Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about music insurance answered in plain language.
General
Do I need specialist music insurance or will home contents do?
If you earn any income from your instruments — performing, teaching, or recording — home contents insurance typically excludes professional use. Specialist music insurance covers commercial and professional use of your instruments and equipment.
How quickly can I get music insurance?
In many cases, basic equipment and liability cover can be arranged the same day. Event-specific covers (cancellation, non-appearance) require more lead time. Contact our team and we'll work to get you covered as quickly as possible.
Is music insurance tax deductible?
If you earn income from your music career, insurance premiums may be a deductible business expense. Speak to your accountant about your specific situation.
Can I pay monthly?
Many specialist insurers offer monthly payment options. Monthly payments typically cost slightly more than paying annually upfront due to finance charges.
Equipment & Instruments
What does instrument insurance cover?
Specialist instrument insurance typically covers accidental damage, theft, and loss — at home, at gigs, during rehearsals, in transit, and on tour. Cover can also include emergency hire costs while your claim is processed.
Can I insure vintage or one-of-a-kind instruments?
Yes. Many specialist policies allow agreed value cover for vintage or rare instruments — fixing the payout at an agreed amount rather than a depreciated market value. A specialist valuation may be required.
Does equipment insurance cover my gear in the van?
Most equipment policies include transit cover, but check the unattended vehicle exclusion. Some policies won't cover theft from an unattended vehicle unless the items were locked away and out of sight.
Can I insure sound and lighting equipment?
Yes. PA systems, amplifiers, stage lighting, and rigging equipment can all be covered under specialist entertainment equipment policies.
Public Liability
Do venues require musicians to have public liability insurance?
An increasing number of NZ venues require performing musicians to hold a minimum of $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 public liability insurance as a condition of booking.
What does public liability cover for musicians?
Public liability covers claims from third parties — audience members, venue staff, or bystanders — for injury or property damage resulting from your performance or equipment.
Does ACC mean I don't need public liability?
No. ACC covers your personal injury in NZ, but it doesn't cover claims made against you by third parties or property damage claims. Public liability fills this essential gap.
Events
What is event cancellation insurance?
Event cancellation insurance protects concert promoters and festival organisers against financial losses from having to cancel, postpone, or abandon an event due to circumstances outside their control.
Does weather insurance cover outdoor concerts?
Yes. Weather or pluvious insurance covers outdoor events against cancellation due to adverse weather. It pays based on measurable rainfall or weather conditions at a specified nearby station.
What is non-appearance insurance?
Non-appearance insurance covers the financial loss when a headline artist or performer is unable to appear due to illness, injury, or other insured reason.
Teaching
Do music teachers need professional indemnity insurance?
While not legally required, professional indemnity is strongly recommended. It protects against claims arising from your teaching advice or services, including claims about teaching methods or disputes with students.
Can I get insurance for teaching music online?
Yes. Professional indemnity and public liability for online teaching activities are available from specialist insurers. Confirm online teaching is included in your policy scope.
Still Have Questions?
Speak to a specialist music insurance adviser who can answer your specific questions.
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