Looking for Public Speaker Insurance?

Professional speakers need general liability for injuries or property damage at speaking venues, professional liability (E&O) for claims arising from advice, recommendations, or content delivered during presentations, and equipment coverage for laptops, projectors, presentation materials, and audio gear. Event cancellation insurance protects lost fees when events are cancelled. Travel insurance covers trip cancellations and interruptions. Media liability may be needed for speakers using copyrighted content or making controversial statements.

Conference venues and event organizers increasingly require speakers to carry general liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum) and add the venue as additional insured before speaking engagements, particularly for paid speakers. Corporate clients hiring speakers for training or consulting often require professional liability coverage. While not universally required, insurance is essential protection for professional speakers whose income depends on event engagements.

Part-time or occasional speakers pay $300–$800 annually for basic general and professional liability coverage. Full-time professional speakers doing 20+ engagements annually pay $800 to $2,500+ annually. Celebrity or high-profile speakers with significant equipment and higher liability exposure pay $2,500 to $8,000+ annually. Costs depend on speaking frequency, venues, types of content (controversial topics cost more), revenue, equipment values, whether offering consulting services, and international speaking engagements.

Professional liability (E&O) and media liability can cover claims arising from presentation content, including alleged defamation, copyright infringement, or professional advice that causes attendee financial losses. However, coverage has significant limitations—intentionally inflammatory content, knowing copyright violations, or advice clearly outside your expertise may not be covered. Speakers should maintain content disclaimers and proper licensing for any third-party materials used.

Event cancellation insurance reimburses lost speaker fees and non-refundable expenses when speaking engagements are cancelled due to covered perils like severe weather, speaker illness, venue damage, or transportation failures. Coverage must typically be purchased before booking confirmations and has specific exclusions. Pandemics are now commonly excluded unless special coverage is purchased.

Yes, conference organizers, corporate event planners, and venues increasingly require professional speakers to provide certificates of insurance showing minimum general liability coverage and adding the event organizer/venue as additional insured. Speaker contracts often specify insurance requirements, including minimum limits ($1-2 million), timing of certificate delivery (often 30 days before the event), and specific endorsements needed.