Disc jockey (DJ) insurance refers to any policy that protects professional DJs from business losses related to claims. Depending on the carrier, DJ liability insurance typically costs $180 to $740 annually for general liability.
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How DJ Insurance Works
DJs, video jockeys (VJs), and karaoke jockeys (KJs) need insurance because the nature of their work and frequent travel from one event to another increase the risk. This risk manifests in the form of a claim against your business—either from a third party claiming bodily injury or property damage, a financial loss due to unmet expectations, or a claim for damages sustained to your own business property during travel.
Insurance for DJs provides multiple types of protection for your business. For example, if your mixing board is stolen and you have inland marine insurance for it, then you can file a claim for this loss. If a client alleges you ruined their wedding by not playing the contractually agreed-upon playlist, then you can file a claim to let your carrier handle the investigation and resolution of the situation.
DJ Insurance Costs
DJ insurance costs can vary depending on the value of the equipment, the venue where you are performing, and how many events you book a year. Some DJs need insurance year-round while others only need it for special events. Some insurers offer short-term policies for such instances—these are referred to as special event insurance coverage or short-term liability insurance.
Insurance Policy | Coverage Amount | Estimated Annual Premium | Deductible |
---|---|---|---|
General Liability | $1 million per occurrence $2 million aggregate | $180 to $740 | N/A |
Commercial Property | $10,000 | $400 to $550 | $500 |
Professional Liability | $1 million per occurrence $2 million aggregate | $350 to $600 | $1,000 |
Workers’ Comp | $100,000 per accident $500,000 per policy $100,000 per employee | $500 to $1,200 | N/A |
The estimated premiums listed above are averages for solopreneurs and might increase for DJs who:
- Want property coverage for their equipment in transit and at venues
- Need higher limits
- Incorporate light shows, fireworks, or other performers into their acts
- Book gigs in nightclubs and bars
- Have shows that run past 2 a.m.
- Play to larger crowds
Many insurers offer a business owner’s policy (BOP) to help simplify the insurance process and offer some potential savings. A BOP is a combination of general liability and commercial property insurance in a single policy.
Unless you have a dedicated vehicle for your DJ business, you probably do not need a commercial auto policy. For instance, driving to a DJ gig is no different from a morning commute to work. However, it is always a good idea to discuss the finer details of your business with your insurance agent or provider to find out your exact auto insurance requirements.
DJ Insurance Coverages
DJs typically only need general liability insurance—but some may require more in-depth coverage depending on their unique situation. The most common types of DJ insurance policies are:
- General liability: For third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury
- Commercial property: For business property, such as office and furniture
- Inland marine insurance: For equipment and tools that travel around with you
- Professional liability: For negligence that led to financial harm or contract violations
- Workers’ compensation: For medical bills and lost wages because of work-related injury or illness
Check out our guide to the best DJ insurance companies to find the one that fits your needs and budget.
General liability insurance is a third-party liability policy that covers claims that someone was injured or their property was damaged because of your negligence.
Let’s say you aren’t paying attention and overload an outlet at a venue, which blows a fuse. If some of the venue’s electrical items are damaged, then this would prompt a general liability claim for the property damage. In the same scenario, if a patron at the event trips and falls in the dark and is injured, general liability would help with their medical bills.
General liability is important coverage for DJs. Many businesses will require a certificate of insurance (COI) before a DJ can play an event—and the proof of coverage a business usually looks for is general liability.
General liability policies typically cover unintentional copyright infringement—yet another reason this coverage is so important to DJs. Check with your agent about the specific details of this coverage.
Commercial property insurance provides first-party coverage for the workspaces your business owns and all the items within them. Coverage usually is limited to the listed location on the policy and restricted to the named perils, like theft or fire. If you own a dedicated space for your DJ business, then this is essential coverage for you.
DJs may not need commercial property insurance if they:
- Rent their equipment: Rented equipment is typically excluded from commercial property insurance.
- Rent business space: If you rent space, general liability usually covers damage to rented premises and locations.
- Work out of their home: A standalone commercial property policy may be too much coverage for a home-based DJ business, but you still need home-based business insurance because many homeowner’s policies don’t cover businesses that operate out of your home.
Coverage for equipment breakdown is often offered as an endorsement of commercial property insurance. This endorsement helps cover you if your electronic equipment has a sudden malfunction or if a loss occurs outside of the normally named perils.
Inland marine insurance is an important policy for DJs who own expensive equipment and transport it to different venues. This is a type of first-party property insurance that covers items regardless of where the loss occurs.
So, if your equipment is damaged while in transit or off-site at a gig, then inland marine insurance can provide the necessary coverage for you. DJs don’t need this if they contract with venues that have their own equipment.
While it is unlikely a DJ will need professional liability coverage, it is important to be aware of it. This insurance, commonly referred to as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, helps your business if a client claims they experienced a financial loss because of your service.
Coverage can include, for instance, a customer’s allegations that your business made a mistake or failed to deliver on a promised service. Depending on the types of shows your DJ business serves, or if contracts are involved, this is an important coverage for DJs to consider.
Workers’ comp is required in nearly every state. Some states require you to carry it even if you have only one employee, including self-employed business owners. This policy pays medical bills and lost wages for work-related injuries or illnesses. If you are a DJ, it is important to review your specific state guidelines for workers’ comp to find out if you need this coverage.
Read our guide on workers’ comp insurance for the self-employed to learn if it makes sense for you and how much it costs. It also lists the best providers so that you can find one that fits the bill.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About DJ Insurance
DJ insurance protects your business, as well as potentially your personal assets, by paying to investigate, defend and, if necessary, settle claims against your business.
DJ insurance costs will vary depending on claims history, equipment, and the size of your operation. The average cost for general liability insurance for a solo DJ is between $15 and $61 per month.
There is no national or state law requiring DJ insurance. However, venues will likely request proof of insurance before letting you work there. It is a good business decision to purchase the coverage needed to protect your business.
Bottom Line
Disc jockey insurance is a policy or combination of policies that cover the equipment you use and any other assets by resolving liability claims against the business. Often, by purchasing insurance, DJs are not only protecting themselves, but they are also meeting the contractual requirements set by many venues.
Next Insurance makes it easy for DJs to get insurance. Get a free, no-obligation quote to get insured today!