For many musicians, insurance is one of those important grudge purchases that can be easy to put off. However, public liability insurance is one of the most critical protections you can have as a working performer. Whether you play pub gigs, weddings, festivals, corporate events or community shows, one unexpected incident can quickly become a serious financial problem.

This article provides a general overview of public liability insurance, what it may cover, why it’s often required, and what to consider when deciding what level of cover may be appropriate for you and your band.

Public liability insurance is generally designed to cover you if you are held legally responsible for injury to another person or damage to someone else’s property while you’re performing, rehearsing, teaching, or setting up and packing down equipment. Cover may vary depending on your policy, so it is important to review your policy documentation carefully.

In practical terms, it is generally designed to cover claims made by third parties - anyone who is not you or a member of your band. This can include audience members, venue staff, event organisers, clients, and members of the public. If a claim is made, public liability insurance typically covers legal defence costs, compensation payouts, and related expenses, up to the policy limit. The specific scope of cover will depend on the terms and conditions of your individual policy.

In Australia, public liability insurance is not just about peace of mind - it’s often a condition of being allowed to perform. Many venues, festivals, councils, wedding venues, and event organisers may require musicians to provide a certificate of currency before confirming a booking.

Even small-scale performances can carry risk. Common examples may include audience members tripping over cables, speaker stands tipping over, accidental damage to floors or stages, or injury to venue staff assisting with equipment.

Public liability insurance for musicians may generally cover the following, depending on the terms of your policy:

• Injury to members of the public

• Accidental damage to third-party property

• Legal defence and associated costs

Public liability insurance does not cover damage to your own equipment, theft, injury to yourself or band members, or cancelled performances. These are examples of common exclusions and would require separate insurance policies which can be arranged by Aon.

Public liability insurance is generally considered affordable and may be one of the more cost-effective ways to help protect yourself from significant financial risk.

Public liability insurance can be an essential part of working as a professional musician in Australia. It is designed to help protect your livelihood, can assist in satisfying venue requirements, and help you focus on performing with greater confidence.

Aon can arrange many different types of insurances specifically designed to suit the risks commonly faced by music/dance teachers and performers. Our team of brokers has taken the time to understand the risks you may face and how to help insure against many of them, so you can feel more confident about your livelihood with cover that has been designed with the needs of the industry in mind.

For more information on Public Liability Insurance for Musicians, or to speak with the Aon Entertainment team today click HERE or call us at 1800 806 584.

© 2026 Aon Risk Services Australia Limited ABN 17 000 434 720 | AFSL 241141 (Aon).
The information contained in this communication is general in nature and should not be relied on as advice (personal or otherwise) because your personal needs, objectives and financial situation have not been considered. Before deciding whether a particular product is right for you, please consider your personal circumstances, as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (if applicable), Target Market Determination and full policy terms and conditions available from Aon on request. All representations in this communication in relation to the insurance products Aon arranges are subject to full terms and conditions of the relevant policy. Please contact Aon if you have any queries.