I was playing a wedding gig. During the set, I tripped over my own pedalboard cable, stumbled, and knocked over a lighting truss belonging to the venue. It smashed onto the bride’s table. The venue sued me for the light ($2,000) and the couple sued me for “ruining the reception.” My gear insurance paid nothing.
Key Takeaways
- Gear Insurance ≠ Liability Insurance: Your MusicPro/Heritage policy covers your stuff. It does not cover damage you do to other people or their property.
- Commercial General Liability (CGL): You need a CGL policy. This covers Bodily Injury (you hurt someone) and Property Damage (you break the venue’s stuff).
- “Additional Insured”: Corporate venues and wedding planners often require you to list them as “Additional Insured” on your certificate. This proves you have coverage that protects them.
- One-Day vs. Annual: You can buy CGL for a single event (~
100)oranannualpolicy( 100)oranannualpolicy(300). Annual is better if you gig more than 3 times a year.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Third Party Damages.”
As a gigging musician, you are a business entity (sole proprietor). If you cause an accident, you are liable.
Personal liability (on your renters/homeowners) excludes business activities.
Gear insurance covers assets.
You have a gap: Public Liability. Venues know this, which is why smart ones demand a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before you load in.
The Investigation (My Analysis of Liability Providers)
I looked for the best way to get a COI.
The Event Helper
- The Verdict: Best for one-off gigs.
- The Process: Online, takes 5 minutes. You get a PDF certificate instantly. Cost ~$100/event.
K&K Insurance
- The Verdict: The heavyweight for entertainers.
- The Policy: They offer annual policies for bands and DJs. ~
300−300−500/year for1M/1M/2M limits. Covers you at every venue.
MusicPro
- The Verdict: They offer liability as an add-on to gear insurance.
- The Convenience: Bundling it keeps it simple.
[IMAGE: Sample Certificate of Liability Insurance (ACORD form) with “Venue Name” listed in the Additional Insured box]
Comparison Table
| Feature | Personal Liability | Event CGL (One-Day) | Annual Band CGL |
| Covers Gigs? | No (Business exclusion) | Yes | Yes |
| Cost | Included in Home | ~$100 | ~$350 |
| Add Venue as Insured? | No | Yes | Yes |
| Covers Drunk Bandmate? | No | Maybe (check liquor liability) | Maybe |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Ask the Venue: Before the gig, ask “Do you require a COI?” If yes, get the exact name and address they want listed.
- Buy Annual Coverage: If you are a working musician, buy the annual policy. It makes you look professional and gets you into better venues.
- Tape Your Cables: Use gaffer tape. Most liability claims are trip-and-falls. Taping cables is your first line of defense against being sued.
- Check Liquor Liability: If you are serving alcohol (unlikely for a band, but possible for a DJ), you need separate Liquor Liability. CGL excludes it.
FAQ
Does this cover if a fan stage dives?
Usually yes, if they sue you. But try to stop them.
What if I break my own amp?
That is your Gear Insurance (Property). Liability is for other people’s stuff.
Are all band members covered?
Check the policy. Usually, the “Named Insured” is the band entity. Ensure all members are listed or considered employees/partners.