Liability Insurance for the street. Good idea? Waste of money? Not talking about Mall work or Fairs and the like where something organized is happening. You, the street, and folks that get snared. Anybody have it? Ever needed it? Stupid question?

I'll answer with a parable.

One night, at the Hebrew Theatre, the M.C. stepped forward during the intermission and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, Morris Cohen, the greatest actor in the history of our theatre, and the man playing the lead in this play, just had a heart attack and died backstage. The play is cancelled. You may collect your money as you leave."

A voice from the balcony said, "GIVE HIM SOME CHICKEN SOUP!"

The MC said, "It won't help. He is dead."

The voice replied "Couldn't hoit!"

So that's it. It can't hurt.

Here is a good lead for some good insurance from the I.B.M.

http://www.magician.org/Liability_Insurance.htm

Good luck and continued success.

Never leave home without it, I would say it is a must. Some pitches wont allow you to work with out cover. Covent Garden, Victoria Inner Harbour, shop around you can get good deals. I go through Equity http://www.equity.org.uk/ it is only good for Europe, Bro Paul does sound like a good lead.
Mario

Forget Allstate, your in good hands at The Café!

Thanks for the wise input fellows. From "Couldn't hoit!" to "Never leave home without it, I would say it is a must." I haven't looked at what I.B.M. offers...yet. Again thanks, you guys are very much appreciated.

S.A.M. also offers liability insurance.

Yours,

Paul

Sorry, new to busking, but is Liability Insurance?

The IBM coverage is better than the SAM coverage. You need to examine both policies to understand the difference.

Ragiv:

Liability insurance covers damage you may do to someone or something while you are performing. Some venues require it, others don't. But it can save your property.

Clowns of America offers good performance liability insurance to members.

Bunch of Clowns.
Mario

Clowns of America is US$180 a year compared to I.B.M. for US$111 a year. Same coverage. My wife is a face painter and has CofA and I have IBM that's how I know the difference.

Peter

I get mine through the SAM and it has been great for me. I always use it and have a copy of it no matter where I am performing. As others have stated, many places will ask you to present this to them or they simply will not use you for a performance. I just find it is money very well spent.

Not only that, but I use it in my marketing. Why not. It looks good and is a benefit to the prospect that they know you care enough to have full liability coverage.

If you are busking, it is just good to be able to cover yourself in the event something goes wrong.

Kyle

Hey Bill
I belong to SAM, and IBM, my policy is with SAM. What is the difference?
Al

Insurance for a busker. If sued ,what would they expect to get-his table? shoes?Don t waste your money.

This is true if you don't own anything. But most of us own things like cars, houses, computers. If you own it they can take it. Spend the $200 bucks and CYA.

I agree, it is best to get the insurance. I carry it and I am glad I do. It is money well spent.

Kyle

So true, However you (not you, this is only for the U.S.) can join the Clowns instantly from any computer. No auditions, endorsments, waiting period,whatever; and get insurance right away.
Love the vest.

I got the clown insurance - if you add IBM dues to their insurance coverage, it works out to be about the same.

What I like about the clowns is that they will print a certificate at no charge ... most malls want a certificate with the name of the mall on it, so this can be a nice plus. I'm not sure which, but either IBM or SAM charges something like $30 for each certificate you request.

JoeJoe

Ok... I want a link to the Clown insurance. Anyone got one?

http://www.coai.org/