Insurance

Having adequate insurance means that your work, studio, equipment or materials can be replaced if they are stolen or damaged, and protects you if an accident occurs while you are leading workshops or working with the public.

There are two main types of insurance an artist might need specifically in relation to his or her career:

Public Liability Insurance covers the policyholder against any claims made by third parties (e.g. members of the public) if they are injured during a visit to a venue or project.  If you are working freelance in gallery education, run your own artist-led gallery space or studio, or do projects involving members of the public, it is a good idea to have some sort of public liability insurance.

There are a number of specialist insurance companies, listed below, that provide public liability insurance for artists, and it is also a benefit to members of the Society for All Artists and AIR membership.

If you are making events that take place in your home, your home insurance policy may cover you for some public liability insurance (which is a standard inclusion on most house insurance policies).  It’s best to check with your insurer first to make sure you’d be covered for public or private events before seeking alternative insurance.

Property insurance (studios; artworks; works in transit) can cover objects and buildings against theft, fire or other damage, either by people or accidentally depending on the policy.

As with any insurance policy, make sure you check carefully to see what is covered and what is excluded.  Many policies will charge an ‘excess’ (which is a maximum amount you have to pay for any claim, before the insurance company will pay the rest), and claims on a policy can increase future policy payments.

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  • Co-operative & Community Finance
    address
    Brunswick Court, Brunswick Square, Bristol BS2 8PE
    telephone
    01179 166 750
    fax
    01179 166 751

    Co-operative & Community Finance has been providing loan finance for co-operatives, employee owned businesses and social enterprises for 30 years. They raise money primarily by public share issue and lend it for social purpose and collective benefit, also managing loan funds for several other organisations providing co-operative and community finance. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in the conduct of investment business.

  • Passport to Export Success

    Passport to Export is an innovative government initiative, delivered by UK Trade and Investment, providing fast-track support to help small & medium companies open the doors to international trade and become successful exporters.

  • Digita Tax Central

    Online tax advice and calculation.

  • HM Revenue and Customs
    telephone
    0845 010 9000
    telephone
    0845 915 4515

    HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) was formed on the 18 April 2005, following the merger of Inland Revenue and HM Customs and Excise Departments. They offer advice on national insurance, statutory maternity, sick pay and tax matters, VAT, regulations on importing and exporting of art/ design products. It is your responsibility to register if you are self-employed, by telephoning your nearest office or on their website.

  • Association of British Insurers
    address
    51 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HQ
    contact
    telephone
    020 7600 3333
    fax
    020 7696 8999

    Professional association which addresses complaints and inquiries related to insurers.

  • AXA Art
    address
    106 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 5JE
    telephone
    020 7265 4600

    AXA Art Insurance Limited has been insuring private collectors, dealers, museums and exhibitions in the UK since 1982. Specialities include insurance for Fine Art, Antique Furniture, Ceramics, Silver, Antiquarian Books, Wine, Collectables, Household Contents and Buildings.

  • British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA)
    address
    14 Bevis Marks, London EC3A 7NT
    telephone
    0901 814 0015 (Call charges are 25p/min

    BIBA, the British Insurance Brokers' Association, is the UK's leading general insurance organisation. They can provide listings for brokers in specialist areas (from their membership).

  • Event Insurance Services Ltd.
    telephone
    01425 470360

    Can provide multiple events or One-Off Event policies, including Public Liability up to £5,000,000, Employers Liability up to £5,000,000 and cancellation cover.

  • Gallagher Heath
    address
    Blackwall Green, 133 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AH
    telephone
    020 7234 4311
    fax
    020 7234 4348

    Blackwall Green (Jewellery and Fine Art) is a division of Heath Lambert Group. Experts of public liability/exhibition, transit, all risks, theft, loss damage, etc.

  • Hiscox PLC.
    address
    1 Great St. Helen\'s, London EC3A 6HX
    telephone
    020 7448 6000
    fax
    020 7448 6797

    Hiscox are an industry leader in Business Insurance, Public Liability and Employers Liability Insurance.

  • InsuredRisks.co.uk
    address
    insuredrisks.co.uk, 1 Friary, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6EA

    Insured Risks Limited was formed in 2002 to deliver competitive insurance products to small businesses and tradesmen over the internet. The business has rapidly grown and now has over 14,000 customers. Working with major European insurers they provide competitively priced insurance products to the small-business community. Easy to use quote system, do not collect unnecessary data and can allow most customers to go on cover immediately. Includes public liability insurance.

  • InsureMyLiability.co.uk
    address
    Cromwell Business Park, Chipping Norton, Oxon
    telephone
    0845 450 5360

    Insuremyliability.co.uk is brought to you by CETA ltd. and offers online access to all types of general insurance products for the UK market. Currently provide insurance cover for over £3.5 billion worth of domestic property, through a network of 4,000 agents using our own tailor made quotation and administration software. Insurance covers Buildings and Contents, Motor, Commercial, Mortgage protection, Liability, Legal Protection, Travel and Pet insurance.