The short answer
General liability insurance helps protect you if someone is injured or property is damaged because of your performance, like a guest tripping over a cable. Many venues, especially hotels and wedding venues, require musicians to provide a certificate of insurance before the event. Working musicians often carry an annual policy so they can send a certificate whenever a venue asks.
This page is general information, not insurance advice. Talk to a licensed insurance agent.
What it typically covers
- Injuries to guests or staff connected to your setup or performance.
- Damage to the venue's property.
Coverage for your own instruments and gear is usually separate. Ask about it specifically.
Certificates of insurance
A venue may ask for a certificate naming them as an additional insured. Your insurer or agent issues it. Ask the venue for the exact wording they need, and request it well before the event.
When you're likely to need it
- Hotels, resorts and large wedding venues.
- Corporate events. See booking corporate event gigs.
- Getting on venues' preferred vendor lists.
How BookLive helps
- Gig notes and tasks. Track venue requirements and when the certificate is due.
- Contracts. State what each side is responsible for. See performance contracts.
Your musicians use BookLive for free. Only the bandleader pays.
Frequently asked questions
Do musicians need liability insurance?
Many venues require it, and it protects you if something goes wrong. Ask a licensed agent about your situation.
What is a certificate of insurance for a gig?
A document from your insurer showing your coverage, sometimes naming the venue as an additional insured.
Keep every gig organized in BookLive
Contracts, venue notes and tasks on every gig.
Your musicians never pay.