I played a weekend gig at a local bar for $200. Someone stole my pedalboard from the stage. I filed a claim with my State Farm renters insurance. The adjuster asked, “Were you paid for this performance?” I said yes. Two days later, I received a denial letter citing the “Business Pursuits” exclusion, and a month later, my entire renters policy was non-renewed.
Key Takeaways
- The “Professional” Line: To an insurer, if you are paid $1, you are a professional. The “hobbyist” exception usually only applies if the income is incidental and you don’t solicit work.
- Homeowners/Renters Exclusion: Standard policies exclude liability and property damage arising from “business pursuits.” Gigging is a business.
- You Need a Commercial Floater: You must move your gear to a dedicated “Musical Instrument Floater” or a standalone policy like MusicPro that specifically covers professional use.
- Liability Gap: If you knock over a speaker at a paid gig and hurt someone, your homeowners liability is void. You are personally exposed.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Risk Profile Change.”
Homeowners insurance assumes your guitar sits in your living room.
When you take it to a bar, the risk of theft, beer spills, and damage skyrockets.
Insurers do not charge enough premium on a $15/month renters policy to cover that risk.
So, they exclude it. If you hide the fact that you gig, it’s “Material Misrepresentation.”
The Investigation (My Analysis of Options)
I pretended to be a “Weekend Warrior” calling agents.
State Farm / Allstate
- The Agent: “We can add a ‘Business Pursuits’ endorsement.”
- The Reality: This often only covers liability (e.g., teaching lessons). It rarely covers the theft of gear away from the home for professional use. You need a separate “Personal Articles Policy” (PAP) and must disclose the professional use.
MusicPro / Clarion
- The Purpose: Built for this. They assume you are gigging.
- The Cost: Minimum premium is usually ~$175/year. Worth it to avoid the hassle.
Front Row
- The Online Quote: You check a box: “Do you earn >$5k/year from music?” It adjusts the rate accordingly. Transparency is key.
[IMAGE: Screenshot of a policy exclusion reading “We do not cover property used primarily for business purposes away from the residence premises.”]
Comparison Table
| Scenario | Renters Insurance | MusicPro / Heritage |
| Stolen from Bedroom | Covered | Covered |
| Stolen from Paid Gig | Denied (Business) | Covered |
| Liability at Gig | Denied | Covered (if Liability added) |
| Cost | Included in Renters | ~$175/year min |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Define “Pro”: Do you file a Schedule C (1099 income) for music? If yes, you are a pro.
- Get a Standalone Policy: Don’t try to shoehorn this into your home insurance. It puts your home coverage at risk.
- Keep Contracts: If you play a charity gig (unpaid), keep the email proving it was unpaid. Your homeowners policy might cover that (hobby use).
- Inventory Everything: Pro policies require a serial number list. Do it now.
FAQ
What if I just play at church?
If unpaid (volunteer), homeowners usually covers it. If paid (stipend), it’s business.
Does teaching lessons count?
Yes. That is a business pursuit.
Can I deduct the insurance premium?
Yes! If you are a pro, the MusicPro premium is a tax-deductible business expense.