Karaoke Forums

Does anyone know where AFFORDABLE liability insurance can be purchased? I recently had a bar brawl at one of my karaoke shows where not only did a lot of the bars property get damaged, but also some of my equipment, (TV knocked over, "flying" picture of beer on my Peavey 684). Now, the bar owners were generous enough to replace my tv (and stand that was held by the police as evidence) and have my amp/mixer serviced and repaired, but I don't want to be in the situation again that I have to worry about damage to my equipment/livelyhood. If anyone can tell me where they go through to get their insurance and how much it costs, I would greatly appreciate it. Any reference links would be great too.

Thank you

Jay

You can probably get property insurance for your stuff (I would do this anyway incase it was ever stolen or broken in transit).

I am not 100% sure, but I think the only insurance you would want is property. I belive that because you are in the bar, anything that happens to customers is the responsibility in the bar. Someone getting hurt probably can't get pinned on you as the bar hired you to provide the service.

Now, as for your equipment, I am not sure how that would be covered. At least the bar was nice enough to pay, but property should cover it (I THINK, Someone is more than welcome to correct me if I am wrong).

Just call any insurance company, and they would be happy to help you out and provide a quote for you. Just check the internet for numbers and stuff.

Now, the smart thing to do would be to discuss this with the bar owner to acertain what exactly you are covered for, if you are covered at all, and if you do need any type of insurance.

Been there, tried it and cannot afford it. Your property insurance only covers your equipment at home. While in transit, you might have a standard $500 or $1000 insurance, but not worth the paper it's written on. The moment you take your stuff out of the house, your standard insurance DOES NOT cover it.

The word affordable is not something you will find in the insurance world, not when you need to buy it. I decided to opt for the "cheaper" solution and just pray for the best. Should something happen, then I'll deal with it. At the rate that KJ's get paid, the money it takes to stay up-to-date with the music, I don't think it's the way to go.

Adding to Allstar.....

If it is that much of a worry that your equipment may get ruined, stolen, broken, etc. etc. what you could do is set aside a certain amount of money each month that you think is affordable. You can have your own insurance incase something happens.

This way, if you have some money saved up in another bank account or whatever, such a blow would not be so horrible....seeing as it is almost the same as insurance... and hey, if nothing happens to your equipment when you decide to retire, you will have extra cash to spend on yourself....if you know what I am saying.

Check online to see what you can come up with. Given that you're limiting yourself to equipment replacement (stolen/damaged) and possibly business/professional liability (you are in an accident and don't show up and are sued) it shouldn't be to expensive.

The problem is that individual items may not be covered if you have a deductible. If you paid $400 for your mixer and have a $500 deductible you're out of pocket. A better way to handle it may be to identify in your contract for services that property damage while on the premises is the responsbility of the business. Bar brawl takes out your system or someone falls into a speaker - they replace it.

You can do some searches online and get quotes. I did a search on business insurance and got a large number of hits. I'd also check with your local small business center (most cities have one). They may have some information on companies that specialize in insurance for small businesses.

I would consider getting liability insurance - if someone gets hurts by your gear, even if it's not your fault, look out. Equipment can be replaced. A lawsuit against you personally could be much more devastating. I had a drunk knock over a fully loaded light tripod at a wedding reception once - fortunately it went away from the dance floor.

If you do any mobile work, you may find some venues (particularly banquet halls) are requiring evidence of (liability) insurance. It is available online, but you might do well to check with your local agent.

Property loss/damage insurance is another matter considering it's high (IMO) cost, and that this type of loss normally wouldn't compare to a lawsuit.

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Sounds Great! Entertainment
Bartlett, Illinois

Join the USODJA (http://www.usodja.com) and the American Karaoke Association (http://www.americankaraoke.org). We offer a 2 million dollar GL policy for very reasonable rates (under $300 for people with only one or two systems). Membership is free, but you must qualify by being a professional DJ/KJ.

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