A parking lot doesn’t rent itself out to a Christmas tree operation without some paperwork first. Here’s what comes up most, roughly in the order it usually gets asked for.
1. A certificate of insurance
Proof that general liability coverage is active, usually at $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate unless the lease says otherwise.
2. Additional insured status
Many landlords want to be named on the policy itself, not just handed a certificate. This is a specific line item on the application — say yes if your landlord has asked for it, even if you don’t have the exact wording yet.
3. A minimum limit — sometimes higher than standard
A small independent lot might only ask for the standard limit. A national shopping center chain might want $2,000,000 per occurrence / $3,000,000 aggregate. Read the lease before you apply so the right limit gets quoted the first time.
4. A signed lease or license agreement
Even a short-term, six-week arrangement usually gets put in writing — dates, rent, what you can and can’t install (string lights, a shed, a fence line), and who’s responsible for cleanup.
5. Proof of any additional attractions
Bounce houses, hayrides, and petting zoos usually need to be disclosed to the landlord separately from the base lease, since they can affect the landlord’s own risk and insurance.
6. A cleanup or restoration deposit
Some landlords ask for a deposit against damage to the lot surface — string light stakes, tire ruts from delivery trucks, leftover mulch or hay. Not insurance, but budget for it separately.
7. Set dates for setup and teardown
A landlord usually wants exact dates, not just a season. If your policy term doesn’t cover setup week and teardown week on either side of your open dates, coverage gaps can appear right when trucks and crews are on-site the most.