By James Fletcher
Band insurance isn't just for big acts. Here's what every NZ band needs to think about before their next gig.
The Three Pillars of Band Insurance
For most bands, insurance needs fall into three categories: protecting your gear (equipment insurance), protecting against injury or damage claims at gigs (public liability), and protecting against cancellation costs if you're the headlining act (event cancellation). A good insurance programme addresses all three.
Who Owns the Equipment?
One of the first questions to answer is who owns the band's equipment. If gear is owned by individual members, each person should consider their own equipment policy. If the band owns equipment collectively, a band policy covering the whole inventory may be more efficient. Make sure hired or borrowed equipment is also included.
The Van Problem
Band vans are notorious theft targets. Multiple instruments, amplifiers, and equipment loaded in a van overnight are a significant risk. Most specialist equipment policies include transit cover — but check the unattended vehicle exclusion. Some policies won't cover gear stolen from an unattended vehicle unless it was stored out of sight in a locked space.
💡 Tip: Never leave instruments or equipment visible in a parked vehicle. Transit cover may exclude theft from vehicles where items were visible or where the vehicle was left unlocked.
What Do Venues Require from Bands?
More venues now require bands to provide evidence of public liability insurance before confirming a booking. Having a certificate of currency ready — showing your insurer, policy number, and liability limit — makes the booking process smoother and demonstrates your professionalism to venue managers.
Can One Policy Cover the Whole Band?
Yes. Specialist entertainment insurers can write a single policy covering all band members' equipment, the band's public liability, and any event-specific covers. This simplifies renewals and reduces administration. Some policies can even be extended to cover hired or borrowed backline at venues where the band is using house equipment.
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