danielh
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Performer's insurance
I have a couple of non-marketing business questions.
Where does one get performer's insurance? I don't currently do a fire act, so I don't think I'll have too big a problem, but I don't know wear to start.
Also, when do I have to start filing with the IRS and Social Security and all that? I'm not doing this as my only job just yet.
Thanks for the help,
-Dan
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6/3/2004, 4:53 pm
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David Straitjacket
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Re: Performer's insurance
Hi Daniel
Insurance is necessary whatever you do, a kid trips over a dropped juggling ball and you could end up in court, it sucks but there it is. And if you don't have a policy to cover you then the bastards can end up going after your house, or even your future income!
I don't know about getting insurance in the US, I'm sure there are people here who will know. Over here in the UK, Equity (which is the performers union) provide £5 million worth of cover for £65 a year. Its well worth it, you also get legal representation if you don't get paid for a gig, some medical cover and a bunch of other benefits. There might be a similar scheme operated by a US performers union.
DS
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6/5/2004, 11:46 pm
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danielh
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Re: Performer's insurance
There's Actor's Equity over here, but it's not just a buy-in programme. You have to earn your card. I used to have points towards both Equity and IATSE, but they've lapsed by now.
I remember on Slim's someone mentioning a Clown's union that offered fire insurance. Maybe they have a general performer's insurance as well?
-Dan
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6/6/2004, 3:21 am
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crispyx
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Re: Performer's insurance
Yes Clowns of the US have performers insurance, it's a 2 million dollar policy for $180 a year, the coverage renews april 25th each year and is not prorated. This insurance covers more than just fire but for fire performers it's one of the only ones that covers fire also.
The world is sue happy and anyone performing should have insurance. And in most areas to get a permit to perform fire insurance is is required.
Here's the website: http://www.clownsoftheus.com/
on taxes, technically you should file a 1099 for anything you make performing, so far I never have although doing so would also allow you to write off a lot of expenses.
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6/6/2004, 2:19 pm
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danielh
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Re: Performer's insurance
Thank you. As the son of an insurance lawyer, I'm quite aware of the need to have it.
I don't yet do a fire act, but I am planning on adding it to my rep later.
-Dan
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6/6/2004, 3:08 pm
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Stephon
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Re: Performer's insurance
There are several good threads on this topic in the forum over at performers.net
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6/6/2004, 4:49 pm
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Pele
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Re: Performer's insurance
Problem with Clowns of the US is they are underwritten by Lloyd's of London, who technically can not provide insurance in the US. This means that there is the possibility that if you make a claim, it will not stand up in court. Be very careful!
Also Clowns of the US is what I like to call a blanket party policy. This means that everyone who purchases coverage from them is actually sharing the same policy. (They bought one and essentially sell "shares" into it). One person screws up and makes a claim on it, everyone who has it gets screwed. (Hence the blanket party...on the person who screwed up.)
The good thing with them is the office staff are amazing and extremely expedient with paperwork.
It also does not cover personal medical, simply straight out general liability. Sadly, when you do get a fire act, it will be one of the more affordable insurances for you. (Others being pyrotechnic, circus grade, etc.)
However, because you do not have fire you could also become a member of Clowns of America, www.clownsofamerica.org They offer the same coverage, same price but it is not from set dates because you have your own policy that starts when you send in your money. The Drawback is that on top of your $180 insurance fee, you also must belong to Clowns of America (a $30/year fee). However, they have other perks such as scholarship and grant programs and such as well, to make the membership worth it.
Just another option.
Pele
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6/9/2004, 3:31 pm
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danielh
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Re: Performer's insurance
Thanks for the info, Pele. I plan on adding fire soon, so I went with Clowns of the US. If I get a number of jobs, I plan on talking directly to an insurance agency (I know an aerialist/fire dancing/fire eating troupe in Seattle that does this).
My father used to work for Lloyd's on occasion. (His comment on this is that the policy is also underwritten by clowns.) He didn't tell me not to go with them, though, so it should be okay. (Don't take that as legal advice.)
In another coincedence, Pele, a friend of mine in Rochester will be at your class tonight (she pretty sure you're the teacher).
-Dan
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6/9/2004, 5:59 pm
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