Tour Insurance: What You Need to Know Before Hitting the Road

A tour is an opportunity to perform your music. Getting tour insurance can protect you from anything unexpected while touring.

The thrill of holding your first tour can make you feel giddy and excited. You’ll get to perform in front of thousands of audiences and visit new places. Feeling all the excitement is natural, but life on tour is risky and uncertain.

Having tour insurance safeguards you from unexpected blows to your plans and finances. Understanding how it works can help you focus on performing your songs to your eager fans.

Key Takeaways:

• Tour insurance can cover canceled gigs and equipment damage as the tour goes on.
• If you don’t have insurance, you’ll end up scrambling to cover damages and missed shows.
• Tailor your policies according to your needs, whether it’s refunding the initial trip deposit or emergency care.
• Start with basic coverage and upgrade to a more comprehensive one as your tour gets bigger.

The Risks of Touring Without an Insurance

Imagine getting sick before a show, losing equipment in transit, or dealing with a delayed flight. These scenarios can disrupt your tour and impact your finances, especially when performing in multiple destinations.

Without tour insurance, covering these unexpected expenses can quickly drain your savings or force you to cancel your plans. Here’s how tour insurance can help:

• Lost or Damaged Equipment: Instruments are vital to your performance and income. Repairing or replacing damaged or lost gear can be costly, but a tour insurance policy can help cover those expenses.
• Missed Shows and Ticket Refunds: If illness or an accident forces you to cancel a show, you may need to refund ticket sales. Tour insurance compensates for lost revenue and covers expenses even when you can’t perform.
• Medical Emergencies: Touring can take a toll on your health. Whether it’s a minor illness or a serious injury, insurance ensures access to immediate medical care for you.
• Travel Delays and Losses: Delayed flights, broken-down vehicles, or misplaced gear can throw off your schedule. Tour insurance helps cover trip cancellations, non-refundable costs, and other unexpected travel expenses.

These situations can rack up debt as you use funds from your own pocket if you don’t have tour insurance. You might find it hard to focus on performing when you have so many things to think about all at once.

How to Choose the Right Insurance Provider

Accidents and mistakes can happen while touring. Getting the right insurance provider for your music tour is vital for your financial protection. Here’s how to look for the best insurance company:

Evaluate Your Coverage Needs
Every insurance provider has different offers to protect you and your team. Choose one that has  comprehensive benefits, such as:

• Equipment Replacement: Covers repair or replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged gear during your tour.
• Health and Medical Coverage: Ensures medical expenses, emergency evacuations, doctor visits, and medication are covered during domestic or international tours.
• Liability Insurance: Protects against accidents, property damage, or injuries at larger venues.
• Trip Cancellation: Reimburses costs for canceled or postponed trips, including non-refundable travel expenses.
• Travel Insurance: Covers lost baggage and logistical issues when touring multiple cities.

Look for an Experienced Provider
Choose an insurer with experience in music tour insurance. These providers understand the unique needs of musicians and can offer tailored policies. Ask for recommendations from fellow musicians or industry professionals.

Check Policy Flexibility
Tours are unpredictable, so find a provider with customizable policies that accommodate changes like added shows or canceled stops. Flexible policies ensure your coverage adjusts as your schedule evolves.

Understand the Claims Process
The provider should have a smooth and reliable claims process. When things go wrong, you can quickly recover anything you’ve lost. Ask your prospect how quickly they process claims, if they have a responsive customer service team, and if you can submit claims online.

Compare Costs and Coverage
Get quotes from multiple providers and compare the premiums against the benefits. Being able to afford the insurance plan is important. However, don’t settle for less if it doesn’t include the coverage you need.

Check the Provider’s Reputation
Start by looking up reviews and ratings online. Feedback from other musicians and touring professionals can help you understand how reliable and helpful the provider is. Check resources like the Better Business Bureau to confirm the company’s credibility. Make sure the provider is licensed in your state by checking with your state’s insurance department. You can also look at financial ratings from agencies like A.M. Best or Moody’s to see if they’re financially stable. Finally, check the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) for any complaints against the provider to spot potential issues.

Check for Add-Ons and International Coverage for Overseas Tours
Some providers have customized coverage for musicians, such as business interruption insurance for sudden tour cancellations. They may also offer key person insurance that covers the absence of an important band member. Add-ons may also include coverage for crew members, merchandise, and compensation for cancellations due to bad weather. For tours with international stops, check if the provider offers global coverage for health and equipment.

Review the Fine Print
Get a detailed quote that includes the coverage, exclusions, and terms and conditions. The fine print may not include pre-existing conditions or certain tour-related incidents. Reading the entire document will tell you what is covered and what isn’t. Be alert for hidden fees or deductibles. Confirm all the details in the quote in writing before signing any document.

Preparing for a Smooth Tour

Before purchasing tour insurance, consider your specific needs and situation. Use this checklist to guide you:

• Take Inventory: Make a list of all the gear you’re bringing on tour, including serial numbers, receipts, and purchase values. This ensures accurate equipment coverage.
• Tour Schedule: A clear tour schedule helps determine the right coverage.
• Set a Budget: Decide how much you can spend on insurance. While comprehensive policies are appealing, choose one that balances coverage with your budget.

Once you get your insurance policy, keep both physical and digital copies. You can quickly access its details and file a claim in case an incident occurs.

Final Words

Having tour insurance ensures a smooth and stress-free experience for you and your team. It allows you to focus on your music and performances while protecting your income if unexpected challenges arise.

Every musician has unique needs, so it’s important to choose the right coverage. ICONAC can help you navigate your options and find the insurance that fits your needs, letting you focus on creating and sharing the music the world loves.