How a Smoking Hot Wedding Burned an Uninsured DJ

September 2017

If there was anything Anthony Wilcoxen knew for sure, it was how to deliver a good time. This in-demand disc jockey got his start in the industry at age 18 as a dueling piano player. Over the years, he expanded his repertoire and, at age 30, launched his own entertainment business specializing in parties, weddings and special events. Everything was going according to plan until the fateful evening of July 18.

July 18 began like any other wedding gig. The bride and groom were gregarious hosts, the crowd was in a celebratory mood, the LED lights pulsated, and smoke machines set the stage for a memorable evening.

When the Electric Slide Went Wrong
The dance floor was packed with guests boogying to the electric slide. Suddenly, the slide came to an excruciating halt when the bride’s aunt lost her balance and fell onto a smoke machine. Unfortunately, the machine was sizzling hot, and worse yet, the woman was wearing nylons. The nylons melted into her leg, creating a painful and expensive injury. In fact, it took two skin grafts to repair her skin.

At first, Anthony wasn’t worried. After all, he had homeowners insurance. Plus, he figured the bride and groom would pay for injuries that occurred at their wedding. Unfortunately, the aunt sued Anthony and the news from his insurance agent wasn’t good. His homeowners policy excluded business activities and therefore he had no coverage. Anthony paid exorbitant legal fees to defend his business, but to no avail. He was found liable and hit with a $150,000 judgment, completely wiping out his assets and nearly putting an end to his career as an entertainer.

An Expensive Lesson
Today, Anthony knows two things for sure: 1.) How to deliver a good time and 2.) Why it’s important to have industry-tailored business insurance.

When it comes to liability protection, one size does not fit all. Anthony learned firsthand that DJs get sued, homeowners insurance seldom provides coverage, and many generic business policies exclude coverage for damages from smoke machines. Now, he protects his business with the DJ/KJ/VJ insurance program exclusively available through R.V. Nuccio & Associates.

A Rock Star Solution
The DJ/KJ/VJ insurance program provides everything Anthony needs – General Liability, Property/Equipment and Employee Crime insurance – in one convenient place. Most importantly, he feels confident that his policy is designed to protect the unique exposures of his business. Endorsed by the American Disc Jockey Association, R.V. Nuccio & Associates is the only online, nationwide insurance source for DJs, offering the most customized protection at the most competitive rates.

Underwritten by Fireman’s Fund, one of the largest, most respected carriers in the country, the liability portion of the DJ/KJ/VJ policy provides “A” rated Commercial General Liability insurance protection for the following exposures: