If you’re a touring musician, promoters or events may require you to provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) or proof of liability coverage for the event you’re performing at. A COI serves as documentation that you carry active insurance, ensuring that you meet event requirements and protect yourself from financial risks such as lawsuits, property damage costs, medical expenses, or contract breaches. But what exactly is a COI, and why is it necessary for live performances?
A COI verifies that you have an active liability insurance policy. It does not provide coverage itself but serves as proof that you’re insured in case something goes wrong at your show, such as property damage or an attendee injury. If you don’t already have general liability insurance, you may need to purchase a short-term policy like TULIP (Tenant User Liability Insurance Policy) to obtain a COI.
Key Takeaways
- A COI proves you have insurance, which some venues require before allowing you to perform.
- TULIP insurance provides coverage and includes a COI if you don’t have existing liability insurance.
- ICONAC can help musicians meet event requirements and secure the right insurance.
Why Do Venues Require a COI?
Venues require a COI to ensure that the performer takes responsibility for any liability during a show. If an accident happens—whether it’s an attendee injury, equipment damage, or property loss—the event wants confirmation that the performer’s insurance will cover the costs. Without a COI, you may not get approval to perform at certain events. Some venues or event organizers will provide specific insurance requirements, including the minimum coverage amount and whether they need to be listed as an additional insured.
What Information Does a COI Include?
A COI typically includes:
- Your name or business name (the insured party)
- Insurance provider details
- Type of coverage (e.g., general liability, property damage, bodily injury)
- Policy number
- Coverage limits
- Additional insured parties (if the venue requests to be named on the policy)
How Do You Get a COI?
If you already have liability insurance, request a COI from your provider, usually at no extra cost. If you don’t have coverage, purchase a policy first. Many musicians choose TULIP insurance, which provides short-term event specific liability coverage and includes a COI.
- Confirm the event’s requirements, including coverage limits and additional insureds.
- Request a COI from your insurance provider if you have liability coverage.
- Purchase a TULIP policy if you do not already have liability coverage, and then request a COI from the provider.
- Submit the COI to the event before your event.
COI vs. TULIP: What’s the Difference?
A COI proves that you have insurance, while TULIP provides the coverage. If you don’t have insurance, purchasing TULIP allows you to obtain a COI and meet event requirements.
Want to learn more about TULIP insurance? Read our guide to TULIP here.
Final Thoughts
A COI is essential for touring musicians, as many events won’t book performances without it. Getting the right insurance protects you from financial risks and ensures you meet event requirements. If you need liability coverage or a COI, ICONAC can help you secure the right policy for your performance.
