Non-appearance insurance: helping business managers become more resilient

When the success of an event depends upon the performer, non-appearance insurance becomes a priority for business managers to protect against both fiscal and reputational repercussions.

Non-appearance policies are designed to cover associated costs and revenue if an event is cancelled, abandoned, postponed, interrupted, curtailed, or relocated because an artist cannot perform.

Various scenarios can cause the non-appearance of an artist, and while this is commonly the result of serious injury or sudden illness, there are several other factors that can cause a non-appearance, including:

  • Terrorism threats and security concerns

  • Adverse weather

  • Cyberattacks

  • Communicable disease

  • Diva-like behavior

However, this list is not exhaustive. Business managers need to be mindful that a plethora of potential issues could affect an event or performance. Further examples include, travel disruption as a result of industrial action forcing Coldplay to change the dates of their Wembley performances (opens a new window), and withdrawal of regulatory approval causing the cancellation of the Esoteric Music Festival in 2025. (opens a new window)

The impact of non-appearance

A single non-appearance event can create a domino effect where losses quickly multiply. As a consequence, business managers could suffer from the following issues:

  • Reputational damage

  • Disruption to sponsorships and endorsement obligations

  • Loss of income

  • Delayed cash inflows

Insurance as a balance-sheet protection tool

As part of best practice and effective risk management, business managers should view non-appearance insurance not as a last-resort product, but as part of broader financial and risk planning.

Business managers should begin risk planning early in the budgeting process to help protect themselves against unforeseen losses.

Working with us

We understand the impacts business managers may face after a non-appearance incident. Lockton’s Entertainment Practice are trusted independent innovators, being privately-owned frees us to put our time where it matters – you.

Our team provides a ‘one stop shop’ for all forms of entertainment insurance, combining expertise from across the business to deliver holistic solutions.

Clients can benefit from our services, via:

  • Exceptional elite service
    Personalised support the moment you need it from your own dedicated client consultant.

  • Specialised valuations
    Access to expert valuations from industry professionals to deliver against specific risks.

  • Preferential access
    We leverage our global reach to deliver premium solutions at exceptional value.

For further discussion on how you can secure non-appearance insurance, please reach out to a member of the Entertainment Practice here. (opens a new window)

For further information on our artist proposition and our capabilities, click here (opens a new window).