Public Liability Insurance

As mentioned above I will be clarifying this in comms To theme camps once I’ve confirmed with the insurance company what they define as ‘structures’

The reason that art doesn’t count as a ‘structure’ is because the insurance company have simply requested pictures of any built art on site and are not defining built art as a ‘structure’. That’s their definition not mine. I’m just doing what’s legally required to adhere to the contract not arguing what they’re saying makes sense!

They are More concerned for some reason with the concept of theme camps and them bringing their own ‘structures’ again I will clarify as I can’t remember exactly what their definition was. I know there was a size component but not going to speculate until I’ve checked the document. Obviously a bell tent isn’t a ‘structure’ and a geodesic dome is. There is a line somewhere that’s legally defined by the insurance broker.

As I also mentioned above I would argue that theme camps are not external contractors. But in response to that the insurance company said in this case, we would then have to employ a third party contractor to erect the structures for us even though camps may own them themselves!!! Obviously this would be ridiculous.

I’m trying to jump through hoops here and get a workable solution. I appreciate this isn’t ideal but I also think that a small fee that can be built into a camp budget with plenty of notice isn’t an enormous challenge and does away with the challenges being created by the Insurance company here.

In summary, camps will know if they need insurance because I will clarify the requirements for said insurance based on the contractual requirements of our Public Liability Insurance Policy. This will be done via comms and also in the communication I have with all camps following receipt of their applications. Free campers intending to put up a large structure (like for example deadly whiteshade) we would be aware of through placement decisions and therefore would also be able to chat to about a solution.

As for the website I did not put that information on there it wilL be amended.

I appreciate you don't have all the info yet and that this is a nightmare for you. I look forward to seeing a clearer definition.

Why is a bell tent definitely not a structure while a dome definitely is? The Cwtch bell tent at Microburn is several times the size of some of the small domes used at Nowhere for example.

What if a theme camp labels their structure as 'art' and you take a photo of it? There's a lot of crossover. I'm still totally unclear what a 'structure' actually is.

And how are you hoping to know in advance who is bringing what to freecamp? Are you going to ask every freecamper?

Perhaps asking the obvious, but have you contacted an insurance broker or had any other quotes? Eg the firm that insures Microburn or London Decompression might offer a more sensible arrangement.
Happy to provide their contact details if you'd like?

I would be more than happy to try a different company and see what they say. But I have been in this role for Burning Nest for a few years and do know what I’m doing when procuring this stuff. I use a specialist event broker that goes to multiple companies. But if there is an easier solution here I’m open to it. The last two years this hasn’t been an issue. This year it is. It’s also the first year Shambala are asking independent crews to hold their own PLI. Not sure if that’s the same issue or a coincidence

If you email me the details for micro-burn/decom insurer It could be good to make an inquiry with them to see if it offers a simpler solution @: [email protected]

However if it doesn’t then is there a reason asking camps to hold their own PLI for a (well defined ;)) definition of structure Is a major problem? It’s not so different to asking camps to rent fire extinguishers etc. It covers them and us from an insurance perspective? It costs between 25-50 pound for a full year. Yes it’s a new thing that hasn’t been done previously but guaranteed if we aim to increase capacity and license the event fully next year there will be all sorts of similar new impositions. That’s how the UK event world is. I’m just a bit surprised this seems so controversial.

Although I do appreciate that the communication hasn’t been good thus far I have every intention to rectify that!

I'll shoulder part of the blame for comms. The PLI is mentioned in the FAQs that are linked to from the theme camp application form (which I'm guessing some people read due to this thread being here) but as it was a New Thing it probably should have been more explicitly communicated in the theme camp comms. Have edited the intro of the application form so it makes it a bit clearer from the outset for future applicants. Like Sam, I kind of categorised this in the same group as fire extinguishers, a not overly onerous imposition when considering all the costs a camp brings.

Nick we’ll have a chat and I’ll write some copy to make it as clear as possible for camps.

I'd just like to add (with my Flamin' Merkin hat on) that I'd be happy to pay the small cost of PLI if it means that I can be part of a wonderful Burn that gives so much joy to a community of my favourite people. It's a no-brainer ❤️