DJ Insurance

Playing music is one of the best ways to get a party started. As a DJ, you bring joy to your clients and other patrons who want 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. Additionally, you face some liability risks when you move equipment, set up a laser show, or turn on a fog machine. Don't risk losing your gear or getting into an expensive liability lawsuit without protection. Get DJ insurance to protect your equipment and your investment in your career.

An independent insurance agent can help you find DJ insurance near you. They'll get you matched to a policy that provides the ideal amount of coverage for the length of time you need it, whether it's DJ insurance for one day or a long-term policy. But first, here's a closer look at DJ insurance, what it covers, and more.

Do I Need Insurance to Be a DJ?

Yes, DJs need insurance to protect their equipment and cover liability risks. If you work as a disc jockey, you take on not only the risk of lawsuits but of damage to your personal equipment at every gig. 

Whether you're a full-time DJ or only need to get DJ insurance for one day, this coverage can protect you against potentially hefty financial losses in case of a disaster. The following professionals can benefit from having DJ insurance:

• Disc jockeys (DJs)
• Karaoke jockeys (KJs)
• Video jockeys (VJs)

Working in any of these fields can present numerous risks that must be addressed by the proper coverage. Work with a local independent insurance agent to find the right DJ insurance today.

What Is a COI for DJs?

If you work as a self-employed DJ, KJ, or VJ, you're often required to provide a COI or certificate of insurance to be booked for a job. A COI for DJs is a document proving you have insurance coverage, often required by venues. 

As the policyholder, make sure you're prepared with this document when booking events to play. The venue hosting your gig may even request to be named as an additional insured party on your policy.

DJ System Equipment That Needs Protection

The type of equipment used can vary by DJ and the specific event they're playing at, but in general, these professionals use and transport a lot of valuable property. The following sample equipment could benefit from the protection of a DJ insurance policy:

As a DJ, your equipment could be damaged while transporting it from your home to a gig or from one venue to another. It could also be stolen, damaged, or destroyed by a disaster like a fire or a rowdy venue attendee. Without the right DJ insurance, you could have to pay to repair or replace this equipment out of your own pocket.

Top Insurance Risks for DJs

Loss or damage to your equipment is a top insurance risk for DJs. Even if you've locked your doors and have a good alarm system, a thief could quickly steal 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. DJ insurance can help protect your investment in expensive equipment needed for your job. 

Potential lawsuits for third-party bodily injury or property damage are another top 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 while 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 possible lawsuits, property replacements or repairs, and medical costs associated with bodily injuries. 

DJ insurance generally includes policies such as general liability insurance and inland marine insurance to protect you against lawsuits and property damage and loss while items are in transit.

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's being transported from one location to another, and while you're using it at different clubs or private events. 

This coverage can protect your gear against theft and damage if it's in your van or the club. Keep in mind that for stolen property to be covered, there must 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. An independent insurance agent can help advise on how much coverage to get for your valuable equipment. 

DJ Liability Insurance

DJ insurance can also cover various liability risks. DJ general 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. 

If you are a DJ who performs mostly at nightclubs, typically, the club you perform at will have liability coverage that can extend to your performance. Communicate with the venue to understand how much insurance coverage they carry and exactly how much liability protection you have with their policy. 

On the other hand, if you DJ at weddings, parties, and other private events, you need to have your own liability coverage. In fact, most private venues require it. 

Liability insurance can reimburse DJs for the cost of lawsuits if they are sued due to bodily injury or personal property damage to a third party at one of their gigs. This coverage can pay for medical expenses after an injury, repairs to third-party property, and attorney, court, and settlement or judgment costs in a lawsuit.

Crime Insurance for DJs

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 happens, it's a good idea to consider carrying commercial crime insurance. It also insures against theft of your gear by your own employees and can reimburse you for losses so your finances don't have to take a huge hit.

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Additional Types of DJ Insurance to Consider

DJs are essentially small businesses that need appropriate protection against numerous potential risks. In addition to the types of coverage already discussed, you may need the following types of business insurance to protect yourself further:

• Commercial auto insurance: If you have a vehicle designated for only business use, such as a van you use to transport your equipment from gig to gig, you need a commercial auto policy to protect against losses due to lawsuits, accidents, theft, vandalism, and more.
• Professional liability insurance: As a DJ, you can get sued for playing material or saying something that a third party claims caused harm. Professional liability insurance can reimburse you for lawsuit expenses and other costs arising from such claims.
• Workers' compensation insurance: If you have employees who work for you, you might be required to have workers' comp to protect your team against the cost of workplace injuries or illnesses.

Work with an independent insurance agent to build a complete DJ insurance policy that includes every type of protection you need.

How Much Does DJ Insurance Cost?

The cost of DJ insurance varies based on the coverage you choose and the value of your gear. Other factors, such as your location and claims history, can also impact the cost of your policy. 

However, one-day DJ insurance that includes only general liability coverage is available for under $60. The more types of coverage you need and the longer your gigs, the more you can expect your policy to cost. 

You may be able to get discounts from DJ insurance carriers if you're a member of a DJ association or if you have your insurance premiums set to bill annually instead of monthly.

An Independent Insurance Agent Can Help You Get DJ Insurance

As a DJ, you can fully enjoy the party environment if you're 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. 

An independent insurance agent can help you get set up with a quality DJ insurance policy from a top-rated carrier in your area. Like a broker, an independent insurance agent works for you instead of the insurance company. 

They can shop and compare quotes from multiple carriers to help you find the best deal available. And down the road, your agent will still be there to help you file claims and update your coverage as necessary.