Looking for a generic "Request For Proof Of Insurance For Vendors" I can give local venues to show what and how they can ask for it. I have one from the web I can use if need be, but wanted something more generic.
Proof of Insurance
- Thread starter djsarge
- Start date
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Guest
Guest
Hampton,
So far only two venues that i have worked in have ever requested proof of insurance one in Richmond and one in C-ville, both of them I was working directly for the venue. Generally they just ask you to fax a copy of your certificate to them before the start of the contracted events.
The venues who are going to require it already know how to request it, those that don't aren't going to request it. I have worked from Staunton to Winchester and no venue or school I have worked in through that entire area has ever requested it.
While I think you have a great idea in trying to cut out the lower priced DJs in your area, personally I don't think it is going to work because the vast majority of DJs that work in these venues are hired by the client not the venue, when the venues start stopping the uninsured DJs at the door they are going to start having some major problems with the clients (who are paying big bucks for the ballrooms). What you are asking for is the venue to cut off it's nose for you!
As far as having insurance goes you get it incase "YOU" need it not for the benefit of the venue you are working in! So unless I am working directly for the venue it is a non-issue, as for the clients they are responsible for all fees and required permits and the venues already have insurance to cover the actions of the clients.
At the least you will simply annoy the management of the venue and make them wonder what a DJ is capable of in trying to get them to check for insurance, at the most you may annoy them to the point they don't want you in their establishment. Stop and think about what you are asking for, the managers of most large venues are college educated with business degrees and have taken rudimentary courses in business law. Some may take you approaching them on this issue as a diss of their ability to know how to run their business., it is best to do our jobs and let everyone else do theirs!~
So far only two venues that i have worked in have ever requested proof of insurance one in Richmond and one in C-ville, both of them I was working directly for the venue. Generally they just ask you to fax a copy of your certificate to them before the start of the contracted events.
The venues who are going to require it already know how to request it, those that don't aren't going to request it. I have worked from Staunton to Winchester and no venue or school I have worked in through that entire area has ever requested it.
While I think you have a great idea in trying to cut out the lower priced DJs in your area, personally I don't think it is going to work because the vast majority of DJs that work in these venues are hired by the client not the venue, when the venues start stopping the uninsured DJs at the door they are going to start having some major problems with the clients (who are paying big bucks for the ballrooms). What you are asking for is the venue to cut off it's nose for you!
As far as having insurance goes you get it incase "YOU" need it not for the benefit of the venue you are working in! So unless I am working directly for the venue it is a non-issue, as for the clients they are responsible for all fees and required permits and the venues already have insurance to cover the actions of the clients.
At the least you will simply annoy the management of the venue and make them wonder what a DJ is capable of in trying to get them to check for insurance, at the most you may annoy them to the point they don't want you in their establishment. Stop and think about what you are asking for, the managers of most large venues are college educated with business degrees and have taken rudimentary courses in business law. Some may take you approaching them on this issue as a diss of their ability to know how to run their business., it is best to do our jobs and let everyone else do theirs!~
Since most people seem to book their venue before booking a vendor, nudging the venue to make it known to the client that they prefer the vendors to have insurance may help the client look for those vendors in the first place. No venue has to say they will only work with vendors that have insurance, but they can suggest clients look for them.
It may also be true that some of these venues don't know they can ask the vendors for insurance. After all, it's just a DJ. They don't realize that a vendor having insurance can also potentially protect the venue from lawsuits. What if the uninsured vendor cause a major problem and the client decides to sue the venue?
Part of my job is to work with the venue and be a partner in their success. Suggesting they recommend and encourage clients to look for insured vendors works for them and the vendor. Giving them a potential tool is not a waste of time and having a good working relationship with the venue will not annoy them. If it does, then they have the issue.
It may also be true that some of these venues don't know they can ask the vendors for insurance. After all, it's just a DJ. They don't realize that a vendor having insurance can also potentially protect the venue from lawsuits. What if the uninsured vendor cause a major problem and the client decides to sue the venue?
Part of my job is to work with the venue and be a partner in their success. Suggesting they recommend and encourage clients to look for insured vendors works for them and the vendor. Giving them a potential tool is not a waste of time and having a good working relationship with the venue will not annoy them. If it does, then they have the issue.
Sarge
We simply provide a certificate of insurance to each new client we work for. It is a subtle way to encourage/inform. You could do the same for the venues. Just pretend it's common place. It is for me. Every school we work for gets a w-9, a tech rider, a exempt form they need to fill out and return and a cert of liability. When you book an event, just send your info to the venue to have on file. I have done that at a few venues just to say "we have liability, do all of your vendors?". Just tell them you are providing a copy for them to keep on file.
We simply provide a certificate of insurance to each new client we work for. It is a subtle way to encourage/inform. You could do the same for the venues. Just pretend it's common place. It is for me. Every school we work for gets a w-9, a tech rider, a exempt form they need to fill out and return and a cert of liability. When you book an event, just send your info to the venue to have on file. I have done that at a few venues just to say "we have liability, do all of your vendors?". Just tell them you are providing a copy for them to keep on file.
I provide each and every venue, I perform at, with a Certificate of Insurance, my business card, and my brochure, the first time i perform there. It is part of my introduction to the manager. I do this to initiate a conversation to become one of their preferred vendors.
After the conversation has initiated, I ask if they require me to have them listed as an additional insured.
This has proven very effective in getting the venues to recognize me as a legitimate business, and receive recommended vendor status from them.
After the conversation has initiated, I ask if they require me to have them listed as an additional insured.
This has proven very effective in getting the venues to recognize me as a legitimate business, and receive recommended vendor status from them.
I do that too Steve, but my thought here is to encourage venues to ask for it and provide a simple way to do it.
I have only had 1 venue ever ask me to show proof of liability insurance, I have tried to softly encourage most venues to require it, but most look at me like I'm crazy.
I still can't find an insurance company that will insure my business (because of the low volume we do every year under $50000 in receipts).
Mike
Mike
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Guest
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I never thought of doing that, and I think it is a good idea! Generally though when I go into a venue to setup the banquet captain is usually my contact, very seldom do I get greeted by the manager. School dances it is generally a teacher and then the principal after I am setup and ready to roll.
But I like the idea of leaving them with the information, I learn something everyday here! As far as perfered DJ list go I almost always get asked for my card by the venue anyway, so this would be the perfect time to hand them a package instead of just a card!
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Guest
Guest
Some companies will give you liability coverage for just a day if you need it once you get it setup with them all it takes is a phone call! So if you have a venue that requires proof of insurance all you need to do is make a phone call have the POI faxed to you and you are in business.
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I agree with you in principal, but again the DJ is generally hired by the client as is the venue, each of them under contract to that client! If the DJ screwed up he would be directly responsible to the client, if the venue screws up would you think the DJ would be liaible? Now if the DJ damaged the venue he could be held responsible by the venue, but generally speaking since the DJ is hired by the client the venue would hold the client responsible and the client would have to file a cross suit against the DJ.
What could the DJ possibly do that the client would hold the venue responsible for? In Val's case She is dealing with tons of gear, large speaker stacks, flown and/or very large trussing systems. Systems such as hers has the potential to cause major damage to a facility in an accident and certainly require a lot more insurance than most of us carry. My insurance for one year cost me less than a single gig, which I bet is less than 1/4 of what she is getting for her smallest gig. I wouldn't even want to know what she is paying!
Very Well said. Everyone would love to stifle competition especially the unfair ones. This subject had been brought up in many ways before by others. Just do what you do the best you can and remember you are an independent contractor and what others do or don't do should not affect your performance. There are others out there who are also trying to make a buck the best way they know. It may not be up to your standards but who's to judge.
Mike you can get insurance through the ADJA or WEDJ.com.
The ADJA offers a policy through Nuccio , their agent. The policy is underwritten by Travellers Insurance. Membership in the ADJA grants you a discounted price, although you can purchase the policy direct from Nuccio if your prefer.
WEDJ offers a policy, and no membership is required.
Both company policies cost approximately the same.
The size of your business is not a consideration.
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Guest
Guest
Personally, I have never heard of a DJ being sued for a liability action, but it would be great if a few of the uninsured were hit from time to time! It would put them out of business completely and not just send them out to purchase the insurance!
Originally Posted by djsarge View Post
Since most people seem to book their venue before booking a vendor, nudging the venue to make it known to the client that they prefer the vendors to have insurance may help the client look for those vendors in the first place. No venue has to say they will only work with vendors that have insurance, but they can suggest clients look for them.
Not true. The venue has complete discretion on contractors working on the venue's premises. Many venues here in New Jersey not only require a Certificate of Insurance, but also require a certificate naming the venue as an additional-insured.
Almost all of the adult community homeowners associations require additional-insured certificates as well.
We live and work in a very litigious society today. Anyone can sue anybody for literally anything.
When you get named in a law suit, you will need a good lawyer to insure you are not held financially responsible for event s beyond your control.
When you have liability insurance, the insurance underwriter provides you with legal counsel for the proceedings.
That alone is well worth the meager $150 annual policy cost.
Since most people seem to book their venue before booking a vendor, nudging the venue to make it known to the client that they prefer the vendors to have insurance may help the client look for those vendors in the first place. No venue has to say they will only work with vendors that have insurance, but they can suggest clients look for them.
Not true. The venue has complete discretion on contractors working on the venue's premises. Many venues here in New Jersey not only require a Certificate of Insurance, but also require a certificate naming the venue as an additional-insured.
Almost all of the adult community homeowners associations require additional-insured certificates as well.
We live and work in a very litigious society today. Anyone can sue anybody for literally anything.
When you get named in a law suit, you will need a good lawyer to insure you are not held financially responsible for event s beyond your control.
When you have liability insurance, the insurance underwriter provides you with legal counsel for the proceedings.
That alone is well worth the meager $150 annual policy cost.
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Guest
Guest
Mike to add to what Steve listed,
There are too many companies that provide small business umberella liability policies to list.
Just a few are!
Wellsfargo
Nationwide
E-insurance (which is who I moved to and saved myself almost $200 per year)
Tech Insurance
State Farm
Geico
There are too many companies that provide small business umberella liability policies to list.
Just a few are!
Wellsfargo
Nationwide
E-insurance (which is who I moved to and saved myself almost $200 per year)
Tech Insurance
State Farm
Geico
The DJ would be directly responsible to the client, but how would it look to the client if the DJ was one the venue recommended? Do you think there are clients out there that would blame every one and their brother if their Wedding was ruined by the DJ?
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Guest
Guest
Honestly, I believe you just made my point! What you are asking the venues to do is limit the clients to only those DJs the venue approves of. Then if the DJ screws the pooch the client does have someone to really blame (the venue)! The best situation for the venue is to allow the client the ability to make their own choices (good or bad) and not become involved in micro managing the clients affairs beyond what they are supplying. An example could be the situations that DJs find themselves in with "party and wedding planners" many DJs don't like the inept interference from some of these planners because many don't know the aspects of the DJing process. The clients by the same token may not like the venue's inept interference in the process of picking said DJ!
Let's say the client has always used (and loves) Dick's DJ service who doesn't have insurance. but the venue tells the client that the DJ must have a liability policy and name the venue on that policy! Now the DJ says no way even if he has insurance! Which I agree with, I am not going to name the Venue as a covered entity on my policy, it's just not a very smart business move, my insurance is for my protection not that of everyone elses! Will the venue be willing to refund the client's money so that he can find a venue that allows "HIS" DJ to work or will they simply say "damn that was stupid of me?" My bet is on the venue dropping that policy like a hot potato. In the current economic situation it is going to become even tighter for DJs, Venues, and Caterers, so most will do whatever they have to, to make sure the client is happy and stays with them.
As far as the DJ being picked after the fact, I can't say that is true I have done several gigs where the client hired me and told me they would get back to me on the location after they had found a venue. I currently have a contract pending while the client is looking for a venue.
I do the Virginia postal workers union party every year and I am booked a year in advance and don't even know what city the event is going to take place in.
I do know a DJ who used his liability insurance. He is a multi op and one of his guys scratched a gym floor during load out.
We spend less than $1000 a year on liability. Some day we may up our policy, but for now it suits us ok. At least it's something (though only a $1 mil policy). We do not do any flown systems; everything is ground support. Liability is a lot more expensive (if you can get it) when you are hanging things above peoples heads. Our policy is audited every so often and adjusted for number of events, etc. Not a big deal.
Esoteric:
A minimum income should have nothing to do with it; you haven't talked to enough agents yet. I went with a local American Family agent because then I have an agent in town to ask questions, change anything in our policies or pick up certificate of insurance as needed.
We spend less than $1000 a year on liability. Some day we may up our policy, but for now it suits us ok. At least it's something (though only a $1 mil policy). We do not do any flown systems; everything is ground support. Liability is a lot more expensive (if you can get it) when you are hanging things above peoples heads. Our policy is audited every so often and adjusted for number of events, etc. Not a big deal.
Esoteric:
A minimum income should have nothing to do with it; you haven't talked to enough agents yet. I went with a local American Family agent because then I have an agent in town to ask questions, change anything in our policies or pick up certificate of insurance as needed.
Honestly, I believe you just made my point! What you are asking the venues to do is limit the clients to only those DJs the venue approves of.
Not really. I don't believe I said anywhere in this thread I wanted to do that. You're just reading it that way. Vendors are on the recommended list for a reason. A good one hopefully. A recommended vendor list is just that, a recommendation. If a client has a favorite vendor, be it DJ, bakery, whatever, they can use them. My belief though, is that most people will not have a family favorite and will look upon that list as a good source to start. BTW, from reading other posts, it seems some major venues DO require the outside vendors to have insurance. I doubt in these times they will drop this policy. People and businesses will want all the protection they can get.
Let's say the client has always used (and loves) Dick's DJ service who doesn't have insurance. but the venue tells the client that the DJ must have a liability policy and name the venue on that policy! Now the DJ says no way even if he has insurance! Which I agree with, I am not going to name the Venue as a covered entity on my policy, it's just not a very smart business move, my insurance is for my protection not that of everyone elses! Will the venue be willing to refund the client's money so that he can find a venue that allows "HIS" DJ to work or will they simply say "damn that was stupid of me?" My bet is on the venue dropping that policy like a hot potato. In the current economic situation it is going to become even tighter for DJs, Venues, and Caterers, so most will do whatever they have to, to make sure the client is happy and stays with them.
Let's say Dick's DJ Service is an idiot for not having insurance. lol
If the client put more importance on their DJ than the venue, wouldn't this be a wonderful world? Since this is not the norm, I'd have to say the vendor is the one that will have to make the adjustment. It will also keep the venue from having Dick on their vendors list. Again, MOST people will not have a favorite DJ. It's more likely someone will have a favorite florist (that is hopefully smart enough to have insurance) before most other vendors. Also, if the venues drops that policy like a hot potato over one vendor or one client the venue is in serious trouble anyway. I would think most clients would understand the policy. If not, they weren't the venues customer anyway. (Have often have we heard that?).
As far as the DJ being picked after the fact, I can't say that is true I have done several gigs where the client hired me and told me they would get back to me on the location after they had found a venue. I currently have a contract pending while the client is looking for a venue.
I do the Virginia postal workers union party every year and I am booked a year in advance and don't even know what city the event is going to take place in.
It has happened to me too, but would you say this is the norm? I think not.
Not really. I don't believe I said anywhere in this thread I wanted to do that. You're just reading it that way. Vendors are on the recommended list for a reason. A good one hopefully. A recommended vendor list is just that, a recommendation. If a client has a favorite vendor, be it DJ, bakery, whatever, they can use them. My belief though, is that most people will not have a family favorite and will look upon that list as a good source to start. BTW, from reading other posts, it seems some major venues DO require the outside vendors to have insurance. I doubt in these times they will drop this policy. People and businesses will want all the protection they can get.
Let's say the client has always used (and loves) Dick's DJ service who doesn't have insurance. but the venue tells the client that the DJ must have a liability policy and name the venue on that policy! Now the DJ says no way even if he has insurance! Which I agree with, I am not going to name the Venue as a covered entity on my policy, it's just not a very smart business move, my insurance is for my protection not that of everyone elses! Will the venue be willing to refund the client's money so that he can find a venue that allows "HIS" DJ to work or will they simply say "damn that was stupid of me?" My bet is on the venue dropping that policy like a hot potato. In the current economic situation it is going to become even tighter for DJs, Venues, and Caterers, so most will do whatever they have to, to make sure the client is happy and stays with them.
Let's say Dick's DJ Service is an idiot for not having insurance. lol
If the client put more importance on their DJ than the venue, wouldn't this be a wonderful world? Since this is not the norm, I'd have to say the vendor is the one that will have to make the adjustment. It will also keep the venue from having Dick on their vendors list. Again, MOST people will not have a favorite DJ. It's more likely someone will have a favorite florist (that is hopefully smart enough to have insurance) before most other vendors. Also, if the venues drops that policy like a hot potato over one vendor or one client the venue is in serious trouble anyway. I would think most clients would understand the policy. If not, they weren't the venues customer anyway. (Have often have we heard that?).
As far as the DJ being picked after the fact, I can't say that is true I have done several gigs where the client hired me and told me they would get back to me on the location after they had found a venue. I currently have a contract pending while the client is looking for a venue.
I do the Virginia postal workers union party every year and I am booked a year in advance and don't even know what city the event is going to take place in.
It has happened to me too, but would you say this is the norm? I think not.