurers, and venues to demand proof of public liability coverage and certification before allowing inflatables on-site.
So why does it matter?
Because without proper cover, you could be held personally liable—even if the injury wasn't your fault. That risk isn’t worth taking when insurance-backed, safety-certified providers exist.
Hiring from a company that meets all insurance requirements for inflatables means you're not just renting equipment—you’re investing in event safety, protecting yourself from injury liability, and ensuring peace of mind from setup to takedown.
Who is Responsible—You or the Hire Company?
This is where most parents get caught off guard. They assume that once the bouncy castle is delivered, they’re covered for everything. But the truth is more nuanced—and it all comes down to the type of insurance in place.
Public Liability Insurance – What the Company Covers
When you hire from a professional provider like Bizi Bouncers, public liability insurance covers injury or property damage caused by the inflatable during normal use.
This includes:
It’s the company’s job to ensure the setup is safe, the inflatable is inspected and certified, and the rules are clearly explained. That’s where party hire safety begins.
Personal Liability – What You Might Still Be Responsible For
Now here’s the part most people don’t realise:
Even if the hire company is insured, you can still be liable if:
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Children use the inflatable without adult supervision
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Someone gets hurt due to misuse or unsafe play
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You allow setup on an unsuitable surface, like concrete without anchoring
This falls under liability for hired equipment and could void the insurance altogether.
So, do you need your own insurance?
Not if you hire smart.
Bizi Bouncers Covers You Fully—No Guesswork
We take party safety seriously. That’s why every hire comes with:
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Full public liability cover
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Certified inflatables (PIPA, BIHA)
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Clear guidance on supervision, placement, and safety rules
We don’t just deliver bouncy castles—we deliver peace of mind, backed by compliance with current UK safety regulations.
Types of Insurance Relevant to Bouncy Castle Hire
Not all insurance is the same—and not all of it protects you in the way you think. If you're planning a party or public event, it's worth understanding the three main types of insurance that apply to inflatable hire in the UK.
Public Liability Insurance
This is the most common—and the most essential. It protects you, your guests, and your property if injury or damage occurs during normal use of the inflatable.
If a child trips on the blower cable, or if a faulty anchor leads to instability, public liability insurance ensures that the hire company takes responsibility. This is standard practice with reputable providers and a non-negotiable if you want to keep your event legally safe.
Hire Liability Insurance
While public liability covers incidents during use, hire liability insurance protects against problems related to transport, setup, or equipment handling.
If damage occurs because the company’s team installed the castle incorrectly—or if an issue arises during delivery—this type of policy ensures you’re not left footing the bill. It’s often included behind the scenes, but it’s important to ask your provider if they carry it.
Event or Personal Liability Insurance
If you're organising a school event, church fair, or council-permitted gathering, you may be asked to provide event insurance or personal liability cover.
This isn't typically needed for home garden hires—but it becomes important in:
In these cases, the event host shares responsibility. Bizi Bouncers provides all the necessary documentation, but we recommend checking with the venue early to see what’s required.
What’s Typically Covered—and What’s Not
Hiring a bouncy castle comes with certain expectations—but unless you understand exactly what’s included in the insurance, you could be taking on risks you didn’t sign up for.
Let’s break it down.
What’s Covered by Reputable Providers
A trusted hire company—like Bizi Bouncers—should provide public liability insurance that covers:
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Injuries caused by equipment failure or setup issues
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Damage resulting from proper use on suitable surfaces
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Problems due to staff negligence (e.g., unsecured anchors, uneven ground)
This type of cover is standard when hiring from PIPA- or BIHA-certified providers and is your first layer of protection when hosting an event.
What’s Not Covered
Here’s where many parents and organisers get caught out.
Even with insurance in place, most policies exclude incidents caused by:
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Lack of supervision during use
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Children exceeding weight or age limits
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Inflatable being used in poor weather or on unsuitable surfaces
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Unauthorized relocation or tampering with safety equipment
These exclusions are common across the industry—and they’re not fine print. If an incident falls into one of these categories, you could be held personally liable.
Supervision and Setup Matter More Than You Think
Most claims happen when adults aren’t supervising or when the castle is placed on unsafe ground, like loose gravel or hard concrete without proper anchoring.
That’s why we’re strict about:
We do our part—but it’s critical that parents and event organisers do theirs too.
Because insurance doesn’t cover neglect—it covers accidents under the right conditions.
How Bizi Bouncers Keeps You Covered (and Safe)
At Bizi Bouncers, we don’t leave safety to chance—and we don’t charge extra for it either.
Every hire comes with full public liability insurance, detailed safety instructions, and equipment that meets the highest UK standards. From the moment we arrive at your venue, your inflatable is in the hands of a team that puts safety, compliance, and peace of mind above all else.
We’re Fully Insured and Certified
We offer insured bouncy castle hire across Enfield, London, and Essex—meaning you’re automatically covered when you book with us. No hidden fees. No optional upgrades. It’s included because it should be.
Every inflatable is:
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PIPA tagged (for regular structural safety inspection)
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BIHA certified (British Inflatable Hirers Alliance compliant)
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Professionally maintained, cleaned, and checked before every hire
You’re not just hiring a castle—you’re hiring a provider that’s legally and ethically committed to delivering certified inflatable rentals that protect your guests and your reputation.
We Know the Area—And We Know What Works
We’ve delivered to hundreds of homes, parks, schools, and venues across the region. That means we understand which setups are safest, which surfaces work best, and how to avoid the most common safety risks.
If you want safe bouncy castles in the UK that your kids will love—and you can trust—we’ve got you covered.
Quick Checklist: What to Ask Before Booking
Before you commit to any inflatable hire company, ask these four questions. The answers will tell you everything you need to know about their professionalism—and your peace of mind.
- Is your hire insured for public liability?
This is non-negotiable. If the company isn’t insured, you’re taking on unnecessary legal risk.
- Do you have PIPA or BIHA certification?
These UK certifications ensure that the bouncy castle has been safety-checked and complies with government standards. If they say no—walk away.
- What happens if someone gets injured?
A professional company will have a clear safety protocol and insurance process. If their answer is vague, that’s a red flag.
- Are there surface or supervision requirements?
Ask what kind of ground the castle should be set up on (grass, hard surface, etc.) and whether an adult must supervise at all times. These details often affect whether insurance remains valid.
Final Thought: Hire With Confidence
Hiring a bouncy castle should feel exciting—not stressful. But that only happens when you know the company you're working with takes safety as seriously as you do.
When you book with a properly insured, certified, and locally trusted provider, you’re not just hiring inflatables—you’re protecting your event, your guests, and your peace of mind.
At Bizi Bouncers, we believe safety isn’t an upgrade—it’s the standard. Every castle we deliver is compliant, insured, and maintained to the highest level, so you can focus on the celebration while we handle the responsibility.
Get peace of mind with a fully insured bouncy castle hire.
Book with Bizi Bouncers today and keep your event worry-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need insurance to hire a bouncy castle in the UK?
No—not if you hire from a professional company like Bizi Bouncers. We include public liability insurance with every hire, so you’re covered from the moment we set up.
What does bouncy castle insurance cover?
It typically covers injury or damage caused during the normal use of the inflatable. However, it does not cover misuse, unsupervised play, or setup on unsafe surfaces—so always follow the guidelines provided.
Can I be liable if someone gets hurt at my party?
Possibly—especially if it’s found that the incident was due to negligence, like lack of supervision or ignoring safety instructions. That’s why it’s critical to use a company that provides proper insurance and clear safety rules.
Is public liability insurance included in every hire?
At Bizi Bouncers, yes. But not all hire companies include it by default. If you’re comparing options, always ask if public liability insurance is included in the price.
What certifications should a hire company have?
Look for PIPA and BIHA certification. These ensure the inflatable has been safety-checked and complies with UK safety regulations. If a company can’t show proof—don’t book with them.
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