PLI and equipment insurance for musicians explained!

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Public Liability Insurance protects musicians and entertainers if a claim is made against them in the unlikely event that something goes wrong at a public event or performance. For example, if a falling speaker injures a member of the audience your insurance would cover you against any claim that may be made against you. This is particularly useful for those who arrange events and gigs, as they are most likely to be held liable if accidents such as this occur.

How do I qualify?

To qualify for Public Liability Insurance, the professional using the insurance must be able to perform what they’re being hired for. If they do not prove to be capable, they are still liable to be sued if something goes wrong, even if they have public liability insurance.

What does Public Liability Insurance cover me for?

Public Liability Insurance covers you against injury to a third party and/or damage to their possessions. As most musicians and entertainers will require different levels of cover depending on the types of events they perform most insurers now offer tailor made policies. This will ensure that the policyholder is suitably covered, even for situations specific to their performance. Venues are frequently asking musicians if they have their own Liability insurance before hiring them, so it’s best to organise this in advance, otherwise they may cancel your performance. All musicians, bands and entertainers hired for private functions, Weddings and Corporate Events must have Public Liability Insurance. You will not be booked if you fail to produce a certificate that proves your insurance is valid. Booking agents will often encourage their acts to take out public liability insurance. For example, Last Minute Musicians insist that all the acts in their directory take out their own Public Liability Insurance.

To avoid the chance of a third party making a claim against you it is important that you take all the necessary health and safety precautions when preparing for a live performance. It is important that all cables and leads are taped down with heavy-duty masking tape, all electrical equipment is PAT Tested and a sound limiter should be used where possible. Most venues will have risk assessments in place for the events they hold so if in doubt ask the organiser for any health and safety tips.

Public Liability Insurance can cost upwards of £200 per year. Your insurance quote will be prepared using the information you provide; the more specific your needs, the greater the cost is likely to be. Musicians get a different type of insurance to that of a promoter, as there is less responsibility. It’s very important that your insurance covers you for everything you will be doing during a performance, and always remember to check your policy before adding new components to your act.

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Some musician’s organisations, such as The Musicians Union, give special members deals on Public Liability Insurance, so it’s always worth shopping around when looking to renew your insurance.

Are my instruments protected?

Your instruments will not be covered under your public liability insurance, as this is simply to protect you in the event that a claim is made against you. However, your instruments may be covered by your home insurance policy, although it is important to check what will be covered; it’s not uncommon for musicians to get caught out because they have not read the small print and end up having to replace a particularly expensive instrument when it is damaged or stolen.

Some insurance companies will offer bespoke ‘Musicians Insurance’ that covers your instruments if they are damaged or stolen. It is also worth checking your contents insurance to see if your possessions are covered if you’re away from home for a long time. Touring musicians who are away from their homes for months at a time can often return to find their instruments stolen and their insurance company refusing to pay out!

Public Liability Insurance should cover any musician who performs in public. Either as a professional or amateur it’s very important that you have something to save you from having to fork out potentially thousands if someone is hurt or their belongings are damaged during one of your performances.