If you’re thinking, “Does a DJ need insurance?” you’re not alone. There are so many types of insurance on the market and so many ways to run a business, it can be hard to decipher what’s worth it and what’s not.
But, while deciding on the right insurance can be confusing, that doesn’t mean you should put it to the back of your mind. As soon as you start running your business, you’re introducing an element of risk, and without the right policies in place, you could be left in a tricky financial situation.
Here are a few examples of the types of insurance you’re legally required to have, policies that are highly recommended, and some tips to make the world of insurance a bit easier to navigate.
Read on for all the details or jump to your preferred section:
What DJ insurance is legally required?
First, to make sure you’re not left in hot water, let’s think about the legal requirements.
As far as small business insurance goes, the only policy you’re legally required to purchase is employers’ liability insurance. And that’s only the case if you have employees. In this case, ‘employees’ includes unpaid volunteers and interns.
Employers’ liability insurance will cover you if something happens to one of your employees at work that causes them to be injured or become unwell. For example, if one of your employees trips over wires trailing from your equipment and is injured, you’ll be covered financially.
What additional insurance would be beneficial for my DJ business?
While it’s true that Employers’ Liability Insurance is the only policy with legal requirements, that doesn’t mean it’s the only one you should purchase.
It can be tempting to put off paying extra for something you aren’t required by law to have, but there are some additional insurance policies you need to keep your financial peace of mind.
Here are some insurance policies that will provide you peace of mind if the worst happens:
Do DJs need public liability insurance?
Public liability insurance is likely one of the most universally beneficial insurance policies on the market.
This policy will cover your business if a customer or member of the public incurs an injury or property damage at the hands of your products, equipment, or on your premises.
So, while you might not need public liability cover from a legal perspective, it’s certainly a policy to consider for peace of mind at work.
What about product liability insurance?
For a DJ, whether you need product liability insurance depends on whether you sell any products.
Product liability insurance covers you if the products you supply or manufacture cause injury or illness to a customer.
As DJ, it’s unlikely you are selling or manufacturing any products, but if you do sell any DJ equipment, product liability cover is something to consider.
Would property damage insurance benefit me?
DJ equipment can be expensive, and if integral parts of your sound system are damaged, you could be left unable to work.
Investing in property damage insurance will protect your equipment, furnishings, machinery and property if they are damaged, lost or in need of replacement.
Without this policy, you could be left to fork out for new equipment without any assistance.
Should I consider warehouse insurance?
Do you stock any of your DJ equipment in a warehouse separate from your business?
Without warehouse insurance, damage to that equipment that is beyond your control will not be covered, and you’ll lose everything without financial help.
However, if a warehouse isn’t something you use, it’s unlikely this type of cover will benefit you.
How might business interruption insurance help me?
The excitement of setting up and running your own business can often override the reality that things can go wrong. That’s not to say you shouldn’t be excited about your success, but you should consider protecting yourself financially, in case the worst happens.
Business interruption insurance will protect you if an unexpected event prevents you from operating your business temporarily.
The type of unexpected events you’re protected against include fires, floods, storms and, in some cases, infectious illnesses.
However, if you do opt to purchase business interruption insurance, remember to check the policy documents so you know exactly what that particular policy covers.
What restrictions might I come across?
As with any insurance policy, small business cover does usually come with a few restrictions. For example, public liability insurance does not cover illness and injuries incurred by the business owner, only members of the public.
Additionally, business interruption insurance will only cover the temporary cover of your business if it is involuntary. Claims of voluntary closure will not be accepted.
As with anything, it’s important to read the fine print before making a purchase. Understanding what your policy does and doesn’t cover is the easiest way to determine the correct insurance for you.
Where can I get DJ insurance?
You can get insurance for your DJ business from a range of providers. Each provider and policy will offer slightly different benefits, payouts and coverage, so it’s advisable to do your research on a handful of providers before buying a policy, particularly as there are so many options out there.
But, if the sheer number of insurance options makes coming to a decision difficult, consider a combined commercial insurance policy.
This type of policy removes some of the headache, as it allows you to purchase several types of insurance under just one policy, meaning you’ll only be paying one monthly insurance fee.
If you’re interested in combined commercial insurance, SmallBusiness.co.uk can help you find the best provider for your needs. Or, sign up for our Business Essentials membership and get your business protected for essential cover.
How important really is business insurance for DJs?
We asked David Tranter, an international DJ by the name Mercedes Blendz.
David told us, “As a self-employed DJ, I consider business insurance a critical investment that safeguards both my livelihood and reputation. Beyond just protecting my valuable equipment from theft or damage, insurance coverage ensures that I am financially secure in case of unforeseen accidents or liabilities that may arise during events.”
“This security not only allows me to focus on my craft but also enhances my professionalism in the eyes of clients and venues. By demonstrating a commitment to responsible and reliable service through insurance coverage, I not only mitigate risks, but also build trust and credibility in a competitive industry.”
More on insurance
Small business insurance: An essential guide – If you’re not sure what insurance you need or how to find a policy, our essential guide might be just what you need to help you make a decision.
Public liability insurance: why you need it – Not sure if you need public liability insurance for your business? Here’s why you may need it and what event insurance is available
What business insurance do I need as a sole trader? – If you’re a sole trader who’s not sure what insurance could help protect your business, this article could help you.