As busy music professionals and business owners, sometimes there are numerous business issues that have to be completed before you even can begin teaching. Setting up the studio, ordering music, purchasing instruments, scheduling appointments and much more is involved just to get started. With all

these items that have to be done, purchasing insurance is just another job on the "To Do" list. While it may be tempting to contact one insurance agent, accept the first policy offered and mark the task off your list, it's not the best approach. When purchasing a policy, making assumptions about the coverage can cost you and your business. As with all insurance plans, the policy detail is truly the bottom line for coverage.

The first and possibly biggest mistake some businesses, as well as individuals, make is having no coverage at all. As shocking as it sounds, many businesses and independent professionals simply are not insured. By not carrying a general or professional liability insurance policy, you will be leaving yourself or your business wide open to several different types of exposure. Many home-based business owners mistakenly believe their business will be covered under their homeowner's policy, but do not take the time to check until someone gets hurt or sues them. Statistics from the National Association of Home Based Businesses reflect that there were between 55 and 60 million people working from home in 2001, and one-third of them were considered home-based businesses.

Another frequent insurance mistake is purchasing inadequate coverage. As a self-employed music professional, your focus should remain on your business and your music--not insurance. However, general or professional liability coverage should cover your activities, as well as your premises. Be certain to check the coverage and ask questions so you can understand the policy details.

The most commonly overlooked and under-purchased business insurance coverage are commercial automobile, employment practices and disaster policies. These policies are the complete coverage all business owners should have. Commercial automobile insurance will provide coverage for any gap you may have in your personal automobile coverage while you're working. Employment practices liability coverage will protect you against many forms of exposure, nor just harassment. Disaster insurance policies and proper planning make the best businesses better, nor only by being prepared but also providing peace of mind.

Business owner's policies may include some of the above policies; however, there may be specific limitations to the policy conditions and coverage amounts. In addition, certain exclusions may apply. For these reasons MTNA has partnered with the Clarkson Insurance Agency to make certain you are given the best coverage available. Whether you have a home-based business, provide teaching services full- or part-time or have another job in addition to providing musical instruction, we can assist you with obtaining the appropriate insurance.

Each MTNA member we talk with receives our undivided attention to determine his or her specific insurance needs. The customized policies for music professionals are provided to ensure all MTNA members receive appropriate coverage. We welcome the opportunity to provide you and your business with an insurance quotation. Today's business world is evolving in all areas, and the Clarkson Insurance Agency is here to provide assistance to you at your convenience. To accommodate your schedule, online enrollment is available on the Clarkson Agency website twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, or you can e-mail your request to mtna@rhcgroup.com, as well as call us toll free at (800) 338-7148.

Tammy Wallace has been with the Robert H. Clarkson Insurance Agency since October 2002, as marketing director and MTNA program coordinator. She has nearly fifteen years experience in the insurance industry and holds life, health, and property and casualty insurance licenses.