At a glance
Business insurance for performers typically involves a tailored package of cover.
Features of a policy could include public liability insurance and business equipment cover.
Performer insurance is aimed at musicians, actors, dancers, magicians and other entertainers.
It could pay out for injuries to audience members or damage to props.
Do I need entertainer and performer insurance?
Anyone who performs for the public should consider entertainer and performer insurance to protect against liability claims and other risks.
This type of cover is suitable for:
Musicians, DJs and bands
Actors, dancers and circus performers
Street performers and buskers
Magicians, comedians and children’s entertainers
Freelancers and touring artists.
If props or instruments break or injure someone, it can have all sorts of financial and legal implications.
So, whether you’re an individual performer or part of a troupe, business insurance for entertainers can ensure you’re protected if something goes wrong.
What insurance do entertainers need?
The cover you need will depend on the nature of your performances and whether you work alone. But key policies to consider include:
Employers’ liability insurance for entertainers with staff
If you run your own agency and have entertainers working for you, you’ll need employers’ liability insurance by law.
This covers permanent staff as well as temporary workers such as students or trainees. It could help you compensate employees if they become ill or injured because of the work they do for you.
Not having employers’ liability insurance could land you with a fine of up to £2,500 for every day you’re not insured.
Why performers might need it
Working environments for performers are notoriously unpredictable, and accidents do happen. A dancer could get injured falling from a stage, or a trainee might get sick from a special effects product, for example.
Public liability insurance for entertainers and performers
Public liability insurance can protect you if a member of the public is injured or property is damaged in your line of work.
As your job is defined by having an audience, public liability cover can offer a vital financial safety net.
Why performers might need it
Working with props and performance equipment can lead to unforeseen accidents. For example, if a stage prop falls on an audience member or you damage a dressing room, public liability insurance could help cover costly payouts.
Business equipment insurance for performers
If you rely on expensive equipment such as sound systems or lighting rigs, consider taking out equipment cover. It can help to protect against theft, damage or loss.
Why performers might need it
Your kit is a big part of your livelihood. A broken instrument or missing costume can disrupt a show and cost you money. Equipment insurance could help to keep your show on the road.
What other types of business insurance might I need?
Depending on what type of performer you are, you might also want to consider:
Business van insurance – if you’re often on the road and use a van to get to gigs, make sure you’ve got appropriate van cover.
Business interruption insurance – this protects against financial losses if your event or performance is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances beyond your control. For example, there could be a fire at the venue.
Cyber insurance – going online to promote your creative talents is important. But you need to be careful with the data you hold. Cyber cover can protect you from losses caused by data breaches. Please note, you can’t currently compare cyber risk insurance with Compare the Market.
Don’t be tempted to skimp on cover – the best business insurance policy might not be the cheapest. It’s more likely to be the one that’ll give you adequate protection.
How do I get performers insurance?
You can use our comparison service to find business insurance that you can tailor to your needs as a performer. Just tell us a bit about your business and we’ll take it from there.
FAQs
What insurance do I need to hold an event?
This covers you for legal claims if someone is injured or property is damaged during your gathering. Many venues also won’t allow an event to go ahead without proof of public liability insurance.
Do I need income protection insurance as a performer?
Because performers are often freelance, they don’t have sick pay to fall back on if they need to take time off through illness or injury.
Income protection insurance can provide a financial safety net by replacing a portion of your lost income. This allows you to maintain your lifestyle whilst you’re on the road to recovery.
Can I adjust my business insurance if my professional needs change?
Yes, business insurance providers recognise that skills and responsibilities change as your career grows. Most offer flexible plans that you can update to suit your current professional situation.
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With over 10 years’ experience writing, editing and managing content, Emma has written and edited for some of Australia’s leading financial comparison brands, including Savings.com.au, Your Investment Property Magazine, and Your Mortgage.
Stephen Maunder is an experienced personal finance editor, having spent more than a decade working for consumer print and online titles. He won several industry awards for his personal finance features at Which?, before becoming Deputy Editor at Compare the Market.
Amy helps make sure you get the best value when choosing insurance. Thanks to more than four years’ experience at Compare the Market, she understands what people look for, working closely with insurance providers to offer you deals and services that are fair, easy to understand and right for your needs.
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