Insurance FAQs
Everything you need to know about the insurance included with Axis membership, what it covers and how it works.
Mitra Saboury Art House residency July 2018 photo by Jules Lister
Overview
What insurance is included?
Associate and Professional memberships include:
- Public liability insurance up to £10 million
- Professional indemnity insurance up to £5 million
- Access to a legal helpline
This is provided as part of your membership, not sold separately.
Who is eligible for the insurance?
The insurance is for individual artists based in the UK or with a permanent UK address.
It does not cover businesses, organisations or groups.
Do I need to activate the insurance?
Yes. Cover is not automatic. You will need to activate it.
Is there a minimum term?
If you activate insurance, a one year minimum term applies.
What it covers
What activities are covered?
The insurance is designed for artists working across visual art.
This includes a wide range of practices such as making, exhibiting, teaching, commissions, events and performances.
If your work sits within visual art, it is likely to be covered.
If your work involves heat or specialist processes, see guidance below.
Does it cover exhibitions, events and installations?
Yes. The policy covers exhibitions, installations, events and performances, including work in public or private spaces.
Does it cover working internationally?
Public liability covers the UK and EU.
Professional indemnity is worldwide, excluding the USA and Canada.
What is not covered
Does it cover damage to my artwork or equipment?
No. You will need separate insurance for loss, theft or damage to your work or materials.
Does it cover personal injury to me?
No. It only covers claims made by others against you.
Does it cover employees or volunteers?
No. You would need Employers’ Liability insurance for this.
Are there activities that are not covered?
Yes. Some activities are excluded from the policy, including:
- Tattooing, face painting and body painting
- Cosmetics, toiletries and household goods
- Floristry, toys, pet products, food items and packaging
- Activities involving actors, singers or musicians
- Writing fiction or non-art related publishing
Artists working with books as artworks, or writing about art, are covered.
If you are unsure whether your work is covered, contact us to check.
Practical details
Who provides the insurance?
The policy is underwritten by Hiscox and Allianz. Axis is the policy holder.
How long does the cover last?
Cover runs for the duration of your membership, subject to eligibility and activation.
Does it cover selling my work?
Yes. Product liability covers work you sell, including online and through galleries or shops.
Does it cover installation work?
Yes. You are covered during installation. After installation, responsibility usually passes to the venue.
Working with heat
Does the insurance cover working with heat?
Yes, but you must follow specific safety precautions to ensure cover.
This includes:
- Having a fire extinguisher available
- Removing or protecting nearby combustible materials
- Using appropriate safety equipment
- Never leaving equipment unattended
- Carrying out checks after use
You must also:
- Carry out risk assessments
- Use safe and well maintained equipment
- Obtain any required permits
The insurance does not cover industrial or large scale commercial use of heat.
If you are unsure, contact us to confirm your activity is covered.
Legal helpline
What does the legal helpline include?
It provides advice on issues such as employment, disputes, discrimination and health and safety.
Need more detail?
If you’re unsure whether your practice is covered, contact us and we can help.
You can also download full policy documents from your member dashboard.