Jakester Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 (edited) ***Before anyone gets snarky, I have done a forum search and found all the recommendations that I join the MU!*** Anyway, we're playing a free gig next month where we've been asked for evidence of PL cover. All the options I have found - MU, LiabilityGuard, Allianz Musical etc are all geared towards individual cover - that is, cover for each band member separately. LiabilityGuard offers £1m for £99 per person - so that's £400 for the band on a gig we're not getting paid for. I should probably also say that we don't play often enough to derive significant benefits from being members of the MU. Now, I know that each member of the band joins the MU, we would each get PL cover, but has anyone managed to get a group standalone PL policy for a reasonable price, and if so, from whom? Edited August 6, 2011 by Jakester Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dubs Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 If you're not being paid then I don't think you should be putting yourself out of pocket. Ask the promoter if they can arrange it - they should already have PL insurance anyway that you'll be covered under. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deepbass5 Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 This is always a difficult one, I also play in a non profit making Big Band and these things are a drain on your resources. I did comment in other threads about the MU, as I am a member it now costs me about £150/ y but I do get my own instrument cover which is comforting, had a radio mic stolen in Jan this year and they paid up £450. No probs, I also benefit from the PLI and as I own all the gear PA lights etc. I consider if there is a claim then it will be against me, i.e. a speaker falls on someone or the gear catches fire. Other members are not in the MU, that's their choice. Some may frown at this as all members are encouraged to Lobby others to join, but this is the real world. There are many companies who offer this insurance it’s just finding the best. I would go for an annual cover rather than for a one off event. Hencilla Canworth Limited cover the MU try them direct. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ficelles Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 [quote name='Jakester' post='1329629' date='Aug 6 2011, 09:40 AM']***Before anyone gets snarky, I have done a forum search and found all the recommendations that I join the MU!*** Anyway, we're playing a free gig next month where we've been asked for evidence of PL cover. All the options I have found - MU, LiabilityGuard, Allianz Musical etc are all geared towards individual cover - that is, cover for each band member separately. LiabilityGuard offers £1m for £99 per person - so that's £400 for the band on a gig we're not getting paid for. I should probably also say that we don't play often enough to derive significant benefits from being members of the MU. Now, I know that each member of the band joins the MU, we would each get PL cover, but has anyone managed to get a group standalone PL policy for a reasonable price, and if so, from whom?[/quote] You'd probably find that one person with a PL certificate would be enough to keep the organisers happy. And it might be just for one gig, but many events and venues ask for this these days, so if you add in the free instrument cover and all the other benefits (legal advice, template contracts etc) it must surely be worth one person joining the MU? If any of you is currently a student you can get a reduced rate. ficelles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderthumbs Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 [quote name='Jakester' post='1329629' date='Aug 6 2011, 09:40 AM']...has anyone managed to get a group standalone PL policy for a reasonable price, and if so, from whom?[/quote] We had PLI from a company as a band. I'll find out who it was with and get back to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderthumbs Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 Here you go. Try these. [attachment=86414:PLInsurance.jpg] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyfisher Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 [quote name='Dubs' post='1329632' date='Aug 6 2011, 09:45 AM']If you're not being paid then I don't think you should be putting yourself out of pocket. Ask the promoter if they can arrange it - they should already have PL insurance anyway that you'll be covered under.[/quote] +1 What next? PAT certificates for all your equipment? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderthumbs Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 (edited) [quote name='flyfisher' post='1330112' date='Aug 6 2011, 05:47 PM']+1 What next? PAT certificates for all your equipment?[/quote] We've been asked for that too in the past. After basically telling them where to get off, they accepted the PL Insurance on its own. Edited August 6, 2011 by Thunderthumbs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jakester Posted August 6, 2011 Author Share Posted August 6, 2011 Thanks all, very helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deepbass5 Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 Pat Testing, Yep bought my own Pat tester in the end. I have been asked for certificates ahead of gigs, but never on the night. It’s all good to show on your web site that you are a professionally minded outfit, but it seems it is all coming out of my pocket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyfisher Posted August 7, 2011 Share Posted August 7, 2011 My point about PAT certs was in the context of the OP being asked to provide costly things (such as PLI) even though they were not being paid for the gig. I'd say that if a band is willing to perform for free then it's a bit rich to start insisting on various costly (to them) conditions. Of course, everything is negotiable and the venue/promoter is at liberty to insist on all sorts of conditions . . . but the band is also perfectly entitled to tell them where to shove their conditions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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