Cheap Insurance for EC Performers

Caution/Disclaimer: I'm not an insurance expert or lawyer. Absolutely no warranty that any of this is up to date or correct. It was compiled from various postings to the list in Summer 2005 (Thanks to various contributors)

Who needs insurance? Why?

Performers need insurance in case something they do (or don't) do causes injury or damage. Callers, sound engineers and organizers probably need it too. Example: You accidentally knock a heavy speaker off the stage onto someone. They have 6 weeks off work, they sue for lost pay.
Some events are demanding proof of insurance
If you were sued and didn't have insurance, you might lose your house.
Customers probably don't need any extra insurance. Typical household insurance will cover most sensible social activities against claims that you hurt or damaged somebody. If you want cover against spraining your own ankle and ruining your football career, you probably need to buy that.

Andrew Sharpe, (who sues people for living writes): PL (Personal Liability) insurance absolutely; also business use on your motor policy. If you're using your car to drive to gigs you may not have valid insurance. Note if you do barns they will not have PL insurance. You need your insurance to chase off the "try ons" and pay up if you've maimed someone.

Where to get it?

According to Brian Heywood...

There are two simple ways to approach this (at a cost, but that's life).

- affiliate your band to the EFDSS and take advantage of their £2 million PLI coverage and bask in the
knowledge that you are helping keeping the EFDSS afloat. this can be upgraded to £5 million if required
(more cost I'm afraid).
- join the MU and you get £10 million pounds personal coverage.

The first option can be used to cover a band (regardless of the personnel) and the second gives you personal coverage which means you are covered if you 'dep' with other bands and are unsure of whether they are covered by PLI."

Fee Lock mentions....

Musicians Insurance Services
PO Box 12122
Cannongate House
Firs Parade
Matlock
Derbyshire DE4 3RU
Tel 01629.7601401
Tel 0845.345.7529
Fax 0870.365.7529
www.musiciansinsurance.co.uk

Comment from Baz Parkes

"It is not expensive - much less than the money from one gig"

Phil Preen says...

"The best deal I found was EFDSS. Membership is cheaper than the MU and you can join as a band, I think it only cost just over forty quid. You get £2M PLI coverage and it covers anyone in the band including deps, although it does only cover events with up to 200 people."

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