AV Insurance

There's no specific license you need to work as an AV technician. However, there are some basic recommendations and requirements for your business:

• Business license. Every business owner typically needs a business license to operate legally.
• Proof of insurance. Clients and venues may require proof of liability insurance to cover bodily injuries and property damage involving your business. They'll typically ask to be included in your general liability policy as an additional insured.
• Permits. You might need a permit to record at a state park, street, sidewalk, or other public location, or to use drones in certain areas.
• Certifications. Becoming a certified AV technician demonstrates professionalism and expertise. It also boosts your credibility with employers, which can land you better-paying gigs.

Examples of certifications include Certified Audio Engineer (CAE), Certified Video Engineer (CVE), and Certified Technology Specialist (CTS). In addition, large corporate clients may ask you to carry professional liability insurance (E&O insurance) or workers' compensation to protect against financial losses related to your services.

AV contractors who work as freelancers or sole proprietors face many of the same risks as bigger businesses, and often have similar insurance requirements.

Self-employed audio-visual technicians, even those who work from home, may need the following:

• General liability insurance covers financial losses from third-party accidents, such as a wedding guest who trips over a light stand and breaks their wrist.
• Professional liability insurance helps pay for legal defense costs if you misplace a recording or your equipment fails during a live event.
• Cyber insurance covers costly data breaches and cyberattacks, providing crucial protection for AV contractors who handle personal information.
• Tools and equipment insurance reimburses you for stolen or damaged speakers, consoles, lights, and other AV equipment used on-site at venues.
• Hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) provides liability coverage for personal, rented, and leased vehicles used for business purposes.
• Workers' comp insurance helps pay for job-related medical bills and provides disability benefits while you're recovering.

Keep in mind, personal insurance policies such as health insurance, homeowner's insurance, and personal auto insurance usually won't cover commercial activities, which is why you likely need additional coverage.

Yes, installers in particular should invest in tools and equipment insurance and products-completed operations insurance.

• Tools and equipment coverage, also called inland marine insurance, covers installation tools, cameras, lighting, and audio equipment in transit and at jobsites. This protection is crucial for installers who work at different sites, as commercial property insurance only covers items at your primary business location.
• Products-completed operations insurance, or product liability insurance, pays for legal defense costs related to harm caused by an installer's products or completed services. For example, speakers or other equipment could catch fire due to inadequate ventilation, or defective clamps could cause a light or a screen to fall on someone.

AV installers also need the same liability protection as other AV contractors. Every installer should carry general liability insurance to cover accidental injuries and property damage that happen during an installation. Most general liability policies include product liability coverage as well.

AV technicians often invest in the following insurance products to protect against unexpected losses:

• Commercial property insurance covers your building, computers, AV equipment, furnishings, and other items at your business location in the event of a fire, storm, or burglary. If you don't have an office, then you can add business personal property (BPP) coverage to your general liability policy to insure business property stored at your home.
• Business interruption insurance helps audio-visual companies recover from a forced closure due to a fire or other covered property claim. It's also called business income insurance.
• Equipment breakdown insurance protects against financial losses caused by the sudden failure of a mixing console or other sensitive equipment.

Our licensed experts can help you choose the best coverage options and answer any questions you have about your insurance needs. They can also help you find special event insurance for weddings or other events outside of your day-to-day operations.

Some of the top factors that affect the cost of audio-visual technician insurance include:

• Location: Localized factors such as crime rates, healthcare costs, foot traffic, risk of natural disasters, and property values can impact your insurance premiums.
• Types of services: An AV technician who offers basic troubleshooting can expect to pay less for insurance than one who sets up and produces live events.
• Value of property and equipment: It'll cost more to insure expensive audio/visual equipment than basic gear.
• Annual revenue: Businesses that earn more revenue are associated with costlier claims, which means they pay more for insurance.
• Number of employees: A larger workforce brings an increased risk of accidents and injuries, which raises the cost of general liability, workers' comp, and similar policies.
• Coverage limits and deductibles: You can save money on insurance by opting for lower liability limits or higher deductibles on your policies, but make sure it's enough to cover a potential claim.
• Claims history: An AV business that has filed insurance claims in the past will cost more to insure than one with a clean claims history.

A strong focus on risk management helps your business avoid incidents and subsequent claims, which helps keep your rates low. Some AV technicians include waivers in the terms of their contracts to reduce the chance of a liability claim.