I called an insurance broker and introduced myself as “Vixen Velvet.” I wanted to insure my gear. We got all the way to the payment screen when he asked for my driver’s license number. I froze. If I gave him my real ID, my stage name and real name would be linked in a database. If I didn’t, I couldn’t get the policy.
Key Takeaways
- Insurable Interest Rule: You cannot insure something you don’t legally own. Since “Vixen Velvet” doesn’t legally own the camera (your legal persona does), “Vixen” cannot buy the policy.
- The “DBA” Solution: You must register a “Doing Business As” (Fictitious Business Name) or an LLC. Then, the policy is written for “Jane Doe DBA Vixen Velvet.”
- Privacy Policies: Brokers are bound by privacy laws (GLBA). They generally cannot reveal your real identity to the public, but the insurance carrier must know your legal identity to pay a claim.
- Misrepresentation is Fraud: If you buy a policy under a fake name without a legal link, the carrier will void the policy and deny all claims for “Material Misrepresentation.”
The “Why” (The Trap): Legal Entities
Insurance is a legal contract. A contract is only valid between legal entities (people or companies). A stage name is an idea, not a legal entity.
If you sign a contract as “Vixen Velvet” and that name is not registered, the contract is likely void. If your house burns down, the check will be written to the name on the policy. If that name is “Vixen Velvet” and you have no ID to cash that check, you have lost everything.
The Investigation: “I Called Them”
I asked brokers how to maintain privacy while getting coverage.
1. The Direct Writer (Geico/Progressive)
- The Answer: “We need your legal name and Social Security Number for the credit check.” There was no way around it.
2. The Specialized Broker (Commercial)
- The Strategy: He suggested forming an LLC with a generic name (e.g., “Media LLC”).
- The Result: The policy is written in the name of “Media LLC.” My real name is on the LLC paperwork (private if using a Registered Agent), but the Certificate of Insurance shown to clients only says “Media LLC.”
3. The Trust/Estate Strategy
- The Strategy: High-net-worth individuals often insure property under a Trust.
- The Result: Expensive to set up, but offers maximum privacy. The policy is in the name of “The 123 Main St Trust.”
Comparison Table: Buying as a Persona
| Method | Legal Validity | Privacy Level | Cost |
| Fake Name (No DBA) | Void (Fraud) | High | Waste of money |
| Legal Name | Valid | Low | Free |
| DBA (Doing Business As) | Valid | Medium (Public Record) | ~$50 filing |
| LLC with Generic Name | Valid | High | ~$200+ |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Form the LLC: As discussed in the previous article, this is the key.
- Buy Insurance in the LLC’s Name: When the application asks for “Named Insured,” put “Blue Sky Media LLC.”
- Use the “Mailing Address”: Ensure the policy mailing address is your PO Box or Registered Agent, not your home.
- Pay via Business Bank Account: Pay the premium from the LLC account. This keeps your personal name off the carrier’s financial records.
FAQ
Q: Will the insurance adjuster out me?
A: Adjusters are professionals. However, if you file a claim, they need to verify ownership. They will ask for receipts. If the receipts are in your real name, you just show the link between you and the LLC. They don’t care about your stage name; they care about the legal chain of ownership.
Q: Can I use a pseudonym on a Model Release?
A: Yes, IF you also include your legal info on a separate, detached “Key” sheet or if the release uses your legal name but grants the right to credit you by a pseudonym.
[IMAGE: A flowchart showing: Legal Person -> owns LLC -> LLC buys Insurance. The Insurance covers the LLC’s assets.]