Fairs, events, and performances often require commercial general liability coverage from their vendors and performers. A friendly reminder that events/venues do send us your submitted certificates to verify that you have insurance. If it's found that you do not have insurance and you have submitted a doctored certificate, you could be charged with insurance fraud.
Committing insurance fraud means that not only will you not be able to obtain insurance in the future, but you also run the risk of losing your career (no insurance means no bookings). We, as an insurance agency, are obligated to report fraudulent documents to the Insurance Commissioner which could result in penalties like fines, community service, or even jail time.
Do not give out your proof of insurance to anyone other than the event/venue at which you will be performing/vending at. PDFs can be edited and you could be considered an accessory to insurance fraud if someone copies your certificate.
Insurance fraud can look like (but is not limited to) the following:
- Misrepresentation
- Buying insurance for an event, submitting your proof of insurance to an event/venue, and then canceling your policy (before the effective date)
- If a certificate of additional insured is requested for a policy that is then canceled before the start date, the event/venue will be notified that you no longer have coverage
- Doctoring an old policy or certificate of insurance to make it seem like you currently have coverage when you don't
Please help yourself, your fellow friends, performers, and vendors by holding each other accountable and making sure you have insurance! Requirements are here to stay. We are always here to answer any questions via phone (715-246-8908) or email (info@specialtyinsuranceagency.com)!
