Ringmaster Insurance for Circus Shows, Big Tops, Festivals, Cabaret and Events

Professional Ringmasters Circus Hosts and Presenters

Suitable enquiries can include freelance ringmasters, resident circus hosts, touring presenters, variety comperes, cabaret hosts and performers engaged for circus-themed events.

The specialist broker should understand whether the ringmaster only introduces acts or also performs, teaches, manages performers, controls audiences or organises the complete show.

Big Tops Theatres Festivals and Touring Shows

Ringmasters can work in traditional big tops, theatres, arenas, cabaret venues, hotels, festivals, showgrounds and temporary event spaces.

Touring work can involve changing venues, large audiences, portable equipment, overnight storage, overseas travel and different contractual responsibilities at every engagement.

Audiences Children and Interactive Participation

A ringmaster may address audiences from the performance area, move through seated crowds or invite adults and children to participate.

The broker should know how participants enter the ring or stage, what they are asked to do, what supervision is provided and whether props or physical contact are involved.

Specialist Acts Equipment and Performance Boundaries

Shows can include aerial performers, acrobats, animals, fire, weapons, roller skating, stunts, music and special effects.

The ringmaster’s insurance should not automatically be presented as covering every act. Personal involvement in any specialist performance must be declared.

Circus Companies Organisers and Subcontractors

Some ringmasters also own or manage a circus company, arrange venues, sell tickets, employ staff and appoint specialist performers.

The enquiry should distinguish the ringmaster’s personal activities from the wider responsibilities of the producer, circus operator, venue and individual contractors.

Liability Property Cancellation and Claims

Public liability is central to the page, but employers’ liability, professional indemnity, personal accident, equipment, costumes, transit, cyber and business interruption can also be relevant.

Cancellation, non-appearance and property cover should not be assumed unless specifically considered and arranged.

Professional circus ringmasters

A professional ringmaster can act as the voice and public face of a circus performance.

Typical responsibilities may include welcoming the audience, introducing acts, maintaining the running order, filling unexpected pauses, making safety announcements and bringing the show to a close.

The broader Performers Public Liability Insurance page provides a supporting route for performers whose work extends beyond ringmaster duties.

The broker may ask whether the ringmaster:

Uses a stage name  •  Works alone or for a circus company  •  Follows a script  •  Improvises  •  Interacts with the audience  •  Invites participants into the ring  •  Performs additional acts  •  Uses props  •  Owns sound equipment  •  Writes show material  •  Coordinates performers  •  Works overseas

A detailed activity description is more useful than the single word ringmaster.

Freelance ringmasters

Freelance ringmasters may accept one-off engagements from circus companies, festivals, theatres, corporate organisers and private clients.

The performer should explain:

Number of annual engagements  •  Types of shows  •  Largest audience  •  Indoor and outdoor work  •  Venues  •  UK and overseas bookings  •  Equipment supplied  •  Additional performance skills  •  Work involving children  •  Audience participation  •  Contractual insurance requirements  •  Previous claims

The commissioning company’s policy should not automatically be assumed to protect an independent ringmaster.

Resident ringmasters

A resident ringmaster may present every show during a fixed season or permanent venue programme.

Regular duties can include rehearsals, technical briefings, cast introductions, audience announcements and emergency communication.

The broker should understand whether the ringmaster is an employee, self-employed contractor, partner, company director or owner of the circus.

Touring ringmasters

Touring ringmasters can work from temporary big tops, theatres, festivals, hotels and outdoor stages.

Touring exposures may include:

Frequent travel  •  Temporary venues  •  Different audience capacities  •  Portable sound equipment  •  Costumes in vehicles  •  Overnight accommodation  •  Property kept in trailers  •  Overseas performances  •  Multiple event contracts  •  Variable emergency procedures

Every material territory and working arrangement should be declared.

Circus company owners acting as ringmaster

A person described as a ringmaster may also own and operate the entire circus business.

Their responsibilities can include:

Booking venues  •  Employing performers  •  Appointing subcontractors  •  Erecting a big top  •  Providing seating  •  Selling tickets  •  Managing audiences  •  Operating sound and lighting  •  Keeping animals  •  Running workshops  •  Hiring equipment  •  Arranging transport  •  Managing cancellations

A performer-only insurance description will not reflect these wider responsibilities.

Events Public Liability Insurance may be relevant where the insured is responsible for organising the overall event.

Traditional circus ringmasters

Traditional ringmasters may host shows featuring a formal performance ring, distinctive costume and a varied programme of acts.

The broker should know whether the show includes animals, motorised acts, fire, aerial equipment, weapons or audience participation.

Traditional presentation does not itself determine the risk. The complete programme and ringmaster’s personal involvement remain important.

Contemporary circus presenters

Contemporary circus can combine theatre, dance, aerial work, physical performance, projection, music and immersive storytelling.

The presenter may perform as a narrator, character or participant rather than using a traditional ringmaster style.

The enquiry should explain movement, choreography, stage access, equipment and whether the presenter joins any physical act.

Family circus hosts

Family shows can involve large numbers of children, audience games and opportunities to meet performers.

The broker should understand:

Audience age range  •  Participation  •  Ring or stage access  •  Props  •  Photographs  •  Meet-and-greet sessions  •  Workshops  •  Safeguarding procedures  •  Parent supervision  •  One-to-one interaction

Insurance does not replace appropriate safeguarding arrangements.

Community and youth circus presenters

Community circuses and youth organisations may provide performances, rehearsals, workshops and public events.

A ringmaster may host shows while also working with participants during training and rehearsal.

Where practical circus skills are taught, Physical Workshop Performer Public Liability Insurance may provide a relevant supporting route.

The instructor’s qualifications, skills taught, equipment and participant ages should be disclosed.

Variety show and cabaret hosts

Ringmasters may present variety shows, cabaret, burlesque, comedy and mixed-entertainment programmes.

The presenter should declare whether they also:

Perform comedy  •  Sing  •  Dance  •  Use adult material  •  Join audience games  •  Handle props  •  Introduce fire acts  •  Perform magic  •  Work in nightclubs  •  Host late-night shows

The venue, audience and complete content can influence insurer appetite.

Corporate event ringmasters

A circus-themed ringmaster may host awards ceremonies, conferences, product launches, company parties and team events.

The business should explain whether the ringmaster:

Only presents  •  Writes the running order  •  Coordinates speakers  •  Leads games  •  Hosts competitions  •  Manages performers  •  Provides event advice  •  Controls audience access  •  Operates equipment  •  Accepts responsibility for delays

Where role-based facilitation forms a substantial part of the engagement, Role Player Performers Liability Insurance may offer a useful supporting route.

Festival carnival and fairground hosts

A ringmaster can present performances at festivals, carnivals, fairs, showgrounds and town-centre events.

Outdoor work can introduce weather, temporary staging, crowd movement, vehicle access, generators and public areas that remain open.

The enquiry should establish whether the host presents one stage or has wider event-management responsibilities.

Theatre and arena ringmasters

A theatre or arena may supply staging, seating, sound, lighting, security and front-of-house staff.

The ringmaster should know which property belongs to the venue and which equipment they bring.

The Event Venue Insurance page is relevant to businesses operating the venue rather than visiting performers.

Big tops and circus tents

A temporary big top can contain:

Masts  •  Anchors  •  Guy ropes  •  Fabric walls and roof  •  Temporary seating  •  Performance rings  •  Staging  •  Lighting rigs  •  Sound equipment  •  Electrical cables  •  Generators  •  Heating  •  Emergency exits

The ringmaster’s liability policy should not be assumed to protect the person or company responsible for erecting and operating the structure.

The broker should know whether the ringmaster has any responsibility for inspections, audience capacity, emergency announcements or evacuation.

Marquees and temporary indoor venues

Circus-themed entertainment may also take place in marquees, temporary halls and pop-up event spaces.

Relevant factors include:

Structure provider  •  Installation  •  Weather  •  Heating  •  Electrical supply  •  Flooring  •  Seating  •  Fire exits  •  Audience capacity  •  Overnight security  •  Dismantling

Responsibility should be allocated clearly between the ringmaster, organiser, venue and structure contractor.

Outdoor arenas and showgrounds

Outdoor performances may use temporary rings, barriers, grandstands and public-address systems.

The broker should understand:

Expected attendance  •  Audience separation  •  Weather monitoring  •  Ground condition  •  Vehicle movements  •  Animal areas  •  Temporary power  •  Public access  •  Evening lighting  •  Emergency routes

Unsafe conditions may require the programme to be changed, postponed or cancelled.

Spoken presenting

Some ringmasters undertake only spoken introductions and announcements.

Activities may include:

Opening the show  •  Introducing performers  •  Explaining intervals  •  Announcing programme changes  •  Thanking sponsors  •  Making safety announcements  •  Leading applause  •  Closing the show

Even a spoken presenter can cause an accident through equipment, movement or audience interaction.

Scriptwriting and creative services

A ringmaster may write introductions, comedy material, links and the complete show script.

The broker should know whether the performer charges separately for:

Scriptwriting  •  Creative direction  •  Running-order design  •  Event planning  •  Performer briefing  •  Rehearsal management  •  Production consultancy  •  Brand messaging

Professional Indemnity Insurance may be relevant where clients rely on creative or professional services.

Improvisation and audience interaction

Improvised hosting allows the ringmaster to respond to performers, audience reactions and unexpected delays.

The business should consider:

Personal remarks  •  Participation  •  Interviews  •  Competitions  •  Children  •  Sensitive topics  •  Alcohol  •  Recorded performances  •  Social media clips  •  Brand reputation

An allegation involving spoken content may not be the same as a physical public liability claim.

Audience participation

Audience members may be invited into the ring, onto the stage or to take part from their seats.

The broker should know:

What participants do  •  Participant ages  •  Number participating  •  Props used  •  Physical contact  •  Stage height  •  Access steps  •  Lighting  •  Supervision  •  Consent  •  Whether participants are selected spontaneously

Participation involving circus skills or physical challenges should be described fully.

Children on stage

Family circus performances may invite children into a performance area for a simple game, introduction or photograph.

The organiser should consider:

Parent or guardian consent  •  Adult supervision  •  Stage access  •  Barriers  •  Props  •  Physical contact  •  Photography  •  Collection after participation  •  Emergency arrangements  •  Safeguarding

One-to-one work and backstage access should be declared.

Meet and greet sessions

Ringmasters may meet audiences after a show, pose for photographs and sign programmes.

The enquiry should explain whether the session includes:

Children  •  Queues  •  Props  •  Animals  •  Costume accessories  •  Autographs  •  Merchandise  •  Audience access backstage  •  Roped areas  •  Other performers

Crowd management may remain the responsibility of the venue or organiser, but this should be established rather than assumed.

Introducing aerial performers

A ringmaster may introduce trapeze, aerial silks, aerial hoop and high-wire acts while remaining at ground level.

The presenter’s insurance does not automatically cover the aerial performer, rigger or equipment.

The broker should know if the ringmaster:

Checks rigging  •  Enters elevated areas  •  Controls safety announcements  •  Stands below performers  •  Participates in the act  •  Controls audience separation  •  Has responsibility for rescue procedures

Specialist acts and contractors may need their own insurance.

Acrobats and physical circus acts

Acrobatics can include tumbling, balancing, partner work, human pyramids and spring-based equipment.

A ringmaster who only introduces the act presents a different exposure from one who joins rehearsals or physically assists performers.

Any personal participation should be declared.

Animal performances

A ringmaster may share a show with horses, dogs, birds, reptiles or other animals.

The enquiry should establish whether the ringmaster handles, owns, leads, feeds or controls any animal.

Dedicated pages are available for Falconry Display Public Liability Insurance, Snake Charmer Public Liability Insurance and Snake Dancer Public Liability Insurance.

The animal owner or handler may require separate protection.

Fire performers

The ringmaster may introduce fire breathers, fire dancers, jugglers and other flame-based acts.

The broker should know if the ringmaster:

Handles fire props  •  Lights equipment  •  Enters the fire-performance area  •  Assists the performer  •  Controls extinguishing equipment  •  Manages audience distances  •  Stores fuel  •  Participates in the act

Spoken introduction from a safe location should not be confused with undertaking the fire performance.

Weapons and dangerous props

Circus acts may use knives, swords, whips, bows, axes or realistic imitation weapons.

Any handling or use by the ringmaster requires specific disclosure.

The show organiser should establish:

Performer competence  •  Audience separation  •  Prop storage  •  Transport  •  Security  •  Rehearsal procedures  •  Emergency arrangements  •  Venue permission

Roller-skating and wheeled performances

Roller-skating acts can involve speed, ramps and substantial performance areas.

The Roller Skates Performers Liability Insurance page offers a dedicated route for those performers.

A ringmaster who also skates should not rely on a description limited to spoken hosting.

Sleigh rides and seasonal attractions

Christmas circus and winter events may include sleigh rides, seasonal characters and outdoor attractions.

The Sleigh Rides Liability Insurance page is relevant where passenger rides form a separate activity.

Weather, animals, vehicles and passenger transport should be described independently from ringmaster duties.

Lasers lighting and visual effects

A ringmaster may work around lasers, moving lights, projections, smoke and blackout effects.

The Laser Light Show Public Liability Insurance page provides a route for specialist laser-show operators.

The broker should know whether the ringmaster owns, installs or operates visual equipment or only performs within the production.

Live music and sound

Circus productions can include bands, musicians, DJs and recorded sound.

Where a business organises the complete concert or music event, Music Concert Public Liability Insurance may be relevant.

The ringmaster should disclose any personal performance as a musician or singer and any sound equipment they own.

Microphones and portable PA systems

A ringmaster may carry a radio microphone, amplifier, speaker or complete portable PA system.

Potential risks include:

Trailing cables  •  Unstable speaker stands  •  Electrical faults  •  Water exposure  •  Accidental venue damage  •  Theft  •  Hired equipment  •  Battery charging  •  Audience access  •  Noise complaints

Equipment values and use away from the main premises should be given to the broker.

Stages rings and performance areas

The ringmaster may perform on:

A circus ring floor  •  Raised stage  •  Arena floor  •  Theatre apron  •  Temporary platform  •  Mobile stage  •  Cabaret floor  •  Outdoor grass  •  Hardstanding  •  Audience walkway

Stage height, access steps, barriers, lighting and proximity to the audience can affect the risk.

Backstage and rehearsal work

Ringmasters commonly attend rehearsals, technical checks and performer briefings.

The broker should know whether the ringmaster:

Directs rehearsals  •  Moves equipment  •  Enters rigging areas  •  Supervises performers  •  Handles animals  •  Coordinates emergency procedures  •  Controls the running order  •  Works while structures are being erected  •  Has access to restricted areas

Duties undertaken outside the public performance should also be declared.

Circus workshops and demonstrations

A ringmaster may introduce members of the public to circus history, presentation or basic performance skills.

Activities Liability Insurance may be relevant to organisations running a wider range of public activities.

The enquiry should explain all equipment, group sizes, ages and physical participation.

Schools educational visits and outreach

Ringmasters may visit schools, colleges, museums and community organisations to provide talks, demonstrations or workshops.

The broker should know:

Participant ages  •  Class size  •  School supervision  •  Equipment  •  Physical activity  •  Safeguarding  •  Travel  •  Venue responsibility  •  Whether animals attend  •  Whether merchandise is sold

A talk with no physical participation differs from a practical circus-skills workshop.

Charity performances

A ringmaster may host charity galas, fundraising shows and community events.

The fact that a performance is unpaid or charitable does not remove potential liability.

The organiser should explain who controls ticketing, volunteers, venue arrangements, contractors and donations.

Amateur theatre and circus productions

Some ringmasters appear in theatre productions or amateur shows rather than commercial circus performances.

Amateur Dramatics Club Insurance may provide a more appropriate route where the main risk is a theatre group’s rehearsals and productions.

Circus organisers and producers

The organiser or producer can have responsibility for the entire production rather than one performance role.

The broker may require details of:

Venue  •  Dates  •  Attendance  •  Ticket income  •  Cast  •  Employees  •  Volunteers  •  Contractors  •  Temporary structures  •  Seating  •  Animals  •  Fire  •  Aerial acts  •  Security  •  First aid  •  Cancellation

An organiser should not assume that a policy arranged for the ringmaster protects the event itself.

Event contracts

Contracts can require the ringmaster to hold a specified public liability limit and accept certain responsibilities.

The broker should be shown relevant provisions involving:

Indemnities  •  Damage to the venue  •  Hired equipment  •  Cancellation  •  Non-appearance  •  Intellectual property  •  Recorded content  •  Confidentiality  •  Overseas jurisdiction  •  Subcontractors  •  Performer conduct  •  Audience interaction

Insurance should not be described as meeting every contractual obligation without confirmation.

Employees

A circus business may employ ringmasters, performers, stage staff, technicians, drivers, administrators and ticket staff.

Employers’ Liability Insurance is generally required where people are employed, subject to limited exemptions.

The broker should receive accurate wage estimates and descriptions of all duties, including work at height, animal handling, driving and equipment installation.

Freelancers and subcontractors

A show may use independent performers, riggers, technicians, animal handlers and equipment suppliers.

The organiser should understand:

Who appoints them  •  Who pays them  •  Who controls their work  •  Whether substitutes are allowed  •  What insurance they hold  •  Who supplies equipment  •  Who supervises them  •  Who accepts contractual responsibility

Describing someone as self-employed does not automatically determine their treatment under an insurance policy.

Volunteers and unpaid helpers

Community circuses and charity shows may use volunteers for ushering, tickets, costumes, setup and audience assistance.

Their duties and supervision should be declared.

Insurance arrangements for volunteers should not be assumed without checking the policy wording.

Public liability insurance

Public Liability Insurance may respond to eligible claims involving accidental injury to members of the public or accidental damage to third-party property arising from declared ringmaster activities.

Potential claims can involve:

Audience participation  •  Microphone cables  •  Props  •  Damage to venues  •  Meet-and-greet sessions  •  Children entering the ring  •  Portable sound equipment  •  Movement through seating areas

Cover remains subject to the policy limit, excess, exclusions and conditions.

Professional indemnity insurance

Professional indemnity may be relevant where the ringmaster provides professional services beyond performance.

These can include:

Scriptwriting  •  Creative direction  •  Show planning  •  Event consultancy  •  Production coordination  •  Workshop design  •  Performer training  •  Running-order advice  •  Brand messaging

The insurer should know how clients use and rely upon the advice.

Employers’ liability insurance

Employers’ liability may respond to eligible claims by employees suffering injury or illness arising from their work.

Higher-risk duties such as rigging, fire performance, animal handling and working at height must be disclosed rather than grouped under general entertainment work.

Personal accident insurance

A performer may wish to consider Personal Accident Insurance because an injury could prevent them from accepting work.

Group Personal Accident Insurance may be considered for an eligible group of performers or employees.

Benefits, waiting periods and activity restrictions depend on the selected protection.

Business contents insurance

Business Contents Insurance may be relevant for:

Costumes  •  Props  •  Microphones  •  Sound equipment  •  Computers  •  Recording equipment  •  Office furniture  •  Lighting  •  Signage  •  Merchandise

Property away from the premises, in a vehicle or at a venue may require specific extensions.

Goods in transit insurance

Goods in Transit Insurance may be relevant while costumes, props and equipment are transported between venues.

The broker should know about:

Maximum values  •  Owned vehicles  •  Couriers  •  Trailers  •  Unattended vehicles  •  Overnight storage  •  Overseas transport  •  Hired property  •  Fragile equipment

Costume and prop storage

Business property may be stored at home, in a commercial unit, backstage store, warehouse, trailer or self-storage facility.

The Business Goods and Stock in Self Storage page is relevant where commercial property is kept in self storage.

Every storage address and maximum value should be declared.

Working from home

Freelance ringmasters may administer bookings, write scripts, rehearse and store costumes at home.

Working From Home Insurance may be relevant where ordinary household insurance does not reflect the business equipment, visitors, deliveries or professional activity.

The home insurer, landlord or mortgage provider may also need to know about the business use.

Home studio insurance

A dedicated home studio may be used for rehearsals, voice recording, virtual performances and promotional filming.

Home Studio Insurance may be relevant where a spare room, garage or garden studio has substantial business use.

The broker should know whether other performers, clients or employees attend.

Commercial property insurance

A circus company may occupy an office, warehouse, rehearsal unit, costume workshop or equipment store.

Commercial Property Insurance may be relevant for buildings, fixtures and business property.

Set construction, prop manufacture, equipment repair and other workshop activities should be described separately.

Business interruption insurance

Business Interruption Insurance may help protect eligible income after insured damage disrupts the business.

The broker should understand the organisation’s dependency on:

Premises  •  Costumes  •  Props  •  Sound equipment  •  Ticket systems  •  Essential performers  •  Stored equipment  •  Touring dates  •  Seasonal bookings

Websites and online bookings

A ringmaster or circus company may rely on websites, social media, ticketing platforms and online booking forms.

Website and Online Business Insurance may be relevant to online bookings, digital content and ecommerce activity.

The enquiry should explain whether the business sells its own tickets or receives bookings from third-party organisers.

Cyber insurance

Cyber Insurance may be relevant where the business stores audience data, accepts online payments or relies on booking and ticketing systems.

Potential incidents include data breaches, payment fraud, malicious attacks and interruption to online sales.

Online shows and recorded content

Ringmasters may host livestreamed shows, recorded circus programmes and virtual corporate events.

The broker should know:

Where viewers are located  •  Whether tickets are sold  •  Whether children participate  •  Which performers appear  •  Who owns the recording  •  What music is used  •  Whether audience interaction occurs  •  Whether sponsors are featured  •  Whether recordings remain available

Media, copyright and contractual responsibilities should not automatically be treated as public liability matters.

Merchandise sales

A ringmaster or circus company may sell programmes, posters, clothing, hats, toys and souvenirs.

Product Liability Insurance may be relevant where supplied products allegedly cause injury or damage.

The broker should know whether products are manufactured, imported, own-brand or sold overseas.

Business stock insurance

Business Stock Insurance may be relevant to merchandise kept for sale.

Stock values should include property held at premises, touring venues, vehicles, trailers and external storage.

Cancellation abandonment and non-appearance

A show may be cancelled because of venue damage, severe weather, illness, transport disruption or the non-appearance of an essential performer.

Any cancellation protection must be arranged specifically.

The broker may ask for:

Event dates  •  Booking date  •  Expected income  •  Irrecoverable expenses  •  Venue  •  Indoor or outdoor setting  •  Essential performers  •  Alternative arrangements  •  Previous cancellations  •  Weather dependency

Audience member trips over a microphone cable

A visitor trips over a cable connected to the ringmaster’s portable sound equipment. Public liability could be relevant, subject to responsibility and policy terms.

Child falls while entering the circus ring

A child invited to participate falls on the steps leading into the performance area. The claim may involve the ringmaster, organiser or venue.

Ringmaster damages a theatre floor

A podium or prop supplied by the ringmaster scratches the floor of a hired theatre. Property-damage liability could be relevant.

Portable speaker falls into the audience

A speaker stand becomes unstable and injures a spectator. Equipment setup, barriers and responsibility may be examined.

Participant is injured during a workshop

An audience member is injured while attempting a declared circus activity. Public liability and professional instruction could both be relevant.

Ringmaster joins an undeclared fire act

A ringmaster handles a burning prop during a show without declaring fire performance. The activity may fall outside the accepted risk.

Animal escapes during a performance

An animal involved in another performer’s act enters the audience area. Responsibility could rest with the handler, circus operator, venue or other parties.

Audience member alleges inappropriate contact

A participant alleges that physical contact during an interactive segment was unsuitable. Consent, supervision and the exact policy wording may be important.

Freelancer is injured backstage

A freelance performer is injured while moving equipment during setup. Their status and the responsibilities of the circus company may need investigation.

Costume and microphone are stolen from a vehicle

Specialist costume and sound equipment are stolen overnight. Any claim would depend on the transit, unattended-vehicle and security conditions.

Show is cancelled by severe weather

An outdoor circus performance cannot proceed because conditions are unsafe. Recovery would depend on suitable cancellation protection having been arranged.

Ringmaster misses an overseas performance

Travel disruption prevents the ringmaster from reaching a contracted event. Non-appearance cover should not be assumed unless specifically arranged.

Incorrect announcement causes disruption

A ringmaster gives incorrect instructions that cause audience confusion and financial loss to the organiser. Professional or contractual liability may be more relevant than public liability.

Ticketing system suffers a cyberattack

The circus cannot access bookings or process online ticket sales. Cyber insurance could be relevant if appropriate protection was selected.

Fire damages stored costumes

An insured incident damages specialist costumes, props and sound equipment held at a commercial store. Contents and interruption sections may respond according to their terms.

Imported souvenir causes injury

A child is allegedly injured by a branded product sold after the performance. Product liability and the responsibilities of the importer could be relevant.

Temporary stage collapses

A stage supplied by an independent contractor fails during a performance. The responsibilities and insurance of the organiser, venue and contractor may all be examined.

Employee is injured moving sound equipment

An employed assistant suffers a lifting injury while unloading speakers. Employers’ liability could apply to an eligible claim.

Information a specialist broker may need

A complete ringmaster enquiry should include:

Full description of duties  •  Additional performance skills  •  Annual turnover  •  Number of shows  •  Maximum audience  •  Audience participation  •  Work with children  •  Venues  •  Big-top work  •  Indoor and outdoor events  •  Overseas work  •  Animals  •  Fire  •  Aerial acts  •  Weapons  •  Roller skating  •  Vehicles  •  Employees  •  Freelancers  •  Equipment values  •  Storage locations  •  Merchandise  •  Organiser responsibilities  •  Claims history  •  Required liability limits

The business should disclose planned activities as well as current work.

Commercial Combined Insurance

A broader arrangement that may combine property, contents, liability and interruption sections for established circus companies.

Business Legal Expenses Insurance

Information about legal expenses protection for certain eligible employment, contract, property and regulatory disputes.

Office Insurance

For circus companies, entertainment agencies and producers operating from administrative offices.

Commercial Property Owners Insurance

Relevant to owners of theatres, rehearsal spaces, offices and other commercial buildings occupied by tenants.

Storage Insurance

For eligible property kept in an approved self-storage facility, subject to the separate scheme criteria.

Terrorism Insurance

Additional property and interruption protection that some venue and commercial premises operators may wish to consider.

Directors and Officers Insurance

Potentially relevant to allegations concerning decisions made by directors and officers of incorporated circus businesses.

Commercial Vehicle Insurance

For vans and commercial vehicles used to transport costumes, props, equipment and business personnel.

Motor Fleet Insurance

For established circus and entertainment companies operating several commercial vehicles.

Commercial Trailer Insurance

Relevant where trailers are used to transport costumes, sound equipment, props or temporary event property.

Events Equipment Hire Insurance

For businesses hiring staging, sound, lighting, barriers and other equipment to circus and entertainment events.

Exhibition Insurance

For organisers and businesses attending exhibitions, trade shows and public showcases.

Comedy Workshop Public Liability Insurance

For performers and facilitators delivering participatory comedy workshops and training sessions.

Laughter Workshop Performers Public Liability Insurance

For facilitators providing structured laughter workshops to workplace, community and public groups.

Music Teacher Insurance

Insurance information for music teachers providing tuition and related services.

Community Artists Workshop Public Liability Insurance

For community artists leading creative workshops with organised groups and members of the public.

Educational Workshop Insurance

For tutors and organisations delivering structured educational and participatory workshops.

Lecture Public Liability Insurance

For lecturers, speakers and presenters delivering talks, seminars and educational events.

Cabaret Performers Public Liability Insurance

For cabaret performers presenting declared acts at theatres venues festivals and private events.

Compere Public Liability Insurance

For professional comperes hosting live entertainment shows functions and public events.

Team Building Event Liability Insurance

For companies arranging organised team activities, corporate entertainment and participatory events.

Food and Wine Festival Insurance

For festivals involving food, drink, entertainment, contractors and public attendance.

Processions or Parades Public Liability Insurance

For organised processions and parades using roads, event venues and public spaces.

Late Night Shopping Public Liability Insurance

For late-opening retail events, shopping-centre promotions, markets and town-centre evenings.

Mattress Shop Insurance

For mattress retailers, bed showrooms, manufacturers, importers, stockholders and online sellers.

Horticultural Show Public Liability Insurance

Explore public liability considerations for organised horticultural shows and events.

Photography Studio Insurance

Insurance information for professional photography studios and their business equipment.

Craft Shop Insurance

Explore insurance for craft retailers selling materials tools and finished products.

Converted Prison Insurance

Specialist property information for former prison buildings converted to residential, commercial or mixed use.

Medical Surgery Insurance

For medical surgeries requiring consideration of premises, employees, equipment and business activities.

Vending Machine Hire Business Insurance

For businesses supplying, installing, servicing and hiring vending machines to commercial customers.

Canoe Hire Business Insurance

For operators hiring canoes and associated equipment to customers for declared activities.

Plant Hire Shop Insurance

For businesses hiring plant, machinery and equipment to contractors, companies and members of the public.

Marine Contractor Insurance

Explore insurance considerations for contractors working in marine environments.

Food Delivery Van Insurance

Insurance information for vans used in commercial food-delivery operations.

Steel Erector Insurance

Insurance information for steel erection contractors and specialist site work.