Theatre Insurance
Flexible insurance for theatre workers. Build your own cover to suit your needs with Public Liability, Equipment Insurance and more.
Theatre Insurance
Flexible insurance for theatre workers. Build your own cover to suit your needs with Public Liability, Equipment Insurance and more.
Flexible insurance cover tailored to the needs of theatre workers
From the unpredictability of live performances to the intricacies of set design, working in theatre can present a lot of risks. Theatre Insurance provides cover so that the unforeseen challenges of the performing arts don't compromise your production or your peace of mind.
Discover the different types of cover available to theatre workers and performers:
Public Liability Insurance
What it covers
Protection against claims made by third parties for injuries or property damage during your theatrical activities.
Why theatre professionals might need it
Whether it's an audience member tripping in the aisle or a prop causing accidental damage, this coverage can mean you're not left handling unexpected liabilities in the event of an accident.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
What it covers
Offers protection against claims of negligence, errors or omissions in the services or artworks you provide.
Why theatre professionals might need it
Theatre is a collaborative effort. From directors to set designers, if there's a claim of dissatisfaction or a perceived error in a production, this cover can help to protect your reputation as well as your finances. Copyright issues can also be included, for example, if you’ve accidentally got the wrong usage rights for a song or video you’ve included in a production.
Employers' Liability Insurance
What it covers
Protection against claims from employees related to injuries or illnesses sustained while working on your production.
Why theatre professionals might need it
From stagehands to lead actors, the theatre involves a myriad of roles. With dynamic sets and live performances, accidents can happen. Employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement if you have employees and provides cover in the event of claim made against you as an employer.
Equipment Insurance
What it covers
Protection for your theatrical gear – from lighting rigs to sound systems – against theft, damage or loss.
Why theatre professionals might need it
The equipment behind the scenes is as crucial as the performers on stage. A malfunctioning sound system or damaged prop can disrupt a show. Get covered so you can keep the show going.
Why Choose Mode Insurance?
The world of theatre is a combination of creativity and logistics.
At Mode Insurance, we understand that there are unique challenges and pressures involved with bringing stories to life on stage. Our tailored policies mean that every aspect of your production, from the first rehearsal to the final curtain call, can be covered.
With Mode Insurance, you're not just getting cover - you're gaining a partner that understands the risks of performing arts.
Insurance to suit you
Up to £50k equipment cover
Insure the tools of your trade, as well as hired-in equipment.
Project-by-project Public Liability insurance
Get PLI for £84 a year or choose a shorter term to suit you.
Be covered for contract disputes
Protect your reputation with Professional Indemnity insurance.
Who We Can Cover In The Theatre Industry
The world of theatre is rich with a variety of different professions and business models. Here’s a sample of the professions and organisations that our Theatre Insurance can cover:
- Theatre performers
- Set designers
- AV Technicians and Sound Engineers
- Theatre companies
- Theatre groups and drama groups
- Amateur theatre groups
- Pantomimes
- Theatre designers
- Theatre production companies
At Mode Insurance, we have developed an insurance product to help those freelancers, self-employed and small businesses with insurance, so if you are one of many people involved either front-of-house or behind-the-scenes then you can get cover to suit you.
Choose your cover and start your quote now
Public Liability insurance from £84 a year for £1m cover
Or choose your own cover limit of £2m, £3m or £5m.
Up to £50k all-risk technical and portable equipment cover
Covered in the UK & EU as standard or increase cover to worldwide.
Professional Indemnity - be covered for contract disputes
Protect your reputation with Professional Indemnity insurance with either a £100,000 or £250,000 limit.
Up to £50k cover for equipment that doesn’t leave your property
Protect the contents of your business and other technical equipment that doesn’t leave your property.
Employers’ Liability cover for up to 3 PAYE employees
Our Employers’ Liability cover provides £10,000,000 of cover.
Theatre Insurance FAQs
Below we have listed the most common questions we get from our customers about theatre insurance.
Why should I get a quote from Mode Insurance?
Our coverage is flexible and can be adjusted to suit periods of intense project work or times when you're between projects. Additionally, our policies are specifically designed for the creative industry and are suited to a wide range of professions.
Can I adjust my insurance coverage as my professional needs change?
Absolutely! We understand that the life of a creative freelancer is ever-changing. That’s why our insurance plans are designed to be as flexible as your career. You can choose from short-term options for specific projects or opt for longer-term coverage. Adjustments can be made to suit your current professional situation, whether you're scaling up your operations or downsizing.
Do I need Public Liability insurance?
Whether you need Public Liability insurance depends on the nature of your business. It's not a legal requirement, but it's particularly important if your business activities involve interaction with clients, customers or members of the public. This could be as simple as working from a coffee shop, all the way to working in a large stadium or event space.
How much Public Liability insurance cover do I need?
The amount of coverage you need depends on your business type, size and the specific risks involved. Typically, businesses opt for cover ranging from £1 million to £5 million, but it's best to assess your individual business needs.
You may find a minimum coverage amount specified in a contract that you are looking to secure as many other businesses, venues or local authorities will stipulate the amount of Public Liability insurance you need.
Is Public Liability insurance a legal requirement?
No, Public Liability insurance is not a legal requirement for most businesses in the UK. However, it can be important due to the financial protection it offers against claims from the public.
You may also find that Public Liability insurance is required by some clients, suppliers and partners before you work with them.
What is the difference between Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance?
Public Liability insurance covers injury or damage to third parties and their property, while Professional Indemnity insurance protects against claims of professional negligence or poor advice.
Can I get Public Liability insurance for one day?
Yes, one day Public Liability insurance is becoming increasingly popular and most businesses can obtain cover specifically for one day. This is ideal for short-term events like workshops, pop-up shops or a shoot you are organising.
This is great for budgeting and charging your clients as you know exactly how much the insurance has cost for the specific job.
Which type of creative freelancers need Equipment Insurance?
If your work requires the use of expensive specialist equipment, such as Photography Equipment, Film Equipment, laptops microphones and more, then Equipment Insurance can help provide peace of mind that you can repair or replace any of your important work tools if they are stolen, lost or accidentally damaged.
How much Equipment Insurance cover do I need?
This will depend on the value of your equipment and how much it would cost to replace it all if it were stolen, lost or accidentally damaged.
We can provide up to £50k of Equipment Insurance to cover all of your vital work gear.
What equipment is covered?
The policy covers the equipment you need to keep your business up and running that you take away from the premises.
Some examples of equipment that can be covered are:
- Communication tools, such as desktops, laptops, mobiles, and tablets
- Essential work equipment, such as graphic tablets and hairdressing equipment
- Photography equipment, such as including cameras, lighting, and staging equipment
- Accessories, such as lenses, lighting rigs, etc.
- Cameras and ancillary equipment
- PA, sound and lighting equipment
- Portable electrical equipment
- Mechanical effects equipment
- Grip equipment
- Props, sets and wardrobes
- Makeup and prosthetics
- Editing and recording equipment
- Video and broadcast equipment
Who needs Professional Indemnity insurance?
Creative professionals who provide advice, consultancy work or work under a contract with a client can consider Professional Indemnity insurance.
This includes, but is not limited to, graphic designers, photographers and marketing consultants.
How much does Professional Indemnity insurance cost?
The cost of Professional Indemnity insurance varies based on factors like your profession, the level of risk and the amount of coverage needed.
How much Professional Indemnity insurance do I need?
The amount of cover required depends on your business size, the clients you work with, the types of contracts you work under and the potential risks involved in your services. It's a good idea to assess the maximum claim you could face and choose a limit that can comfortably cover this.
With Mode Insurance you can choose a Professional Indemnity insurance cover limit of either £100,000 or £250,000, depending on your needs and requirements.
Do I need Employers’ Liability insurance?
If you employ anyone, even on a casual or part-time basis, the law typically requires you to have Employers' Liability insurance. This means that you have at least the minimum cover if an employed person makes a claim against you.
What does Employers’ Liability insurance cover?
Employers’ liability insurance can provide cover for:
- Compensation if an employee claims for injury or illness caused while working for you.
- Fees for your legal representation at any coroner’s inquest of fatal accident inquiry and proceedings in any court of summary jurisdiction arising out of any alleged breach of statutory duty.
- The claimants’ legal costs for which you are legally liable.
