Thread: Performer's Insurance?

Anyone have it? Who is your carrier?

Ever heard of these people?
Specialty Insurance Agency - Entertainer Insurance

I am buying a house, and now that I will actually own something worth suing me over, I don't want to loose my house because I dropped a sword on someone's foot or something.....w.:

Or these people:
Liability Insurance For Entertainers And Performers

I don't have it, but I'd be interested to hear from others who do. Does it cover teaching as well?

I think some policies might, but not the ones I posted. But I'd be interested to hear about any policies that might cover both teaching and performing, as well.

Edited to add: The second company I posted does offer teacher's insurance. It's a separate policy though: Individual Dance Instructors: $230

No one, huh?

yeah...really. I was hoping that more people might chip in.

We have used the "My Fitness Insurance" programs. They cover teaching and travel and any event the insured has students present at .

You can see at www.myfitness.com (i think thats right, Im at work and dont have the info in front of me)

Its through Venbrook insurance.

So it's only $200/year for performance insurance and $230/year for instructor's insurance?

I'd love to know more - hopefully someone will chime in!

Originally Posted by patrisha

We have used the "My Fitness Insurance" programs. They cover teaching and travel and any event the insured has students present at .

You can see at www.myfitness.com (i think thats right, Im at work and dont have the info in front of me)

The link is Venbrook Insurance Services - myfitnessinsurance.com - About Us (I just googled it!). Thanks, I'll look into that as well.

Originally Posted by tamrahennatx

So it's only $200/year for performance insurance and $230/year for instructor's insurance?

I'd love to know more - hopefully someone will chime in!

That's what it seems like. I emailed them to get more information, because I am also looking for event insurance for my student showcase that is coming up, and it looks like they offer that too. (the first company I posted does not offer teachers or event insurance, and I think it would be good if I could get all three at one place, right?)

Originally Posted by danielabellydance

That's what it seems like. I emailed them to get more information, because I am also looking for event insurance for my student showcase that is coming up, and it looks like they offer that too. (the first company I posted does not offer teachers or event insurance, and I think it would be good if I could get all three at one place, right?)

I would think so. Keep me posted as to what you learn!

I am registered as an LLC in my state and I carry a general liability policy for my business that is specially written for performing artists. The LLC part means that my dance business is a limited liability corporation. The liability is limited to my dance business, my personal property stays protected. In the event of a lawsuit, my insurance would cover me and whatever wasn't covered would be taken from my business-- a few dozen costumes, canes, swords, bindis...
My house and personal assets stay mine. It cost $175 to register as an LLC and $85 annually to renew. Each state is different so you should go to your states small business bureau. Someplaces recommend you hire an attorney, but there are several websites that can prepare your filing online for free.
It seemed difficult and scary at first, but was very simple and now I have piece of mind. W/out the LLC, even with event or performer insurance, if your INS Company did not pay out or you were sued beyond your policy limits, you could loose personal property.
Many states have small business development offices that offer free advice and services to help you with the process.

I haven't got the foggiest idea about performer's insurance. You might want to check with your current insurers to see if any of your current policies cover you for any of the relevant situations. Homeowners policies often cover weird situations. Unless you regularly work with fire or something, it may not be worth it.

I've got teacher's insurance through the international dance teacher's association:
http://www.internationaldanceteachersassociation.com/

Coverage for classes of up to 10 students is included in the $200 membership fee, and 10-99 students is $100 more. If you decide to join, and are willing to list me as your referrer, PM me, and I'll send you my member number. (They give me a $50 referral fee if you do.)

Originally Posted by nayastrance

I am registered as an LLC in my state and I carry a general liability policy for my business that is specially written for performing artists. The LLC part means that my dance business is a limited liability corporation. The liability is limited to my dance business, my personal property stays protected. In the event of a lawsuit, my insurance would cover me and whatever wasn't covered would be taken from my business-- a few dozen costumes, canes, swords, bindis...
My house and personal assets stay mine. It cost $175 to register as an LLC and $85 annually to renew. Each state is different so you should go to your states small business bureau. Someplaces recommend you hire an attorney, but there are several websites that can prepare your filing online for free.
It seemed difficult and scary at first, but was very simple and now I have piece of mind. W/out the LLC, even with event or performer insurance, if your INS Company did not pay out or you were sued beyond your policy limits, you could loose personal property.
Many states have small business development offices that offer free advice and services to help you with the process.

I am in the process of trying to set up an LLC (I am a lawyer and have a lawyer friend who does this for a living!). Unfortunately, Queens County, NY has a publication requirement for LLC's which costs $1600-1700. Definitely don't have that to spare....

My lawyer friend is trying to see if there is a way around that publication requirement - if not, I'll need to continue on the sole proprietor route. ,f::

Can't you register as a sole proprietor LLC? That probably wouldn't change the fees any...Those fees are ridiculous! Is that a one time fee? What is the annual filing fee after that? If the annual filing fee is reasonable, then the publication fee, although steep, is still a worthwhile investment. It is tax deductable...

I'm not sure about the sole proprietor LLC thing, I'll ask my friend.

These are the fees she told me to expect:

The state fee to file the LLC and get certified copy is $175. CSC fee is $159.
Costs for the publication in Queens County is about $1500-$1600.

Then there are the legal fees, but I'd get a deal on that because she is my friend. ;-)

I am going to form an LLC eventually, it's just that I'll need to save a bit more before I can do it, unfortunately. But it's my goal!

Originally Posted by danielabellydance

I'm not sure about the sole proprietor LLC thing, I'll ask my friend.

These are the fees she told me to expect:

The state fee to file the LLC and get certified copy is $175. CSC fee is $159.
Costs for the publication in Queens County is about $1500-$1600.

Then there are the legal fees, but I'd get a deal on that because she is my friend. ;-)

I am going to form an LLC eventually, it's just that I'll need to save a bit more before I can do it, unfortunately. But it's my goal!

Wow!! That sounds so ridiculous. I have 2 LLC's in Las Vegas. Do you have to register in Queens County? If you are in the same state, wouldn't that be fine?

Originally Posted by Samira_dncr

Wow!! That sounds so ridiculous. I have 2 LLC's in Las Vegas. Do you have to register in Queens County? If you are in the same state, wouldn't that be fine?

I think it's around the same for anywhere in NY. My friend tried to have me incorporate in NJ, but she found out I'd have to get a license to do business in NY and would have to publish anyway......cr.:

Originally Posted by danielabellydance

I think it's around the same for anywhere in NY. My friend tried to have me incorporate in NJ, but she found out I'd have to get a license to do business in NY and would have to publish anyway......cr.:

That seriously bites.

Just out of curiousity, I noticed all the links are for individual performers insurance, not troupes. Has anyone insured their troupe for performance purposes and if so with who? So far all the ones I've found for troupes cost more than is remotely affordable.

I have a troupe, which is why I formed the LLC. I am the sole proprietor of the LLC and my troupe members are "guest artists" and what not. In order to get a policy to cover a dance company, which is what a troupe is, you have to formally organize as a dance company. In some cities and states you can simply file a "DBA" (doing business as) form and you're all set. Most insurance companies will want to see a more formalized business organization in order for them to insure. This becomes even more complicated because dance is an inherently dangerous sport in their eyes so you're looking at a specialty insurance product. Basically, start by calling insurers who issue business liability policies and tell them you want to insure a performing arts/dance company. The policy ultimately only costs a few hundred annually.
You should contact your local or state Arts Council and see what resources they have available for you. If that doesn't work, call your local ballet or folkloric dance company.

Here's a thread recently posted on tribe that seems to reiterate the importance of insurance...specifically health insurance. Seemed sort of applicable here...

Tribe Thread Regarding Injury as a dancer...

Samira, I didn't see your post until now...great link, thanks for sharing. Basically just wasted my entire work day reading it, but it was worth it!

Originally Posted by danielabellydance

Samira, I didn't see your post until now...great link, thanks for sharing. Basically just wasted my entire work day reading it, but it was worth it!

Glad it was useful to you!! The link was also posted in the Miles/Burly thread, but I figured it got buried there too. Probably should have posted it as a new topic, as truthfully, it's that important.