Recent International Events Highlight the Importance of Carrying the Right Insurance Coverage For Anyone Touring Outside The United States

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The accidental death of a fan at an American heavy metal band’s concert in Prague, The Czech Republic, and the collapse of scaffolding in high winds outside another American band’s concert in Cape Town, South Africa are two recent incidents that underscore the critical importance for all touring artists to include international coverage as part of their insurance portfolio, according to Scott Carroll, Executive Vice President & Program Director of Take1 Entertainment Insurance.

“Every artist who steps outside the United States to perform anywhere in the world should make sure they carry international insurance protection,” Carroll said today.  “The coverage territory of a traditional U.S. based policy does not typically extend beyond the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.  That means that if something happens to an insured outside of these areas, they are totally exposed to all claims without any insurance protection.”

According to Carroll, the inclusion of international protection coverage is an important first step in a larger, more complex insurance program.  “Carrying international insurance coverage, while important, is not perfect because it does not respond to all situations one might face in every country.  What it is, however, is a statement by the U.S. based insurance company that provides the coverage that, in certain situations, they are there to help.  Stated differently, without the coverage you are completely exposed and subject to the laws and rules of that country, and that can be very confusing, frightening, and quite daunting.

“There is a difference between locally admitted coverage, which is usually only available to those with business entities in the country where the work is being performed, and an international policy that extends certain coverage parts (often, general liability; foreign voluntary work comp and auto) of a U.S. based insurance program, to activities outside of the U.S.  Without either, an entity is completely exposed.  The two most recent international concert accidents bring to the fore what insurance protection do I have when I leave the country?  The bottom line is that every touring act, promoter, producer and possibly even production managers, should carry international coverage protection that allows for coverage protection against a broad range of claim areas.  You can’t be too penny wise and pound foolish when it comes to insurance protection in the global 21^st Century entertainment industry.”

One practical application of most international insurance policies is the inclusion of Travel Assistance services.  These services, typically an 800 phone number that is monitored 24/7, provides a traveler with a number to call when situations develop when traveling away from home.  These services can, and do, help with everything from replacement passport services to refilling prescriptions.  It provides an element of “just in case” help and support to an insured that purchases an international policy

About U.S. Risk Insurance Group

U. S. Risk Insurance Group, Inc. is a specialty lines underwriting manager and wholesale broker headquartered in Dallas. Operating 12 domestic and international branches, it offers a broad range of products and services through its affiliate companies, which include U.S. Risk Underwriters, U.S. Risk Brokers, Lighthouse Underwriters, LLC, Professional Claims Managers, Omnisure Consulting Group, Oxford Insurance Brokers, Ltd. (London), Goss Reinsurance Brokers, LLC, and NovaPro Risk Solutions, LP.  Its entertainment division, Take1, has served as the official endorsed insurance provider for the last 15 years INFOCOMM, the leading association of A/V communications industry professionals.

Take 1 To Support Event Safety Alliance And Distribute The New ESA "United States Event Safety Guide" To Clients

Reinforcing the growing importance of advancing event safety to all live event producers and organizers, Take 1 Insurance, the entertainment industry’s forward looking insurance solutions provider, today announced its full support of the Event Safety Alliance (ESA) and that it will begin distributing the ESA’s new United States Event Safety Guide, which is now open for peer review and comment on the ESA web site www.eventsafetyalliance.org. 

“We have all seen the horrible consequences of what can come from a live event that goes terribly wrong,” said Scott Carroll, Executive Vice President and Program Director of Take 1 Insurance.  “And, while we cannot control weather or the suddenness of an unforeseen event, we can learn how to plan better for these events.  This conviction led Jim Digby and other far-sighted industry professionals to form the Event Safety Alliance.  Take 1 supports their efforts 100%.  You can’t take a chance when it comes to safety.  The consequences are simply too great.”

According to Carroll, Take 1 will begin distributing copies of the new U.S. Event Safety Guide to its clients as soon as the final edition becomes available.  “We plan to include the guide, in digital form, in all of our presentations to prospective live event producing clients and we will also provide digital copies to our current clients who request it as part of our ongoing policy review and education efforts.  We will also make the brochure available for download at our web site.”

Commenting on Take 1’s plans, Event Safety Alliance Executive Direct Jim Digby noted that, “We appreciate the support of Take 1 as we begin to expand our educational outreach to the live event community.  All of us need to do more to be better prepared for any on-site eventuality.  Our guide is one step forward in this effort and the more professionals we can get to implement the recommendations in this guide the safer all future live events will be.”

To find out more about the initiatives of the Event Safety Alliance, register to become an ESA member, and to provide valuable feedback on the new Guide, please visit www.eventsafetyalliance.org.  

Take 1’s specialty program has designed inland marine coverage, among other specialty coverages for the entertainment industry, that automatically applies everywhere in the world, without the need for additional riders or endorsements.  It eliminates co-insurance, thus protecting 100 percent of the insured value of the equipment covered; provides automatic replacement cost valuation; allows for separate limits in key individual coverage areas like owned equipment, equipment rented from others, equipment in the insured’s Care Custody and Control (CCC), and equipment in transit; flood coverage for equipment in transit; and blanket limits that eliminate the need for clients’ to itemize each and every piece of equipment, cable, LED panel, etc. being covered.

About U.S. Risk Insurance Group
U. S. Risk Insurance Group, Inc. (www.usrisk.com) is a specialty lines underwriting manager and wholesale broker headquartered in Dallas. Operating 11 domestic and international branches, it offers a broad range of products and services through its affiliate companies, which include U.S. Risk Underwriters, U.S. Risk Brokers, Oxford Insurance Brokers, Ltd. (London), Advocate Reinsurance Partners, LLC, and Unisource Program Administrators.

Event Safety Takes On New Urgency For Attendees Of Event Live Expo 2013

Municipalities hosting large-scale indoor and outdoor live events have often required event organizers to prepare comprehensive Event Safety Plans that include specific engineering drawings that address the riggings of stages and roof structures, high wind action plans and comprehensive insurance policies.  Those plan may now also be required by insurance providers before approving coverage, according to a prediction made last week at Event Live Expo 2013 by Scott Carroll, Executive Vice President and Program Director of Take1 Entertainment Insurance. 

At a heavily attended seminar entitled “Insurance for Major Events: What You Need To Know,” Carroll warned live event producers and organizers to get ready for a new era of greater municipal oversight and new requirements.  “Municipalities do not want to be in the news for hosting a live event that goes terribly wrong because of accident, tragedy, or weather and they are putting a greater onus of responsibility on the shoulders of event producers and, in turn, their insurance providers to show that they are ready for almost any contingency,” Carroll said. 

Exactly how much more involved and complicated will it get, Carroll asked the audience?  “It’s quite possible insurance companies will now begin to look for engineering reports, particularly for events taking place out of doors.  They may want to see specifics that address the riggings of stages and roof structures, as well as an action plan in the event of high winds.  They may also want to see operations plans, management plans and structural engineering reports.”

The bottom line, according to Carroll?  “Gone are the days when the insurance sections of venue contracts are glossed over and rarely enforced.  We are entering a new age of intense oversight and greater requirements.”

As a result of both, Carroll predicted, insurance capacity in larger limits is going to become increasingly difficult to obtain from one or even two carriers.  “Now it is going to require several carriers to provide limits of $20-million or more.  This is the new reality facing the entire entertainment industry in general and the live event industry in particular.”

Carroll urged seminar attendees to take a close hard look at their current insurance coverage and the insurance companies providing those coverages.  “It doesn’t hurt to discuss with your insurance providers the kind of claims that can arise from the recent spate of tragedies in South Africa (Linkin Park concert scaffolding collapse), Canada (Radiohead concert stage collapse), Brazil (Santa Maria nightclub fire), and the United States (Indiana State Fair Sugarland stage collapse).  These discussions may help you to better understand how they might react and respond on your behalf if tragedy strikes and possibly point out gaps that may exist within your current insurance program.  After all, it’s always easier to discuss potential claims with insurance carriers before they actually happen.”

About U.S. Risk Insurance Group

U. S. Risk Insurance Group, Inc. is a specialty lines underwriting manager and wholesale broker headquartered in Dallas. Operating 12 domestic and international branches, it offers a broad range of products and services through its affiliate companies, which include U.S. Risk Underwriters, U.S. Risk Brokers, Lighthouse Underwriters, LLC, Professional Claims Managers, Omnisure Consulting Group, Oxford Insurance Brokers, Ltd. (London), Goss Reinsurance Brokers, LLC, and NovaPro Risk Solutions, LP.  Its entertainment division, Take1, has served as the official endorsed insurance provider for the last 15 years INFOCOMM, the leading association of A/V communications industry professionals.

Venues Increase Scrutiny of Insurance Coverage in Wake of High Profile Live Event Tragedies

Following several recent high profile stage collapses and structure failures at live events around the world, many venues and municipalities are taking a closer look at the limits of coverage that are defined in the policies carried by event producers and vendors.  According to Take1 Entertainment Insurance Executive Vice President and Program Director Scott Carroll, live event vendors wishing to succeed and grow must carefully review their current insurance policies, or if they have none, consult with an insurance provider to protect them against loss and allow them to do business in a world that is increasingly aware of risk.

“Weather and other factors continue to produce worldwide headlines about stage collapses and incidents at public events, and they are vivid reminders of the potential for disaster and how much more tragic these disasters become if they or their partners are not properly insured,” Carroll said.  “At most public venues, there has always been a requirement for their vendors to carry insurance, but in many cases this requirement was not strongly enforced 100 percent of the time.  With the potential for losses growing as live events become increasingly sophisticated and expensive, and as extreme weather wreaks more and more havoc, the venues are beginning to strictly enforce this requirement, or else not allow the vendors to do business on their property.

“I recently received a call from a woman who needed insurance coverage for a flea market she manages, even though she’s done it for years and has never needed a policy before.  The municipality is now requiring that she carry insurance despite never having enforced this element of her contract in the past.  This is becoming a very common occurrence for events of all sizes.”

New venue requirements are not the only factor causing live event vendors to seek insurance advice.  After “Superstorm” Sandy pounded the northeast U.S., some business owners who thought their potential losses were small ended up losing a lot more than they ever imagined they could. 

Sandy changed many insured’s definition of risk.  For some, their previously acceptable amount of risk for which they were willing to self-insure (knowingly avoid purchasing insurance for something that is insurable) turned into large, unexpected losses.  Sandy proved that “it” can and does happen.

“I recommend that every live event vendor contact an insurance representative to discuss the risks they face, the costs of coverage and the cost to their business if they remain uninsured or under-insured.  As we’ve seen, small probabilities can turn in to big losses.  For any owners concerned they might be too small of a company whose insurance needs may not be taken seriously, Take1 just might be the right fit.  At Take1 we insure all kinds of companies, from the biggest of the big to the smallest of the small, and we pride ourselves on being a big voice for the little guys.  Remember, you are never too small to have a big loss.”

About U.S. Risk Insurance Group

U. S. Risk Insurance Group, Inc. is a specialty lines underwriting manager and wholesale broker headquartered in Dallas. Operating 12 domestic and international branches, it offers a broad range of products and services through its affiliate companies, which include U.S. Risk Underwriters, U.S. Risk Brokers, Lighthouse Underwriters, LLC, Professional Claims Managers, Omnisure Consulting Group, Oxford Insurance Brokers, Ltd. (London), Goss Reinsurance Brokers, LLC, and NovaPro Risk Solutions, LP.  Its entertainment division, Take1, has served as the official endorsed insurance provider for the last 15 years INFOCOMM, the leading association of A/V communications industry professionals.

Take1 Insurance Debuts New Website

Take 1 Entertainment Insurance today launched a striking new web site designed and written by the creative team at Griffin!  The new site strategically positions this leading entertainment industry insurance solutions provider as the only insurance provider focused on meeting the unique needs of the live event, film and television production, post production, and rental and staging industries.  A coordinated print and online advertising campaign will break early in 2013 to drive traffic to the new site. Visit www.take1insurance.com to experience the new site!

Take1 Updates Entertainment And Rental & Staging Industry Coverage To Include All Reusable Media

When it comes to looking out for the insurance interests of the worldwide entertainment industry, no company works harder at making sure its policies are completely current with the times than Take1 Entertainment Insurance, a division of U.S. Risk Insurance Group, Inc.  Today, Take1 demonstrated the extent of its commitment with the announcement that, effective immediately, it was amending its policies on software, media, and data storage devices to include all reusable media that is part of or attached to photographic, video, and sound recording equipment. 

Furthermore, according to Take1 Executive Vice President and Program Director Scott Carroll, the new policy amendment automatically extends to all current policy holders, thus eliminating the need for clients to reapply for the added protection coverage.  “This is a very big deal.  No one is more in touch with the needs of the entertainment industry than Take1,” Carroll asserted today. 

“The vast majority of today’s entertainment content is created and stored on reusable media and it’s critically important that the creators of this content be able to rest assured that the content they produce is protected just like every other piece of equipment they use.”

Carroll emphasized that, very often, recording media of all types are excluded from coverage in most policies written by other insurance providers.  “We believe that doing so is a genuine disservice to our clients,” Carroll explained.  “After all, the content is the most value asset that should be protected.  We can help provide this peace of mind by covering the media connected to a client’s recording equipment.”

About U.S. Risk Insurance Group

U. S. Risk Insurance Group, Inc. is a specialty lines underwriting manager and wholesale broker headquartered in Dallas. Operating 12 domestic and international branches, it offers a broad range of products and services through its affiliate companies, which include U.S. Risk Underwriters, U.S. Risk Brokers, Lighthouse Underwriters, LLC, Professional Claims Managers, Omnisure Consulting Group, Oxford Insurance Brokers, Ltd. (London), Goss Reinsurance Brokers, LLC, and NovaPro Risk Solutions, LP.  Its entertainment division, Take1, has served as the official endorsed insurance provider for the last 15 years INFOCOMM, the leading association of A/V communications industry professionals.

Take1 Warns That Time Is Running Out For Companies To Address Issue Of Employee Classification

The issue of proper employee classification is taking on new urgency now that the U.S. Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Service have joined forces with 13 states to increase pressure on companies, according to Take1 Entertainment Insurance Executive Vice President and Program Director Scott Carroll.

“Time is running out and the clock for the live event production industry couldn’t be ticking any louder,” Carroll said today.  “The fact is many companies currently classify their employees as 1099 independent contractors in order to save on benefits, and while it’s a common practice, it could end up costing business owners a lot of money in penalties and back wages.”

Since September 2011, several judgments have been handed down that included up to $500,000 in back wages and $75,000 in penalties.  However, the IRS has given business owners an incentive to be proactive by instituting a new Voluntary Classification Settlement Program that allows companies the IRS accepts for participation to reclassify workers as employees and to receive 90 percent amnesty on past due employment taxes, with no interest or penalties. 

According to Carroll, now is the best time for companies to evaluate their employees tax designations and make changes if necessary.  “With the possibility of large penalties and back wages, every business owner should review their records and employee status to make sure they are classifying their employees properly.  As an insurance professional it’s my business to minimize risk, and in this case the risk to business owners is large while the steps needed to correct any problems are relatively easy and much more affordable than a large settlement.”

With the launch of a new smartphone app called “Eat Shop Sleep”, the Department Of Labor has even begun using social media to encourage proper practices and discourage improper classification.  “Eat Shop Sleep” is a local business reviews app similar to Yelp!, with the added twist of displaying any health, safety or labor violations against the business.  This type of public awareness could be detrimental to any business in any industry.

U.S. Risk’s entertainment arm, Take1 Insurance, which has specialized in insuring the live and non-live entertainment industries for more than 25 years, is studying this issue on behalf of its thousands of insured who utilize 1099 workers in an effort to provide them with guidance and help them adapt to the changing regulations. 

“With the increase in tax law enforcement across the country, the implications for rental and staging business owners are astounding,” Carroll said.  “The large settlements that have already been handed down are certainly big enough to bankrupt a company.  Every business owner should review their employee tax classifications and speak with their insurance provider to ensure they avoid hefty government penalties.  Any company that is found to be operating with improper employee classifications could also face higher insurance premiums, adding to the cost.  One solution that has worked for the film and television industry is to utilize a payroll service, which helps companies protect themselves from unforeseen costs and tax burdens and avoid blemishing their own insurance policies at the same time.”

Payroll services aren’t free, and using one will likely cause labor costs to rise, but the decision to utilize a payroll service is the smart choice in light of the enormous exposure a company could face if they are audited by the IRS.  Business owners can either operate according to tax classification requirements in order to steer clear of any problems, or they can skirt the issue and wait to be audited.  By converting independent contractors to temporary employees, companies can eliminate long-term liability while lowering short-term liability costs.

For tour sound, satellite uplink and rental and staging companies who want to be successful and experience growth in 2012 and beyond, these tax exposures need to be addressed, and using a payroll service provider is the easiest, most surefire way to guarantee everything is being done by the books and the company is free of risk.

For more information on this issue, interested parties can contact Scott Carroll, Executive Vice President and Program Director Scott Carroll at Take1 Entertainment Insurance at 714.285.4090 or scott@take1insurance.com.

About U.S. Risk Insurance Group

U. S. Risk Insurance Group, Inc. is a specialty lines underwriting manager and wholesale broker headquartered in Dallas. Operating 12 domestic and international branches, it offers a broad range of products and services through its affiliate companies, which include U.S. Risk Underwriters, U.S. Risk Brokers, Lighthouse Underwriters, LLC, Professional Claims Managers, Omnisure Consulting Group, Oxford Insurance Brokers, Ltd. (London), Goss Reinsurance Brokers, LLC, and NovaPro Risk Solutions, LP.  Its entertainment division, Take1, has served as the official endorsed insurance provider for the last 15 years INFOCOMM, the leading association of A/V communications industry professionals.

Take1 And Fireman's Fund Donate $15,000 To Mountains Recreation And Conservation Authority

Take1 Insurance, the entertainment industry insurance division of U.S. Risk, Inc., in partnership with Fireman’s Fund, yesterday presented a $15,000 donation to The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) for the purchase of new handheld firefighter radios.  The MRCA is dedicated to preserving the region’s open space for the public and posterity, and fighting wildfires is frequently a big part of that job.  MRCA firefighters work to protect more than 150,000 acres of mountainous terrain, deep canyons, forest and grassland that are part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

                                                                                                                                        

“Budget constraints make it difficult for many agencies to purchase all of the equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and safely,” said Scott Carroll, Program Director at Take1 Insurance.  “We’re proud to help in such a tangible way knowing so many communities will benefit from this donation.  We also want to thank our clients, without whom this large donation would not be possible. Take1 is here to help, whether it be helping our clients protect their businesses or helping communities prevent and manage natural disasters.”

MRCA officials, firefighters, and executives from Take1 Insurance and Fireman’s Fund came together for a special public event at Fireman’s Fund headquarters in Burbank, CA.

“Communications on the scene of a fire is key to effective firefighting and keeping firefighters safe,” said Fire Management Officer David Updike. “With this equipment, we will be better able to protect this unique, valuable asset to the community.”

The grant is part of a nationwide philanthropic program funded by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. The program is designed to provide needed equipment, training and educational tools to local fire department and burn prevention organizations. Since 2004, Fireman’s Fund has issued grants to more than 1,800 different organizations totaling more than $29 million – including more than $8.5 million in California. Independent insurance agencies and brokers that sell Fireman’s Fund products, like Take 1 Insurance, are able to direct these grants to support the fire service.

Additional information about the grant program and other grants awarded in California can be found at:

www.facebook.com/SupportingFirefighters     www.twitter.com/FFundHeritage

About Take1 Insurance

U.S. Risk‘s Take1 division has been servicing the insurance needs of the film and television production industry and has expanded significantly to meet the needs of audio-video and communications industry clients as well. The company’s experience includes underwriting film and television production companies, DICE (documentary, infomercial, commercial, educational) producers, touring entertainers, concert/playhouse venues, concert promoters, video game developers, and specialty rental operations focused on audio, visual, lighting, sound, grip, and production. For additional information, visit www.take1insurance.com.

About Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company

Founded in 1863, Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company is a premier property and casualty insurance company providing personal and commercial insurance products backed by industry-leading claims and risk management solutions. Fireman’s Fund is a leader in high-net-worth, entertainment, and green insurance. Fireman’s Fund is a member of the Allianz Group, one of the world’s largest providers of property and casualty insurance, ranked 28th on Fortune’s Global 500 list of the world’s largest corporations. For additional information, visit www.firemansfund.com.

About Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA)

MRCA, founded in 1985, is dedicated to the preservation and management of local open space and parkland, watershed lands, trails, and wildlife habitat. The MRCA provides natural resources and scientific expertise, critical regional planning services, park construction services, park operations, fire prevention, ranger services, interpretation programs, and youth leadership programs. The MRCA works in cooperation with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and other local government partners to acquire parkland, participate in vital planning processes, and complete major park improvement projects. For additional information, visit www.mrca.ca.gov.

Take1 and InfoComm Team Up To Help Member Companies Protect Against Theft And Insurance Fraud In Special August 8, 2012 Webinar

Underscoring the growing threat that theft and insurance fraud poses to its member companies, InfoComm International®, the leading non-profit association serving the worldwide professional communications industry, is teaming up with its only endorsed insurance provider, Take1 Insurance, to host a special webinar on August 8, 2012 at 1 p.m. EST. 

According to Scott Carroll, Executive Vice President of Take1 Insurance, the webinar entitled “Trust but Verify” will carefully examine a real-world 2011 Take1 insurance claim in which a film equipment rental company took every precaution with a new client and still had $255,000 worth of equipment stolen.

The webinar will explore the extensive actions this company took to protect themselves and how the highly sophisticated deception against them unfolded. Carroll will explore why equipment rental providers should consider taking some of these same precautions even though, in this case, they weren’t enough to prevent the theft.

In January 2011, the Miami, Florida based rental company, HD House, had $255,000 of high-end video production equipment stolen by a new customer who they thoroughly vetted.  HD House was understandably shocked when they learned that this customer had stolen the identity of a reputable UK film producer, going so far as producing false identification and taking out a real insurance policy in order to commit fraud.  Because the client bought his own insurance with the intent to commit fraud, it didn’t cover the theft. 

Luckily for HD House they had signed on with Take1 just 90 days before the theft, and within hours of submitting their claim the wheels were turning on what ended up being a full payment of $255,000.  HD House’s previous insurance provider would only have been obligated to pay $140,000 of the loss, and may have even tried to deny it completely.

 “This kind of fraud happens more than people like to think,” Carroll emphasized today,  “and InfoComm takes this issue very seriously on behalf of its membership.  This InfoComm webinar will provide business owners with advice and insight on how to protect against fraud and equipment theft by sophisticated thieves who use forged documents and can even impersonate foreign businesses.  Take1 and InfoComm want to make sure that every business has the tools and knowledge required to recognize suspicious clients and prevent theft or fraud before it happens.”

To register for the August 8 webinar, or for more information, please follow this link.

Take1 Insurance is the endorsed insurance provider of InfoComm International®, the leading nonprofit association serving the professional AV communications industry worldwide.  Take1’s specialty program has designed inland marine coverage, among other specialty coverages for the entertainment industry, that automatically applies everywhere in the world, without the need for additional riders or endorsements.  It eliminates co-insurance, thus protecting 100 percent of the insured value of the equipment covered; provides automatic replacement cost valuation; allows for separate limits in key individual coverage areas like owned equipment, equipment rented from others, equipment in the insured’s Care Custody and Control (CCC), and equipment in transit; flood coverage for equipment in transit; and blanket limits that eliminate the need for clients’ to itemize each and every piece of equipment, cable, LED panel, etc. being covered.

About InfoComm International®

InfoComm International® is the leading nonprofit association serving the professional AV communications industry worldwide. Founded in 1939, the association offers industry expertise and market research, serving the press and others seeking information about the industry.  Through activities that include tradeshows, education, certification, government relations, outreach and information services, InfoComm promotes the industry and enhances members’ ability to conduct business successfully and competently.

About U.S. Risk Insurance Group
U. S. Risk Insurance Group, Inc. (www.usrisk.com) is a specialty lines underwriting manager and wholesale broker headquartered in Dallas. Operating 11 domestic and international branches, it offers a broad range of products and services through its affiliate companies, which include U.S. Risk Underwriters, U.S. Risk Brokers, Oxford Insurance Brokers, Ltd. (London), Advocate Reinsurance Partners, LLC, and Unisource Program Administrators.