DJ Insurance

Music is almost always the best way to get a party started.  As a DJ, you bring joy to your clients and other patrons who are looking to have a good time together and dance the night away.  But, since you're in an environment where things can sometimes go wrong, your expensive equipment could easily be damaged. Additonally, you face some liability risks when you move equipment, set up a laser show, or turn on a fog machine. Don't take the risk of losing your gear or getting into an expensive liability lawsuit without protection. Get DJ insurance to protect your equipment and your investment in this lucrative career.

The Basic DJ System You Need to Protect

• 2 turntables and/or 2 mixable CD players or a laptop
• Headphones
• Microphones
• Stereo cables that fit your equipment
• DJ mixer
• An amp and two or more passive speakers, or two or more active speakers with amp built in

What are The Big Insurance Risks for DJs?

If you're moving your equipment from venue to venue in your vehicle, your equipment is at risk. Even if you've locked your doors and have a good alarm system, a thief could quickly take thousands of dollars of your DJ gear. Replacing your expensive items out of pocket can be a huge financial challenge, but without that equipment, you can't perform at events.  This is where insurance can be very helpful to protect your investments.

Potential lawsuits for third-party bodily injury or property damage are also a risk you face as a DJ.  When you set up at a facility or an event, you face the risk of injuring someone or potentially doing major damage to the facility.  If you break an expensive fixture in a club moving your equipment into the venue, or your laser show causes a patron to have a seizure and need hospitalization, you could face major out of pocket expenses from potential lawsuits, property replacement or repair, and medical costs associated with bodily injury.  The proper DJ insurance policy can protect you from losses due to liability risks.

Why Do DJs Need Inland Marine Insurance?

Inland marine insurance can protect your equipment as you haul it from location to location. It protects your equipment as it is being transported from one location to another, and while you are using it at different clubs or private events. Your gear would be protected from theft and damage if it was in your van or the club. Keep in mind that for stolen property to be covered, there has to be signs of forced entry on your vehicle.

To prevent a rejected claim, make sure you keep your doors locked and your alarm set. Also, be sure to declare the proper value for your equipment. If you claim a lower dollar amount to get a lower premium payment, you will only be reimbursed for the declared value, not the actual value of the gear.

Different DJ Liability Insurance Protection Options

DJ insurance can also cover general liability risks, as mentioned above. DJ liability insurance protects you if the venue or property at the venue is damaged or someone at the event is harmed as a result of your actions or equipment. Normally, you are protected up to a $1,000,000 or even higher depending on the limits you set on your insurance.

If you are a DJ who performs mostly at nightclubs, most of the time the club you perform at will have liability coverage that can extend to your performance. It's a good idea to work closely with the venue you perform at to understand how much insurance coverage they carry, and exactly how much liability protection you have with their policy.  An independent agent in the Trusted Choice network can help you prepare.

On the other hand, if you are working at weddings, parties and other private events, you will need to have your own liability coverage. In fact, most private venues will require it. Getting the right coverage at the right price can be a challenge, so make sure you speak with your insurance professional to be sure you're getting adequate liability protection.

Adding Crime Protection Insurance to Your DJ Policy

As a DJ, you could end up working at a club with a dishonest owner or manager. They may refuse to pay you, or someone employed by the club may steal some of your equipment. In case this ever happens, it's a good idea to consider carrying commercial crime protection insurance. It also insures against theft of your gear by your own employees and can reimburse you for your losses so that your finances don't take as big of a hit.

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How Much Does DJ Insurance Cost?

The cost of DJ insurance varies based on the coverage you choose and the value of your gear, but here are a few quick guidelines based on covering one DJ system:

• General liability: with coverage limit of $1 million per occurence/ $2 million aggregate, an average annual premium ranges from $200 to $400. 
• Inland marine: for $15,000 in equipment, an average annual premium is $150
• Commercial crime coverage: for $5000 in losses, an average annual premium is $50

You may be able to get discounts from some DJ insurance companies if you are a member of a DJ association, or if you have your insurance premiums set to bill annually instead of monthly.

How Can I Find DJ Insurance Rate Quotes?

As a DJ, you can fully enjoy the party environment you're creating when you are fully protected with a solid DJ insurance policy. You can cue up the next song without worrying about your exposure to liability or damage to your gear.

Finding rate quotes may be as easy as entering some data into an online quoting tool, or you may have to call around to several insurers and describe your business in detail over and over again. Either way, it's important to spend time researching your options before you buy. Insurance can be a major cost, but losing your equipment or facing a lawsuit is far more expensive. It's a good idea to get at least 3 quotes from highly rated insurers before you buy, so budget a little time and energy into finding the right insurance for your needs and budget.