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Why is Musicians’ Union indemnity insurance useful?

Regardless of your professional qualifications and experience, things don't always go to plan.

Should a student underperform in their exams, legal action may be taken by the student or their parents alleging that your service was not of an adequate standard. Claims like these can lead to legal costs (even just to defend the allegation) as well as awards of compensation.

Professional indemnity insurance through the Musicians’ Union offers protection against such allegations of professional negligence and provides legal costs and compensation if required.

The cover is arranged by our preferred insurance broker Hencilla Canworth GI and provided by Aviva.

What is covered by this musicians’ indemnity insurance?

With indemnity insurance, musicians who teach can be protected from any civil liability arising from:

  • Any negligent act, error or omission you commit
  • Any dishonesty or fraudulence committed by past or present partners, directors or employees of yours
  • Any loss of or damage to documents
  • Reasonable costs and expenses incurred by you in respect to any reasonable action taken to mitigate a loss, potential loss or claim that would otherwise be the subject of indemnity under the policy

To read about the inclusions and exclusions in full, please refer to the policy wording document.

How to get indemnity insurance from the Musicians’ Union

Members of the Musicians’ Union automatically benefit from professional indemnity insurance with up to £1,000,000 of cover while teaching and lecturing music.

There is no need to register for this policy. It is automatic provided you remain a subscription-paying member of the MU and a resident of the UK.

How to make a claim

You must give written notice of any claim or circumstance that may give rise to a claim (regardless of the policy excess) immediately and during the current period of insurance and no later than the 31 December of each year to: kevin.harding@hencilla.co.uk and:

The Senior Claims Manager
Aviva Corporate and Speciality Risk
Level 18
St Helen's
1 Undershaft
London
EC3P 3DQ

Alternatively, you can call 020 7157 2569

Get support as a music teacher through MU membership

The MU has a strong community of teaching musicians, with over 12,000 members. We advise music teachers on specific topics, including pay and contractual issues. Through our resources and employment advice, we support and create careers in music teaching.

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