Public Liability Insurance UK

[johnmcc]

Hi guys,

Does anyone know of any good insurance companies to get £5m public liability insurance? I had a quote previously from music guard but when I contacted them again they re directed me to JLT. The guy I spoke to there said he needs to speak to his underwriters to see if they can do it for laser display companies.
I would be interested to know what some of you guys use while I wait for him to come back to me.

John

[Laserhobbit]

Hi John,

I would recommend Doodson, I use them and they rates seem reasonable. Their website seems to be down, but you can call them on +44 (0) 161 419 3026

Cheers

Steve

[WookieBoy]

+1 for what Steve said.

I've used Doodson for my insurance since I started the company years ago. There pretty great and no fuss.
Also try Torribles for a comparison quote as they're the 'other' big live events industry broker in the UK, but I'd be surprised if you get better than Doodson.

[JStewart]

As others have said, both Doodson and Torribles will be able to find you a good deal, and make sure you are adequately covered. - I hear they even offer more favourable rates if you can demonstrate you have been on a laser safety course. (now I wonder who does those...)

Music/DJ Guard underwritten by JLT used to be another option for the hobbiest that had just started to do small shows in public. They would cover a named person to use the equipment. But more recently the cost of those policies seem to have escalated, and certainly if there are two of you working on the same job, it makes sense to go with someone like Doodson, rather than have to have a number of different people covered by their own insurance policy. Additionally, when you start to do the larger shows, I am aware of venues/organisations that have questioned if DJ Guard is really adequate.

With the dedicated brokers you can even request that audience illumination (either scanning or by diffractions) is an insured activity.

James

[norty303]

The trick with JLT is to take a nominal amount of equipment cover as well, the PLI ends up lower than just buying the PLI on it's own.
I looked at the JLT stuff, as I wasn't sure if it was really appropriate, but they do now specifically state lighting freelancers in the text (which is what I am, I do lasers as well)

I will have my equipment cover with Doodsons this year I expect.

[johnmcc]

Thanks for the replies guys. I wasn't too sure myself when reading through the policy wording that Music Guard initially sent out to me with their quote if it would provide adequate cover in the event of a claim as there was no specific mention of laser lighting. I was worried they'd repudiate a claim without a suitable business description or endorsement.

I will Doodson and Torribles today to see what they can offer me. I'll be sure to mention I've attended your course James to assist with keeping the premium down!

[gashead]

I had a policy with JLT for 1M for about 3 years, last renewal was £60 (ish) - my only concern was when I specifically asked them if they covered Laser shows and was told yes.. but I don't really believe them.. it was never a satisfactory answer and it's not in the policy wording.

I cancelled as I wasn't doing any shows anyway, but when I manage to assemble my hordes of laser modules and equipment into working projectors and manage to persuade local venues that I'm better than a £30 p/n Lasercrab I'll be in the market again.. just not with JLT.