Bands are being urged to ensure that they have comprehensively updated their insurance policies following a recent survey by leading specialists Brass Band Insurance Services that many are failing to make appropriate provision to properly cover their needs.

Appropriate cover

"It's something we come across time and time again,"Karen Davis of BBIS told 4BR. "Insurance is one of those things that bands only think about when disaster strikes — and only then do they find out that they may not have the appropriate cover."

Karen revealed that one of the major reasons is that bands do not regularly update their insurance lists — from instruments (especially percussion) — as well as extra purchases they make such as mutes, uniforms, memorabilia, music and even other bandroom contents — such as a microwave or recording equipment.

Other requirements

In addition bands may not be fully aware of other requirements such as public liability and health & safety — areas that they may not initially think they need worry about.

"It's true,"She added. "Making sure you update your instrument and contents list and get your heating and lighting checked on a regular basis is essential, as is ensuring that your public liability insurance covers you fully for concert performances.

A number of concert promoters will now ask for a standard £5 million limit of indemnity, whilst if your band employs anyone, you must take out appropriate liability insurance.

Regular checks on main heating and lighting can be done by following guidelines by the Health and Safety Executive. It may sound time consuming and a bit boring — but it will save you so much time and potentially thousands of pounds of expense if anything does go wrong."

It may sound time consuming and a bit boring — but it will save you so much time and potentially thousands of pounds of expense if anything does go wrongKaren Davis, BBIS

On hand

Brass Band Insurance Services will be on hand at the forthcoming British Open Championship in Birmingham and at the National Finals at Cheltenham to answer all queries and questions from their existing as well as potential customers.

Further information

For further information go to: http://www.brassbandinsuranceservices.co.uk/index.asp

Or contact:
Karen Davis
Manager

Brass Band Insurance Services
312 High Street
Harlington
Hayes
Middx
UB3 5BT

Tel: 0208 759 0825
Fax: 0208 564 9063
Email: karen@bryanjames.co.uk