Insurance is a cost that we all have to bear. But in an enlightened age when the entertainment industry is one of the mainstays of our economy, is it right that musicians, actors and even the humble DJ should be penalised, just because they’re in the ‘creative industries’? And why do DJs pay more for their insurance than other professions?
Driving DJs crazy
One of the main reasons that DJ insurance is often at a much higher premium than ordinary insurance is the working hours that the profession keeps. DJs tend to work mainly at night, and are travelling to clubs and pubs that could be considered as ‘high risk’ areas by insurers. The possibility of a vehicle being stolen, damaged or broken into while parked in a club car park is obviously higher than while it’s tucked away securely in a garage.
Night driving is also perceived (rightly or wrongly) as being riskier than driving during the day, so motor insurance for DJs is often particularly high. You also have to take into account that normal motor insurance will not insure a vehicle or the driver for commercial use, even if that simply means driving to and from a gig. So DJs, like other professions, are forced to look for cover that is specifically tailored for them – and that can often mean paying extra.
PLI – an absolute essential
One of the most important inclusions in any DJ insurance package has to be PLI or Public Liability Insurance. Without this cover anyone who has direct contact with the public is leaving themselves exposed to financial risk should something untoward happen. For example, if a party-goer was injured by tripping over a lead connected to a DJ’s turntables, they could theoretically make a compensation claim against the DJ for injuries sustained.
Again, PLI can run up the cost of DJ insurance, making those in the entertainment industry feel victimised when it comes to getting adequate cover. But by talking to a professional broker who specialises in commercial insurance for professions such as DJs and musicians, you may be able to find a much better and much more affordable deal. It’s worth discussing your needs with a broker, rather than taking matters into your own hands, and ending up paying more.