The short answer
Public liability insurance is for claims from members of the public. It covers claims that you caused injury to them, or damage to their property. Gaffr asks every crew member for a certificate before they go live. That's Gaffr's condition for using the app. Gaffr sets no minimum level of cover and doesn't check what the policy covers. Any cover beyond that certificate is your call.
What does it cover?
NI Business Info is Invest Northern Ireland's official business advice service for Northern Ireland. It says the insurance "covers any awards of damages given to a member of the public". That's for "an injury or damage to their property caused by you or your business". It says it also covers related legal fees, costs and expenses, and hospital treatment the NHS may claim from you.
The same page says policies can carry "many conditions, exclusions and warranties". Your policy wording is what counts.
What about employers' liability?
That's a different insurance. GOV.UK says it helps you pay compensation to an employee. That's "if an employee is injured or becomes ill because of the work they do for you". The same page explains when the law requires it.
Why does Gaffr ask for it?
The client books you, and the contract for the work is between you and them. Gaffr asks for cover so that every crew member a client books has some, and clients see "Insurance on file".
A person at Gaffr checks the certificate is what it says it is. When they do, they can record its expiry date. Gaffr doesn't set a minimum limit, and it doesn't check what your policy covers.
How much cover is enough?
Gaffr doesn't say. A client or venue may have its own requirement. A booking has no place for it, so it's worth asking the client. Messaging opens 24 hours before the call.
What's worth looking at in a policy?
The policy wording, or whoever sells you the policy, can tell you:
- which activities it covers, such as rigging, staging, AV or work at height
- the limit, and whether it applies to each claim or to the whole year
- the excess, the part of a claim you pay yourself
- where it covers you
- whether legal costs are inside the limit or on top of it
- whether it covers clients' kit while it's in your care
- the renewal date. If Gaffr recorded your certificate's expiry date, it tells you 30 days before. It pauses your account when that date passes. The pause lifts overnight after a replacement has passed the check.
Where can I get a quote?
Ways to get a quote include:
- An insurance broker, who compares policies from several insurers for you.
- A broker finder, such as BIBA's find a broker.
- A comparison site.
- Buying direct from an insurer.
- A union or trade body scheme.
Whichever route you use, you can check a firm is authorised on the FCA's Financial Services Register.
Gaffr doesn't recommend any insurer, broker or policy. It doesn't pass your details to any of them.
What if someone on site asks to see it?
NI Business Info notes that many customers want to see proof of cover. The certificate you uploaded is the one Gaffr checked; having your own copy to hand is up to you.