We’ve been working with podcast and audio businesses for several years now. Over that time, we’ve seen a real commercialisation of this sector to ensure they’re sustainable, financially viable, and able to get the best content out there. We’ve also partnered with AudioUK to provide its members with access to specialised business insurance solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of the audio production industry.

As the sector has evolved – from studio-based production to video, events and location-based work – so have the risks. Here’s why Public Liability insurance is so important to get right.

What is Public Liability insurance?

In simple terms, it’s protecting your business for claims by third parties due to injury to them or damage caused to third-party property by you. It could involve anything from an attendee at a live recording session slipping over a cable you’ve put out or a backdrop you’ve hung up on a venue’s wall causing damage when removed.

Public Liability insurance will cover the legal costs to defend you and the potential settlement involved as well.

Why does Public Liability insurance matter?

Previously, audio businesses had limited exposure to Public Liability risks – they were typically recording in a studio with very few people involved. Fast-forward to now, however, and we’re seeing a heightened exposure to risk. 

It’s important the insurance is set up correctly to protect you should something happen, and that means it needs to cover all your business activities.

For event organisers

We’re seeing large venues being booked with hundreds of attendees and national or international tours. Even though you’re at an established venue, the risk is often on you in the first instance as the event organiser – if an attendee gets injured, you might be the first port of call in the event of a claim.

Established venues will often require you to have higher minimum limits of Public Liability than you might have previously had, too. Getting this right early means no delays in booking the venue and moving the process along.

It’s worth noting that not all Public Liability policies are set up to cover events of this nature. So, even if you have a certificate, you need to be careful that your insurers fully know and confirm your event plans. Importantly, you’ll also want to ensure terrorism is included under your Public Liability coverage. It’s not always the case!

Check out our article about protecting your business when organising live events to learn more.

For studios for hire

Whilst not new, studio hiring (enabling third parties to come in and create content) can be a significant revenue generator for those with purpose-built setups. But the increased footfall of guests, technicians and others also increases the chance of their injury whilst in your studio.

Insurers need to be aware of this as it heightens your risk and exposure.

How can I keep insurers aware of my Public Liability exposure?

To remove any confusion in the event of a claim, we’d strongly recommend getting your business description manually amended to be bespoke to your business. 

Something along the lines of ‘Audio Production Agency including live events and studio hire’ keeps insurers fully aware of your activities. In the event of a claim, they can’t contest that they weren’t disclosed about your activities.

Protect your business and its guests with RiskBox

At RiskBox, our primary responsibility is you – and ensuring your business has the cover it needs to stay protected should a claim be made against it.

Find out if you’re adequately covered for all your activities by speaking to our expert team today.

Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash