Roadies and Public Liability Insurance: A Quick Start Guide
(This blog has been written from the perspective of a set carpenter, but the information provided is equally relevant and applicable to many other roles within the roadie profession. Whether you're a rigger, lighting tech, or sound engineer, aspects of public liability insurance are similar.)
Working as a roadie in the entertainment industry is rewarding but also comes with a unique set of risks. Whether you’re constructing stages, assembling props, or handling heavy equipment, the dynamic nature of live events means accidents can happen. Public liability insurance is one of the most essential forms of coverage for protecting yourself, your reputation, and your livelihood.
Looking for public liability insurance? This blog covers the essentials you need to know.
What Is Public Liability Insurance?
Public liability insurance protects you against claims made by third parties for injury or property damage caused by your work. As a set carpenter, your day-to-day tasks often involve working in shared spaces with other professionals, venue staff, and sometimes the general public. If something goes wrong—like a piece of staging accidentally damaging venue property or someone tripping over your tools—you could be held liable.
Public liability insurance helps cover legal costs and compensation, ensuring that one unfortunate incident doesn’t ruin your career or business.
Why Is Public Liability Insurance Important for Set Carpenters?
1. Protecting Yourself from Claims
Accidents happen, and as a set carpenter, you’re often working with heavy or potentially dangerous materials. Public liability insurance ensures you’re financially protected if someone claims you’ve caused injury or damage.
For example:
Injury Claims: A stagehand trips over a cable near your work area and files a claim for medical expenses.
Property Damage: A piece of staging you built causes damage to the venue floor during a load-in.
2. Meeting Industry Standards
Many venues, production companies, and clients require proof of public liability insurance before allowing you to work. Having coverage not only protects you but also demonstrates your professionalism and reliability in an industry where reputation matters.
3. Protecting Your Freelance Business
As a freelance set carpenter, you are essentially running your own business. Public liability insurance safeguards your finances, allowing you to focus on your work without worrying about unexpected claims disrupting your livelihood.
What Does Public Liability Insurance Cover?
While policies vary depending on the provider, public liability insurance typically includes:
Injury Claims: Covers legal fees and compensation for injuries caused to third parties by your work.
Property Damage: Pays for damages to third-party property, such as equipment, venue fixtures, or client property.
Legal Defense Costs: Covers legal fees if a claim is brought against you, whether or not you’re at fault.
What Isn’t Covered?
It’s important to understand the limitations of public liability insurance.
It typically won’t cover:
Damage to Your Own Equipment: You’ll need separate tools and equipment insurance for this.
Injuries to Yourself or Employees: Employers’ liability insurance or personal accident insurance would be required.
Work Outside the Policy’s Scope: Always read the fine print to understand exclusions.
How Much Coverage Do You Need?
The amount of coverage required can vary based on the type of work you’re doing, the size of the venues, and client expectations. Coverage levels typically range from £1 million to £10 or £15 million.
Tips for Choosing the Right Policy
Find an Industry-Specific Provider: Look for insurance providers who understand the entertainment industry. Policies tailored to roadies, set carpenters, and other production roles are more likely to include relevant protections.
Verify Coverage Limits: Ensure the policy meets the requirements of the venues and clients you’ll be working with. Check for flexibility in case you need to upgrade coverage for larger productions.
Understand the Exclusions: Read the policy carefully to ensure it covers all the scenarios you might encounter. Pay attention to exclusions like specific activities or types of venues.
Combine with Other Insurance: Public liability is just one part of a broader insurance package. Consider bundling it with tools and equipment insurance, personal accident insurance, or professional indemnity insurance for comprehensive protection.
Public liability insurance isn’t just a safety net—it’s a professional necessity for set carpenters in the entertainment industry. By investing in a tailored policy, you can focus on what you do best.
IMPORTANT:
This blog is meant to serve as a general reference tool, offering an overview of what you might encounter when searching for insurance in this industry. However, it’s important to perform your own additional research and consult directly with insurance providers to ensure you receive accurate, relevant, and up-to-date information that meets your specific needs.
