Public Liability Cover

Subject: Public Liability Cover
From: autoharpbob
Date: 20 Feb 10 - 07:48 AM

Had the offer of a gig - unpaid - at a UK National Trust Property. They have asked to see my Public Liability Cover note for £5,000,000! This is the first time that it has occurred to me that such insurance might be a good idea. I know EFDSS or the Musicians Union offer cover as part of their membership. Is it worth getting? Do others have it?

Subject: RE: Public Liability Cover
From: Leadfingers
Date: 20 Feb 10 - 08:00 AM

IF you are doing ANY paid gigs , MU membership is WELL worth while , as apart from Public Liability , they will also give free legal assistance in the event of any problem getting paid !

Subject: RE: Public Liability Cover
From: Folkiedave
Date: 20 Feb 10 - 08:30 AM

EFDSS cover is not really much good on this occasion I think. There are restrictions - as to size of audience for example.

I have it for my stall - organisers at Festivals ask for it - from Musicinas Inusrance SErvices in Matlock. But I echo if you are doing paid gigs Mu membership is a must - and I believe they have a folk section.

Subject: RE: Public Liability Cover
From: The Vulgar Boatman
Date: 20 Feb 10 - 06:01 PM

MU membership is a really good idea. However, if a public body is asking you to do an unpaid gig...how about asking them about their insurance? Local authorities try this one on with remarkable regularity, but I'm surprised and dismayed to see the NT doing it.

Subject: RE: Public Liability Cover
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 21 Feb 10 - 01:22 AM

Bob, whether they are paying you or not is irrelevant. If some old dear trips over your autoharp case, falls and breaks her hip, and dies from complications, it is you the family will have a claim against (possibly the venue too, but definitely you). It's not about indulging in verbal swordfencing and 'yah-boo' with the venue proprietors, it's about protecting yourself against something which may well never happen but which, if it does, could ruin you financially.

I have £2m PL Insurance as part of my instrument insurance package - it ain't cheap, but it's a damn sight cheaper than having to sell my house to pay a claim!

And I almost never get paid a bean!

Subject: RE: Public Liability Cover
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 21 Feb 10 - 01:24 AM

Sorry, that last line should say "And I play out quite a lot, but I almost never get paid a bean - not even travelling exes!"

Subject: RE: Public Liability Cover
From: Howard Jones
Date: 21 Feb 10 - 04:18 AM

If you have a household insurance policy, this may cover your third party liability for all your non-professional activities (I'm assuming you're an amateur doing the gig for fun, rather than a professional giving a freebie). It might be worth checking.

Of course, if you are a professional, in however small a capacity, then it probably won't cover you and you'd need separate PL cover.

Subject: RE: Public Liability Cover
From: GUEST,Les Sullivan
Date: 21 Feb 10 - 04:28 AM

I am a member of equity and I therefore have full liability insurance and legal cover I was an MU member a long time ago but I believe their cover is similar I would say that nowadays public liability insurance is essential for any performer having sat on an equity commitee for two years you would be amazed at what happens to performers in real life yes granny really can trip over your autoharp! and will claim ! Also many similar organisations in EU and non EU countries havw recprocal arrangements should you play abroad (I am speaking here from the UK perspective) I feel it could be a mistake to rely on someone elses insurance unless you are very sure of the terms and conditions

Subject: RE: Public Liability Cover
From: treewind
Date: 21 Feb 10 - 05:40 AM

Membership of the EFDSS is a good way of getting the insurance for the same price as if you bought it direct, with a few added benefits of
EFDSS membership (and it is a worthwhile organisation these days)

EFDSS membership also works for a band.

MU membership costs more, but in addition to the insurance cover you get a lot of valuable benefits including all kinds of advice and legal assistance if you get into a dispute with somebody's who's booked you.

All the insurance packages are basically the same, from MIS (Musicians Insurance Services)

Anahata

Subject: RE: Public Liability Cover
From: doc.tom
Date: 21 Feb 10 - 05:49 AM

If you're working as a musician/singer, join the MU. I endorse treewinds comments (including the first traunch of instrument insurance).

The EFDSS insurance is less straighforward - or it was - it may have changed but I haven't seen policy details. But EFDSS is also well worth the membership if you are seriously dealing with folk music (whatever that means).

Tom

Subject: RE: Public Liability Cover
From: autoharpbob
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 10:01 AM

Thanks all. I have e-mailed the EFDSS and asked for details of their cover. The MU is very expensive as I have had precisely one paid gig so far, but the EFDSS looks like something I should want to join anyway. As it happens, I read the letter wrong, and they are willing to let me play if I don't have cover, as long as I sign an indemnity. But it looks as though I should have some cover anyway, so thanks for pointing me in the right direction.