What Is DJ Insurance and How Much Does It Cost?
Nathan Weller is an Insurance Expert focusing on insurance for small business. He has 15 years experience in insurance operations, FNOL, and claims handling.
Disc Jockey (DJ) insurance refers to all the policies that protect professional DJs against business losses related to claims. Depending on the carrier, DJ liability insurance typically costs anywhere from $190 to $740 annually for general liability.
Next Insurance is a great provider of DJ insurance. In 10 minutes or less, you can get insurance for your business and equipment at an affordable rate. Through its app, you can create and share instant certificates of liability for any venue where you’re performing.
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 increases the risk. This risk manifests itself in the form of a claim against your business—either from a third-party claiming bodily injury or property damage, some sort of financial loss because of unmet expectations, or a claim for damages to your own business property while you travel.
DJ insurance 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. Or, 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, 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 | $190 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 | v |
Many providers offer a business owner’s policy (BOP) as an option that simplifies the insurance process and offers some potential savings. It’s a combination of general liability and commercial property insurance in one single policy.
The premiums listed 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
Pro tip:
Unless you have a dedicated vehicle for your DJ business, you probably don’t need a commercial auto policy. Discuss the finer details of your business with your 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 due to work-related injury or illness
Check out our guide to the best DJ insurance providers to find the one that fits your needs and budget.
General Liability
This is a third-party liability policy that covers claims that someone was injured or their property was damaged because of your negligence. For instance, if you aren’t paying attention and overload an outlet at a venue and blow a fuse, causing some electrical items owned by the venue to be damaged, then this would be 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.
This 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 is looking for is general liability.
General liability policies usually cover unintentional copyright infringement. Check with your agent about the specific details of this, but this is another reason this coverage is so important for DJs.
Commercial Property
This is a first-party coverage for the workspaces your business owns and all the items within them. Coverage is usually limited to the listed location on the policy and restricted to the named perils, such as 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. This helps you if your electronic equipment has a sudden malfunction or a loss outside of the normally named perils.
Inland Marine
DJs who own expensive equipment and transport it to different venues need inland marine insurance. 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.
Professional Liability
This insurance, commonly referred to as errors and omissions, helps your business if a client claims they experienced a financial loss because of your service. Coverage can range from 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' Compensation
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’s 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 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.
Bottom Line
DJ insurance is a 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 aren’t only protecting themselves, but they’re 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, and get insured today.
