Band Insurance: Gear Cover and Public Liability

Insurance is the least exciting thing you will spend money on as a band — until the night a guest trips over a cable, or your van is broken into outside a Travelodge. Here is a plain-English guide to the main types of insurance UK bands should think about.

This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Policies differ widely; read the terms and ask the insurer or a broker if you are unsure what is covered.

#Public liability insurance

#What it covers

Public liability insurance covers you if a member of the public is injured, or their property is damaged, because of your band's activities. Classic examples:

• A guest trips over a cable and breaks a wrist
• A speaker stand falls and damages a venue's antique fireplace
• A smoke machine sets off a fire alarm and the venue claims the call-out costs (check whether your policy covers this)

#Is it a legal requirement?

Public liability insurance is not generally a legal requirement for bands. In practice, though, many venues, wedding venues, event planners and festivals will not book you without it. Some specify a minimum level of cover in their supplier terms. Check what each venue requires before you sign.

#How to get it

• Union and professional body membership. Both the Musicians' Union and the Independent Society of Musicians include public liability cover as a membership benefit. Check the current level of cover and terms, and whether it covers band activities or only individual members.
• Specialist music insurers offer standalone policies for bands and solo musicians.
• General business insurers may offer cover, but check they understand live performance.

#Things to check

• Level of cover. Make sure it meets the highest requirement of the venues you play.
• Who is covered. Does a policy in one member's name cover the whole band, deps and crew?
• Activities covered. Live performance, DJ sets, pyrotechnics, smoke machines, outdoor events.
• Territory. UK only, or Europe and worldwide if you tour.

Keep a PDF of your certificate somewhere you can send it in seconds. Venue coordinators often ask for it a week before the wedding.

#Instrument and equipment insurance

Your gear is probably worth more than you think. Add up instruments, amps, PA, lighting, cables, stands, in-ear systems, laptops and cases — a working function band can easily have tens of thousands of pounds of kit.

#Does home insurance cover it?

Usually not fully. Many home contents policies exclude items used for business, or only cover them at home. Some offer "personal possessions" cover away from the home, but often with single-item limits and exclusions for professional use. Read your policy or ask your insurer directly.

#Specialist instrument insurance

Specialist policies usually cover:

• Theft, including from vehicles (often with conditions)
• Accidental damage
• Loss
• Cover at gigs, rehearsals, studios and in transit

#Key questions to ask

• Is theft from an unattended vehicle covered? Many policies only cover it if the vehicle is locked, the gear is out of sight, and sometimes only during the day or for limited periods. Overnight cover may be excluded.
• New-for-old or market value? For vintage instruments, agree a valuation in advance.
• Excess. How much you pay towards each claim.
• Single-item limits. Expensive items may need to be listed individually.
• Professional use. Make sure the policy covers paid performance.
• Hired equipment. Is equipment you hire in covered?
• Worldwide cover if you tour abroad.

#Employers' liability insurance

If you employ people, you are generally legally required to have employers' liability insurance from an authorised insurer, with cover of at least £5 million. You can be fined £2,500 for every day you are not properly insured. There are exemptions, for example if you only employ a close family member.

Most bands do not employ anyone: musicians, deps and crew are usually self-employed and invoice for each gig. But employment status depends on the reality of the working relationship, not just what you call it. If your band or company pays someone regularly on terms that look like employment, check whether you need employers' liability cover.

#Vehicle insurance

If you drive to gigs with equipment, tell your motor insurer. Standard "social, domestic and pleasure" cover may not include travelling to paid work. You may need business use cover. Also check:

• Whether goods carried in the vehicle are covered (usually limited or excluded — another reason for instrument insurance)
• Cover for other band members driving
• Van hire insurance and excess when you hire

#Cancellation insurance

Some insurers offer cover for gig or tour cancellation due to illness, injury or other events outside your control. This is more common for touring artists and larger productions, but worth considering if you have big commitments.

#Keep an inventory

Whatever insurance you choose, keep an up-to-date equipment inventory:

• Item, make and model
• Serial number
• Purchase date and price
• Current replacement value
• Photos
• Receipts

After a theft, the police and your insurer will ask for serial numbers and proof of ownership. A photo of the serial number plate on the back of an amp is worth a lot more than a vague memory.

Store copies of receipts and photos somewhere other than the van.

#Reduce the risk

Insurance is the safety net; good habits are the first line of defence.

• Never leave gear in a vehicle overnight if you can avoid it.
• Park in secure, well-lit places and load straight into venues.
• Mark your equipment discreetly with your postcode or a UV pen.
• Gaffer-tape cables across walkways at gigs.
• PAT test your electrical equipment regularly — many venues ask for evidence of electrical safety testing.
• Do a risk check at every venue: trip hazards, power, crowd proximity, weather for outdoor gigs.

#Keep the paperwork organised

BandQuill's Pro plan includes a gear inventory where you can record each item with its insurance value, plus packing lists so nothing is left behind. Store your insurance certificate and PAT test records in the band's files so anyone can send them to a venue. Whatever you use, insure what you would struggle to replace — and keep the evidence.