Insurance Committee
Statement of Purpose
We empower circus schools and the circus community with the knowledge, resources, and advocacy they need to obtain and maintain comprehensive insurance coverage and promote a safe and thriving circus arts community. The purpose of the AYCO/ACE Insurance Committee is to provide guidance, education, and advocacy for circus schools and other organizations that provide circus arts training and performances. As a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the circus arts, we recognize the importance of comprehensive insurance coverage to protect our students, instructors, and performers.
The Insurance Committee will work to assess the insurance needs of circus schools and other organizations and develop resources and tools to help them understand and navigate the insurance process. The committee will research and compare insurance providers and policies.
In addition, the insurance committee advocates for fair and equitable insurance policies for the circus arts industry. The committee will work to raise awareness of the unique risks and challenges faced by circus schools and other organizations and advocate for policies that support their mission and activities.
The Tight Rope We Walk with Insurance
As the advisory committee, we partner closely with the ACE/AYCO members and the circus community to understand the challenges we face as an industry in regard to insurance. We have identified the following high-level pain points:
Lack of Knowledge in Circus Arts – It’s a common perception that Circus is risky and dangerous. However, that is our theatrical publicity face, not our practiced reality. Brokers and/or carriers do not fully understand circus arts and the activities that need to be covered. This leaves the circus community with insufficient coverage for their organization and activities.
Limited Coverage – Finding a one-stop broker or carrier for the needs of a multi-faceted organization can be difficult.
Dropped Coverage – Several circus schools and community members have experienced dropped coverage entirely or for an activity unexpectedly. Organizations and activities are losing coverage with limited to zero claims history.
Height Limitations – There is a misconception that increased height equals increased danger. Although it may seem that reducing height reduces risk, height restrictions do not actually increase safety.
Skyrocket Rates – The circus community has been experiencing increased insurance costs in recent years, which has placed a significant financial burden on the circus schools, studios, instructors, and organizations we serve, as well as performers, teaching artists, companies, and event organizers.
How We’re Finding Balance for the Circus Community
The Insurance Advisory Committee is actively working to create balance and solutions when it comes to insurance for the Circus Industry. We are committed to partnering with insurers who provide quality insurance products, understand our community’s unique needs and safety requirements, and share our passion for the circus arts industry.
We highly value insurers who invest the time to learn about our safety procedures and how they contribute to the highest possible level of safety for our performers and students. We believe in the importance of working with insurers who share our commitment to safety and will only insure circus arts organizations and teachers who prioritize safety in their practices.
Furthermore, we are committed to working with insurers who share our vision for the ongoing success of the circus arts community. Working together can help create a safe and thriving environment for all those involved in circus arts.
