If you’re a touring artist, booking venues for your shows often comes with a requirement you might not have considered—liability insurance. Many venues won’t allow you to perform unless you provide proof of coverage. If you don’t already have a general liability policy, TULIP (Tenant User Liability Insurance Policy) is a simple way to meet this requirement.
TULIP is a short-term liability insurance policy designed for artists, performers, and event organizers renting venues. It protects against property damage, injuries to attendees, and legal costs that could arise from incidents during your event. This type of policy is often required by venues to minimize their own risk, ensuring that if an accident happens, the financial responsibility doesn’t fall on them—or you
Key Takeaways:
- TULIP insurance provides short-term liability coverage for touring artists, protecting against venue-related risks.
- Many venues require TULIP to cover potential injuries, property damage, and legal costs.
- TULIP provides event-specific coverage, and ICONAC can help you meet venue insurance requirements.
Why Do Venues Require TULIP?
Venues host multiple events, and each one carries potential risks. If an attendee gets injured, equipment damages the property, or any other liability issue arises, someone has to be financially responsible. Instead of relying on their own insurance, many venues require performers to have their own liability coverage. This shifts the financial risk away from the venue and onto the event organizer or performer.
If you don’t have a general liability policy, TULIP offers a temporary and event-specific solution that satisfies venue requirements.
What Does Tulip Cover?
A TULIP policy typically includes:
- Bodily injury coverage – If an attendee gets hurt during your event (e.g., trips on cables, falls in the venue, or is injured in any way related to the event)
- Property damage coverage – If you or your equipment cause damage to the venue, such as broken fixtures, scratched floors, or damaged walls.
- Legal costs – If the venue or a third party files a claim against you for injuries or damages, your policy can cover legal expenses.
It’s important to review the specific terms of your TULIP policy, as coverage limits and exclusions may vary depending on the provider.
How Do You Get TULIP?
Some venues have prearranged TULIP programs, meaning you can purchase coverage directly through them. If a venue does not offer this option, you may need to buy a TULIP policy from an insurance provider that covers your event, such as Thimble or other event-specific insurers.
The process is usually straightforward:
- Check with the venue to see if they require TULIP or if they accept other forms of liability insurance.
- Get a quote from an insurance provider that offers event-specific liability coverage.
- Provide proof of insurance (COI) to the venue before your performance.
TULIP vs. COI: What’s the Difference?
When a venue asks for proof of insurance, they’ll often request a COI (Certificate of Insurance). A COI is not an insurance policy itself, it’s simply a document that confirms you have liability coverage.
If you already have a general liability insurance policy, you can request a COI from your provider to show the venue. However, if you don’t have existing coverage, TULIP is a way to obtain insurance specifically for a single event and then request a COI to fulfill the venue’s requirement.
Final Thoughts
TULIP is a practical solution for touring artists who need temporary liability coverage to meet venue requirements. It provides financial protection, covers common risks associated with live performances, and helps ensure that you can focus on your show without worrying about unexpected liabilities.
If you’re planning a performance and the venue requires insurance, TULIP is an easy way to get covered for a single event without committing to a full general liability policy. ICONAC can help you navigate insurance requirements and ensure you’re prepared for every show.
