12 replies to this topic

[skyrocket]

i am not sure if this has been mentioned before, but where can you get some insurance to start doing shows when you want to do some shows alone, can you do it through a supplier or something like that as i have been approaced to do some shows, so any advice would be appricated i have approaced some but so far they have said no.

[Spyrotechnics]

You can get single event insurance from a couple of brokers as far as I am aware however it can work out quite expensive.

There were some suppliers will cover you to use their cat3 material in your shows IF you pay to attend their training course however I am unsure wether they are still in operation.

I guess insurance availability depends on the type/size of shows you were looking at doing and wether you were wanting to use Cat3 or Cat4 material

[Arthur Brown]

For cat3 shows there are a few suppliers who will supply a whole show in box(es) and then add insurance in or on the price.

For cat4 shows it's very hard to get cat4 material without 365 day insurance and proper storage.

There is/was also one firm who did offer single show insurance at round the £150 a show basis.

If you do a good training course then this should open access to insurers and insurance at a better rate. If you have experience firing for another company then see if anyone there will get you insurance through their broker.

Alternatively look at doing shows for an insured company. Less reward but less hassle.

[skyrocket]

For cat3 shows there are a few suppliers who will supply a whole show in box(es) and then add insurance in or on the price.

For cat4 shows it's very hard to get cat4 material without 365 day insurance and proper storage.

There is/was also one firm who did offer single show insurance at round the £150 a show basis.

If you do a good training course then this should open access to insurers and insurance at a better rate. If you have experience firing for another company then see if anyone there will get you insurance through their broker.

Alternatively look at doing shows for an insured company. Less reward but less hassle.

ok thanks and it is for cat 4 thats why it has been difficult

[David]

There are single show policies, but some of the terms and conditions can be quite restrictive. For example there was one discussed here about a year or so ago which stipulated that you could only use British made fireworks! Some might require that there are uniformed event staff/stewards or similar.

Some insurance might cover you for public liability but not product liability. If the venue is a private party, public liability might differ.

Basically, there are policies available- best advice is probably to give them a ring.

Sandling for example do offer insurance if you have attended their training day, but I think it is limited to their own range, so that could limit your options when planning your display.

EDIT! Just seen the point above that mentions it is for Cat 4! Opps- I was refering to Cat 3.

Edited by David, 21 March 2009 - 10:14 PM.

[Arthur Brown]

Cat4 in untrained hands costs insurers dearly so they might refuse you insurance, as the risk is too great.

If you do Sandling's course then they will insure you for their cat3 stuff. Otherwise it's get some good training and then approach the insurers again.

BPA 1 and 2 is the minimum training, the course that is sometimes offered through the forum was chosen for us by an insurer as being good, and good value.

[David]

I think if you are looking to fire Cat 4 it might be best to find a company and work for them. Unless you have a large budget to cover storage, licesnces, transport and the initial cost of the fireworks themselves and what not it might not be feasible. And that current credit terms are unfavourable, it might be unwise to go it alone.

[Spyrotechnics]

I think if you are looking to fire Cat 4 it might be best to find a company and work for them.

I think Skyrocket has already gone down that route?

Can the company you worked with not help you out?

[David]

i am not sure if this has been mentioned before, but where can you get some insurance to start doing shows when you want to do some shows alone

Are you looking to host your own shows (ie put on a display in its own right) or are you looking to do pyro as part of an event- weddings etc.

I'm not sure how public liability insurance works, but I have a feeling there might well be a significant difference.

Like if someone slips and falls in the car park during your display, are you in a position to be classed as liable for that?

I remember speaking to a firework shop who decided against hosting a demo night for this reason. They felt that they could fire the fireworks safely, but they would stuggle to satisfy the conditions for public liability insurance for the whole event (stewards, parking etc.)

Edited by David, 22 March 2009 - 10:25 PM.

[skyrocket]

Are you looking to host your own shows (ie put on a display in its own right) or are you looking to do pyro as part of an event- weddings etc.

I'm not sure how public liability insurance works, but I have a feeling there might well be a significant difference.

Like if someone slips and falls in the car park during your display, are you in a position to be classed as liable for that?

I remember speaking to a firework shop who decided against hosting a demo night for this reason. They felt that they could fire the fireworks safely, but they would stuggle to satisfy the conditions for public liability insurance for the whole event (stewards, parking etc.)

the ones i have been asked to do are for weddings and birthdays so as part of an event

[Spyrotechnics]

what about the display company you work with?

[David]

the ones i have been asked to do are for weddings and birthdays so as part of an event

If it is a private function (eg a Birthday party in someones large back garden) is Public liability insurance required- or even valid?

[skyrocket]

If it is a private function (eg a Birthday party in someones large back garden) is Public liability insurance required- or even valid?

it would be for venues big places etc