Events and Entertainment Business Insurance in Tennessee

Business types with their own guide

• Event Planner Insurance Guest injuries, and more. Read the event planner insurance guide.
• DJ Insurance Guests tripping over cables, and more. Read the dj insurance guide.
• Musician and Band Insurance Gear theft or damage, and more. Read the musician and band insurance guide.

More events and entertainment businesses

These business types share many of the same risks. Each has a short overview below.

Wedding officiants

Officiants can face claims if paperwork errors cause problems with a marriage license. Professional liability and general liability for venues are common.

Performing arts groups

Theater and dance companies face audience injuries, venue requirements, and costume and set loss. General liability, equipment coverage, and special event coverage are key.

Music production and recording studios

Studios hold expensive gear and clients’ recordings. Equipment, property, professional liability for lost or damaged files, and cyber are worth reviewing.

Game centers and arcades

Arcades and game centers host crowds, often kids. General liability, equipment breakdown, and property coverage are central.

Movie theaters

Theaters have crowds, concessions, and dark aisles. General liability, property, business income, and workers’ comp are core.

Actors and performers

Performers may need general liability for venues and coverage for costumes and equipment. Some productions require specific certificates.

Fine artists and galleries

Artists and galleries need coverage for artwork in the studio, in transit, and on display, plus general liability for shows.

Glass blowing studios

Glass studios work with extreme heat and host classes. Fire coverage, general liability for students, and equipment coverage are central.

Coverages common in events and entertainment

• General liability Helps if your business is blamed for injuring someone or damaging their property, and usually pays for a legal defense.
• Tools and equipment (inland marine) Covers tools and gear that travel to job sites or customer locations, or sit in your truck.
• Professional liability (E&O) Covers claims that your advice, design, or professional service caused a client a financial loss.
• Liquor liability Covers claims that someone you served or sold alcohol to hurt someone or damaged property. Often excluded from general liability.
• Special event coverage Short-term liability or cancellation coverage for a single event or season.
• Hired and non-owned auto Liability for when you or employees drive personal or rented cars on business errands.

All coverage is subject to underwriting and policy terms. Not every business needs every coverage.

Tennessee rules to know

Workers’ comp. Most Tennessee employers outside construction and coal mining must carry workers’ compensation once they have five or more employees, full- or part-time, per the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Even below that number, many owners choose to carry it.

Alcohol sales. If you sell or serve alcohol, you’ll need the right state and local permits. Landlords, event venues, and some permits may also expect proof of liquor liability coverage, so ask before you sign.

We can review your requirements and help you shop workers’ compensation and other coverages, subject to underwriting.

Certificates of insurance

Landlords, clients, venues, and general contractors often ask for a certificate of insurance before you start. If they want to be an additional insured, the policy usually needs an endorsement. Our certificate of insurance checklist explains what to check.

Related guides

• All business types
• Business insurance in Middle Tennessee
• General liability insurance
• Small business insurance checklist (PDF)
• Starting a business in Tennessee
• General liability vs. professional liability