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Hey everyone! I'm looking at participating as a vendor at a few local guitar festivals and everyone is asking for 'proof of insurance' to one million dollars. Does anyone know what 'type' of insurance they are looking for (I'm assuming liability)? Also, where does one obtain such insurance?

Thanks in advance!
Michael

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Michael Anthony

"Life's short. Play guitar!"

Heritage Insurance. Or you could go directly to Travelers, as they write the policies. Not cheap, but you then have insurance. They have different types of policies depending on your needs.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Typically those asking for a POI have desired limits for different types of insurance. Many have sample POIs setting the limits. There is typically some flexibility as subcontractors and independents adjust coverage based on need and potential liabilities. I agree the million dollar number is probably liability. POIs have become a routine part of my last two careers. Just a cost of doing business. T

Liability against what, exactly? Granted, I'm in canada and we tend not to be as litigous, but since I put together a guitar show every year I wonder if there's something I'm missing. So far nobody's even mentioned the word "insurance".

a million $...That's a lot of guitars.....

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Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

I could understand the people putting on the festival needing a million dollars coverage but that seems a little unreasonable for a vendor to need it. I've never heard of someone being seriously injured by a guitar falling off a stand.

A million in coverage is not very much and likely would not be enough if someone died as a result of negligence on the part of an exhibitor.

Although guitar shows are usually pretty benign in terms of potential liability what show management is looking for is indemnification from anything that we do that harms or damages someone else. Or, they are covering their butts....

Years ago I was working an enterprise computer software show where one vendor had a flight simulator, the real deal, available for attendees to take a turn in the cockpit. Lots of electrical cables, hydraulics, etc. and in an exhibit hall where the electricians had to run cables under carpet, duct tape it to floors etc.

A leaking drinking water tap made a puddle on the floor and an attendee was electrocuted to death....

Stuff happens....

Exhibitor insurance is pretty cheap considering, it's also required, and as such if we want to be a player it's just one more part of the big picture that we have to deal with.

Remember too that exhibitor insurance also covers you from liability, covers what you bring from damage, theft, etc. and in my view is a small price to pay considering the possibilities...

Don't leave home without it!

Couldn't the festival provide the insurance coverage through their regular insurance provider and include the cost of the insurance in the booth price? It's not always clear what kind of coverage is needed and some exhibitors could just get really cheap insurance and end up not getting the coverage that is actually needed. Seems like such a thing should be the organizer's responsibility.

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Cat-gut strings are made from kitten guts, stretched out to near breaking point and then hardened with grue saliva. As a result these give a feeling of Pain and anguish whenever played, and often end up playing themselves backwards as part of satanic rituals.

Typhoon Guitars
http://www.typhoon-guitars.com

If you need to be covered for liability, you want to covered by your insurance, not by someone else's.

Alex

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"Indecision is the key to flexibility" .... Bumper sticker

I thought anything happens at the festival would be on the organizer, not the exhibitor? So wouldn't it be the organizer's insurance that would provide coverage?

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Cat-gut strings are made from kitten guts, stretched out to near breaking point and then hardened with grue saliva. As a result these give a feeling of Pain and anguish whenever played, and often end up playing themselves backwards as part of satanic rituals.

Typhoon Guitars
http://www.typhoon-guitars.com

First I need to apologize for POI. I meant COI, certificate of insurance. I believe the problem is simple. Typically those who sponsor and put on shows or events lease the space. It becomes too expensive to cover every possible mishap. They choose to share the burden. Most of us that lease or own commercial property and have employees are by this fact previously covered. While I don't necessarily agree with the premise these coverages offer a certain degree of legitimacy. This is one of the many aspects of modern society that challenges all. T

It's part of the cost of running a business. Looking for ways around insurance requirements is ill-advised. If you ever need it, you'll be glad you have it.

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George :-)

Thanks for all the good thoughts and advice. Much appreciated! Not looking for ways 'around it', rather needing expert advice and the best way to go. Having retired from the practice of medicine, I'm well aware of covering one's butt. Thanks again!!
Michael

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Michael Anthony

"Life's short. Play guitar!"

More than most, Michael, surely. :-) My comment wasn't directed at you specifically, but to anyone questioning the legitimacy of the festival's insurance requirements. As Hesh noted above, this type of general liability coverage is not unusual. Most any insurance agent should be able to help you obtain a policy that will meet your needs. My own business is required to carry $3M in coverage. It's no fun paying the premium each year but if something goes terribly wrong, I'll have a fighting chance.

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George :-)

Michael, this company specializes in event insurance. They are reasonably priced and reliable:

https://www.totaleventinsurance.com