What is band insurance?
A band won’t just get one product for their insurance. They’ll typically need several insurance products to meet their specific business needs.
Because you’ll be working in public spaces with large groups of people, public liability insurance is typically required for bands. However, you could also be at risk of damaging or losing the equipment you need for your gigs, where business equipment insurance will come in to cover the costs.
Why do music bands need insurance?
Whenever your band plays, you’re responsible for getting the crowd raring to go, and that carries with it a number of risks. While the venue itself may require you to have a certain coverage in place, it’s also there to protect you in the case of unfortunate accidents where you might be found at fault.
The crowd goes too far
Usually a sign of success for a band, right? But if your audience gets too rowdy, it could result in property damage or injuries, and claims could be made against you.
Equipment damage or loss
A lot goes on at a venue, and occasionally you might need a break in between your slots. You may find your instrument missing or smashed to pieces by a drunk. Having instrument insurance can help get your band back on its feet much more quickly.
Obligation to the venue
Often, as a requirement for your band to perform at a specific venue, you may be required to have certain insurance coverage and to show proof of it before booking.
Public liability insurance for catering trailers/vans
Public liability insurance steps in when things go wrong and someone holds you responsible—whether it’s an accidental injury or damage to property during a gig.
If a claim is made against you, this cover helps with the legal costs and pays any compensation you're found liable for. It’s there to protect you if the unexpected happens on stage or off.
Cover includes:
- Accidental injury or death
- Accidental property damage
For example:
- If someone in the crowd gets hurt during a high-energy set, you could face a claim for medical expenses.
- Or if a piece of venue equipment is damaged during your performance—whether by you or an over-enthusiastic audience member—you might be held responsible. Public liability insurance helps ensure the fallout doesn’t hit your band’s pocket.
Other insurance for bands
Additional insurance for your band is something that will vary based on your individual circumstances. You should consider if you could handle a potential legal dispute, how you might handle the situation if you weren’t paid what you were owed, or if the equipment you use to perform would be something you could afford to replace if it got damaged.
Instrument & other music equipment cover
A band depends on their instruments and musical equipment. Without your guitars, keyboards, drums, microphone, and any other combination you use to perform, you wouldn’t be able to play your music. It’s important, then, that you’re covered in the case that these break or are lost, whether or not it’s just an accident on stage or if it’s stolen by someone with malicious intent.
The prices for this equipment can reach the thousands if you’ve invested in the future of your band, and you can be brought to a halt if any or all of it is damaged. All the more, you’ll be travelling to gigs and venues that you may not know well, and your instruments and gear can get damaged during a car accident or stolen when left in the boot of the venue car park.
Suited’s business equipment insurance will work to protect the essentials that you need to perform, covering the costs of replacement and repair in the case of a car accident, theft, or malicious damage.
Commercial legal expenses
Most commercial legal expenses insurance will work to protect your band against the various tax and legal issues that may come up in your profession, which public liability insurance won’t cover.
Example: After your performance, a client doesn’t want to pay what you’re due, and you have to escalate to a legal case. Commercial legal expenses could help provide qualified legal advice and assistance in ensuring the debt is settled.
