Purpose of this Guidance
This document provides property owners and operators with practical guidance on managing insurance and liability considerations when guests or owners / managers arrange third-party activities or services during a stay.
Example Activities:
Third-party services provided on site (at the self-catering accommodation) may include (but are not limited to):
- Private dining or guest chef services
- Craft or wellbeing classes
- Spa treatments or massage therapists
- Catering vans or food trucks
- Event services for micro weddings or celebrations
When the Guest Books the Service
If the guest arranges and pays for the service directly:
- Insurers generally do not consider this an increased liability for the property owner. But it is always worth checking this with your insurer to make sure.
- The guest’s chosen provider should hold their own adequate insurance.
- The property owner / manager should still be informed of the activity and confirm the provider’s insurance before allowing access.
Important:
Insurance requirements can vary between insurers, so the guest should inform the insurer if there is any doubt.
What Should I ask the Activity Provider For?
- Copy of their insurance certification
- Evidence of their professional qualification if a therapist for example
When the Self-Catering Owner / Operator Books the Service
If the self-catering owner / manager arranges or books the service for the guest:
- Consider whether they are supplying the service or simply facilitating access to it.
- Example: If you book a mobile fish and chip van for a micro wedding- is the service being offered under your name or under the provider’s?
- If you are seen as the service provider, you may carry greater liability.
- Always ensure that any external provider you employ can show evidence of:
- Public liability insurance
- Specialist cover if relevant (e.g., food hygiene, equipment use)
Special note on catering:
Some insurers have catering exclusions for high-risk equipment, such as deep-fat fryers. These must be reviewed and clarified before booking.
High-Risk Activities
Clients should be cautious when arranging or allowing activities at their property (for example you may have access to a loch or land) that are:
- Mechanical (e.g., quad bikes, go-karts)
- Motorised (e.g., jet skis)
- Water-based (e.g., paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing)
These activities carry additional risk and should always be referred to the insurer before going ahead.
Not all insurers treat these risks the same way, so disclosure is critical.
Best Practice Recommendations
- Always obtain written proof of third-party provider insurance before they enter the property.
- Keep a log of all activities booked by guests or on their behalf, including:
- Date of activity
- Provider name & contact details
- Copy of insurance certificate
- Maintain open communication with guests about what is and is not permitted.
- When in doubt – refer to your insurer before confirming the booking.
Summary
- Most Guest-arranged activities would not increase liability for the owner / manager – provided the provider has their own insurance. Refer to your own insurer for acceptable guest activities.
- Owner / manager arranged activities may increase liability- insurance checks are essential.
- High-risk activities require referral.
- Whilst insurers are increasingly accepting of many activities, disclosure remains key.
Author of Guidance: ASSC and Howden
Date of Guidance: 26th August 2025
Version Number: V1
Disclaimer – Guidance Sheets are written by experienced Members of the ASSC and other experts. The information in the ‘Guidance Sheet’ is provided by the ASSC for use by Members in support of their own independent business decisions. It does not constitute advice or instruction for which the ASSC can be held liable in any way whatsoever. All Members and other readers remain responsible for the consequences of any decisions taken whether in the light of information gained from this Guidance Sheet or not.