Why do choirs and orchestras need insurance?
Musical groups often work in public spaces, interacting with venues, audiences, volunteers, and valuable equipment. Whether rehearsing in churches or performing in concert halls, you may face risks that could lead to legal claims and financial losses.
The right cover can help minimise disruption, supporting your choir or orchestra if a claim is brought against you.
Venue damage
Equipment and instruments can sometimes cause accidental damage to venues. For example, heavy equipment stands might damage flooring during setup, or instruments could mark walls or surfaces. If a venue owner claims for the repair costs, public liability insurance can help cover your legal defence costs and compensation awards.
Volunteer injury
Volunteers often handle equipment, manage events, and assist with performances. If a volunteer is injured while moving staging equipment or setting up for concerts, they may seek compensation for medical expenses or lost earnings from their paid job.
Employers’ liability insurance can help cover your legal defence costs and compensation awards if a volunteer or an employee of yours is injured as a result of your activities.
Trustee decisions
If your choir or orchestra is a registered charity, trustees can come under scrutiny over financial or governance decisions. For example, problems can occur if financial records aren’t kept correctly. In such cases, trustees could face costly claims or investigations from regulatory bodies.
Although trustees and individual liability insurance isn’t legally required, this type of cover can help with legal defence costs and claims for compensation brought against trustees.1 (external link)
What insurance is available for choirs and orchestras?
Public liability insurance
Public liability insurance for choirs and orchestras can help protect against claims if someone is injured or their property is damaged as a result of your group’s activities. For instance, an audience member might trip over equipment at a concert, or your sound system could damage another performer's instruments.
Many venues require proof of public liability insurance before confirming bookings.
Employers' liability insurance
Employers' liability insurance can help with compensation claims and legal defence costs if an employee of yours is injured while carrying out work for you. This type of insurance is legally required if your group employs staff, with minimum coverage of £5 million.2 (external link)
Policies also include cover for volunteers, who are typically treated as employees when it comes to insurance.
Trustees and individual liability insurance
For choirs or orchestras registered as charities, trustees can be held personally liable for management decisions, particularly around financial oversight and regulatory compliance.3 (external link) Trustees and individual liability insurance can help with legal defence costs and compensation awards relating to claims for negligence, breach of duty, or mismanagement.
If you’re not sure what you need, tell us a little more about your choir or orchestra business. We’ll help you to build your quote and explore any other insurance needs.
Build my coverInsurance for choirs and orchestras: FAQs
What risks do musical groups commonly face?
Common risks include venue damage during rehearsals and performances, volunteer injuries while handling equipment, trustee liability issues around financial management, public liability incidents involving audiences, and theft or damage to instruments and sound systems. Choir and orchestra insurance policies can be tailored to address specific risks faced by musical ensembles.
Can a single policy cover all group members?
Choir insurance and orchestra insurance can typically cover registered members, volunteers, committee members, and regular participants under one policy. This usually includes performers, accompanists, technical helpers, and trustees during official activities.
Can hired or borrowed equipment be insured?
Contents insurance can help protect hired or borrowed equipment for which you are legally responsible if it is lost, stolen or damaged. High-value items such as concert pianos or professional sound systems may require declaration to your insurer. This type of insurance is for items primarily used within your group’s premises.
Does insurance cover travel to events or performances?
Portable equipment insurance can be useful if you travel for performances. It provides additional protection for instruments and equipment that regularly move between venues. Unlike contents insurance, it’s designed to offer protection when you’re away from your usual premises. This cover can be arranged on a UK, Europe, or worldwide basis, as required.
Related articles and guides
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