Public liability insurance is vital if you intend to perform magic for the public. Here’s a quick lowdown of what it is, what it covers and why every magician should have it.
What is public liability insurance?
This type of performers insurance covers a magician if a spectator or a member of the public was to suffer a loss or injury as a result of you performing magic. If a spectator made a claim for compensation, then the insurance could cover the compensation payment plus any legal expenses.
Why is public liability cover a good thing for your spectators?
Even when a magician does everything fine, there could always the chance that an accident could happen. When you have public liability insurance, you can perform your magic knowing that should the worst happen, your spectators property could be repaired, lost or damaged possessions replaced and their medical costs looked after.
What is covered in a public liability claim?
The insurance policies can differ between insurance companies and are usually tailored to the individual performers requirements. However, as a guide, the insurance covers a entertainers legal responsibility to pay damages to members of the public for death and injury or damage to property or possessions, which has resulted from the magicians activities.
For example, if you accidentally knocked over a candle, while performing fire magic tricks at a table and caused a bad burn on a spectators designer dress, you could make a claim against them for compensation to pay for repairing the damage. Public Liability Insurance means that you will be able to cover cost of the claim, along with any legal expenses.
Many venues will require magicians to have insurance.
Venues need public liability insurance. They also expect of from the entertainers they book. A client should ask to see your insurance schedule and documentation before allowing you to perform. You should also have insurance if you intend to perform street magic. Many magicians agents will require you to have sufficient insurance before you can go on their books.
Where to get Public Liability Insurance for magicians.
There are many companies that can provide public liability insurance. A bit of google-fu will easily bring up a list. You need to check that they cover entertainers as some insurers don’t provide insurance for that activity. Also check what is excluded as many policies will not give you cover for use of fire in your act. If you become a member of Equity, which we highly recommend, you will get public liability cover automatically as part of your membership.
Question: Do you use an insurer that offers a good public liability Insurance policy for magicians? Let us know in the comments section below:
Will joining equity cocer me for use of fire? I have had to turn down many public fire displays due to no insurance but since it has become serious I feel I should get some but I would need fire included otherwise its a waste to me.
Traditionally, it has been difficult in the past to obtain insurance for people involved in the entertainment industry. But, these days this insurance is available for musicians, music groups, bands, touring performers and many more. Most of the businesses those have visitors to their premises needs public liability insurance.
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