If you’re a DJ, you might specialize in providing the tunes and banter at many exciting events. There are all kinds of gatherings where the guests or attendees might decide that a DJ will add a much-needed element to the proceedings. The question is, though, do you need insurance if you will MC one of these events? And what does DJ insurance cover?
We will answer those questions and some related ones right now. At ESP, we’re your go-to policy provider, and that includes coverage for DJs.
What is DJ Insurance?
So, what does DJ insurance cover? Let’s start by breaking down what we mean when using the term “DJ insurance.” DJs are entertainers who often need insurance policies when they appear and perform at events. In this case, a DJ would want to buy a general liability policy.
This type of insurance kicks in if someone accuses the DJ of being responsible for any property damage or third-party bodily injury. Such a policy will also usually cover things such as legal fees and medical bills. For instance:
- You’re setting up a mixing table, and you accidentally scratch the venue’s floor. Your general liability insurance should cover that.
- You’re DJing when someone trips over a cord and gets hurt. Your policy should pay for the person’s medical bills in such a scenario.
- You’re moving a speaker when you accidentally drop it on a client’s foot. Costly medical expenses follow. Your insurance can come to the rescue in this situation as well.
Are There Other Kinds of Insurance You Can Obtain?
A general liability policy is usually what you’ll want if you need concert insurance or DJ insurance in the most general sense. However, you should strongly consider types of add-on insurance if you have an upcoming event and want to be fully protected from the unexpected. Apart from general liability insurance for DJs, it’s also possible to get:
- Gear and Equipment Coverage: Many insurance companies can provide this as an optional add-on. This policy would protect your lights, monitors, mixers, turntables, speakers, and other essential gear. If anyone steals or damages your equipment, this coverage should pay for its repair or replacement.
- Personal and Advertising Injury: Personal and advertising injury insurance is for claims that involve copyright infringement, false advertising, or defamation. If an individual decides to sue your DJ business for any of these reasons, this sort of policy can cover the legal fees.
- Professional DJ Liability: This protects you from any errors you might make in the course of doing business that can cause someone financial losses.
- Business Income and Extra Expense: This is protection for any lost income if your home is rendered uninhabitable. For instance, if you’re a DJ who needs to rent office space for client meetings because a fire damaged your home, this portion of the policy could cover the rental cost.
We also cover DJs who operate from home. In some instances, a homeowner’s policy may not cover DJs who use their home as the base of operations for their business.
Do You Really Need Insurance?
At this point, you might ask yourself, “Do I really need DJ insurance?” It’s a logical question, particularly if you’re just starting out in the industry and don’t have much money to spare.
The reality, of course, is that you can try to get away with DJing or some other type of performance without any insurance policies, but if you do, you are taking a real risk. Being blamed for a third-party injury can cost you thousands of dollars. If you don’t have the right policy in place, you will have to pay for that out of pocket. The cost of DJ insurance is negligible when compared to what a court might order you to pay if you are held legally liable for whatever occurred.
There’s another reason why you will likely want to obtain DJ insurance, though. Many venues will not even let you perform without it. The individual hiring you may require proof of your insurance policy before hiring you or allowing you to set up your equipment.
How Much Does DJ Insurance Typically Cost?
As for how much DJ insurance typically costs, that depends on the entity from which you’re getting it and the add-ons that you might like to include.
If you’re buying a policy covering you for a whole year of performing, that might cost you a few hundred dollars. That will usually include basic liability coverage. You might pay as much as thousands of dollars if you get more extensive, comprehensive coverage.
A one-day general liability policy will typically vary depending on the company you buy it from and the details of the event. Factors such as the type of event you’re DJing and whether you have additional staff working with you can also affect the final price tag.
It’s Time to Get Your New Insurance Policy with Help from ESP
We have now answered the question of what DJ insurance covers and explained why it’s a good idea to have a policy in place before you agree to appear at a event.
While concert liability insurance is advisable in a general capacity, DJs often operate with a shoestring budget, especially if they’re just getting started in the industry. If you try to perform without insurance and injure someone, the financial repercussions can be devastating. Before setting up your tables and showing off your skills, securing a policy to protect your investment is in your best interest.
At ESP, we look forward to being your partner as you share your DJ expertise with the masses. Contact us at (877) 670-2377 or [email protected] so we can discuss the best insurance policy for your situation.
