As a tour guide, you ensure your customers have a memorable and safe experience. It’s your job to make the time of tourists worthwhile so that they make the most of their money paid to the travel agency.
The package assembled by tour operators are costly, you should expect that clients will sue if you perform poorly. That's why tour guide insurance is essential to protect your business. In this article, we'll explore the different insurance options for tour guides and their costs.
CoverWallet | NEXT (Best) | Thimble | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Per occurrence limit | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 |
Aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 |
Products and completed operations aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
Advertising injury coverage aggregate limit | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
Tenant’s legal liability coverage limit | $300,000/$1,000,000 | $300,000 | $100,000 | $100,000 | $1,000,000 |
Waiver of subrogation included? | Yes | No | Included | Can be included | No |
Hired/non-owned auto liability coverage included? | Yes | No | No | Can be included | Can be included |
Equipment breakdown floater included? | No | Yes | Yes | Can be included | Can be included |
Can you get a certificate of insurance online? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Name additional insureds? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Deductible | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
General liability insurance is a policy that provides coverage for third-party bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury claims. This type of tour guide liability insurance will also help if you damage your landlord’s property or commit copyright infringement.
Most policies cover up to $1 million in damages per occurrence, with a $2 million aggregate limit.
Equipment coverage–If you use cameras, audio equipment, or other tools during your tours, you can add coverage for them in case they get damaged or stolen
Commercial auto coverage–If you use a vehicle for your tours, you can add coverage in case of accidents or damage
This tour guide liability insurance is not mandatory in all locations but is highly recommended. Without liability insurance, you may be personally liable for any damages or legal fees that arise from accidents during your tours. Liability insurance can give you peace of mind and protect your business from potential financial losses.
CoverWallet | NEXT | Thimble (Best) | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Per occurrence limit | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
Aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 |
Name additional insureds? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Waiver of subrogation included? | Yes | No | Yes | Can be included | No |
Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance, is another type of insurance coverage that can benefit tour guides. This insurance protects against claims of negligence or mistakes the tour guide makes while providing their professional services. Professional liability insurance for tour guides can help in situations such as:
Misinformation–If a tour guide provides inaccurate information about a location or historical site and a guest is injured or incurs damages, the client may sue to receive compensation
Negligence–If a tour guide fails to follow safety protocols or provide proper instructions, resulting in injury or damage to a guest, the guest may sue for negligence
Breach of contract–If a tour guide fails to deliver the promised tour experience or is canceled without proper notice, guests may sue for breach of contract
Depending on the policy and the insurer, professional liability insurance policies for tour guides typically offer coverage limits ranging from $250,000 to $1 million.
Umbrella insurance–This add-on provides additional liability coverage above and beyond the limits of the tour guide's existing insurance policies.
While general liability insurance can provide some protection in case of accidents or property damage, it may not cover claims of negligence or mistakes made by the tour guide. Professional liability insurance specifically covers these types of claims, so it may be worth considering in addition to general liability insurance.
Public liability insurance is an important coverage option for tour guides who work with members of the public. This insurance can protect against claims of property damage or bodily injury that occur during a tour. Public liability insurance for tour guides can help in situations such as:
If a tour guide accidentally damages someone else's property or causes bodily injury to a guest or third party, the affected party may sue for damages
If a tour guide causes damage to a location or venue during a tour, the venue may sue for damages
If a guest slips, trips, or falls during a tour and suffers an injury, they may sue for damages
Tour guide public liability insurance offer coverage limits ranging from $1 million to $5 million.
Yes, even if you only offer walking tours, accidents can still happen, resulting in property damage or bodily injury to a guest or third party. Public liability insurance can protect in case of such incidents.
Get all the best quotes from leading providers in a click of a button!
CoverWallet | NEXT (Best) | Thimble | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Building coverage limit (minimum) | $50,000 | $260,000 | $25,000/$500,000 | $25,000 | $60,000 |
Contents coverage limit (minimum) | $50,000 | $22,000 | $25,000/$500,000 | $25,000 | $60,000 |
Outdoor signs | Excluded | $2,500 | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded |
Accounts receivable | Excluded | Excluded | $5,000/10,000 | Included | Excluded |
Money and securities | Excluded | $2,500 | $1,000 | Included | Excluded |
Lock and keys | Excluded | $2,500 | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded |
Business interruption floater | Excluded | Included | Included | Included | Excluded |
Equipment breakdown floater | Excluded | Included | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded |
Inland marine insurance floater | Excluded | Excluded | $10,000 | Excluded | Excluded |
Employee dishonesty floater | Excluded | $5,000 | $2,500 | Included | Excluded |
Commercial property insurance is an important type of insurance for tour guides operating their business physically. This insurance for tour guides can help in situations such as:
Theft or loss of equipment–Tour guides often rely on specialized equipment such as cameras, audio equipment, and GPS devices. If this equipment is lost or stolen, commercial property insurance can help cover the cost of replacing it
Natural disasters–Natural disasters such as floods, fires, and earthquakes can cause significant damage to a tour guide's equipment and property. Commercial property insurance can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property
Vandalism–Unfortunately, vandalism can occur, and a tour guide’s property and equipment can be targets. In such cases, commercial property insurance can help cover the costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged property
Commercial property insurance for tour guides typically offer coverage limits ranging from $500,000 to $1 million.
Equipment coverage–This add-on covers your tour equipment, including cameras, audio systems, GPS devices, or any specialized gear you use. It protects against theft, loss, or damage to your equipment
Goods in transit coverage–If you transport equipment or other goods during your tours, this add-on protects them from damage or theft
CoverWallet | Thimble (Best) | NEXT | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
General liability aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $300,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 |
Commercial property coverage limit | $50,000 | $500,000 | $260,000 | $25,000 | $75,000 |
Optional policies can be added? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Name additional insureds for free? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
BOP discount? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
A business owner's policy (BOP) is an insurance coverage designed for small businesses. A BOP combines two key coverages–general liability insurance and property insurance–into a single policy. A BOP can help protect your tour guide business in situations such as:
Property damage–If your tour guide business accidentally damages someone else's property, your BOP can help cover repairs or replacement costs
Bodily injury–If someone is injured during one of your tours, your BOP can help cover the costs of medical expenses and any legal fees if you are sued
Business interruption–If your business is forced to shut down temporarily due to a covered event, your BOP can help cover the loss of income during that time
A BOP for tour guides typically includes general liability coverage with limits ranging from $1 million to $5 million and property insurance with coverage limits based on the value of your business assets.
Environmental liability insurance–If your tours involve outdoor activities or visits to environmentally sensitive areas, this coverage can protect you against claims related to pollution or damage to natural resources
Product liability Insurance–If you offer any products as part of your tours, this coverage can protect you against claims related to injuries or damages caused by these products
NEXT | Thimble | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aggregate limit | $3,000/$10,000 | $2,500/$5,000 | $15,000/$25,000 | $5,000-$10,000 |
Covers hired and borrowed equipment? | $3,000/$10,000 | $2,500/$5,000 | No | Yes |
Miscellaneous equipment also covered? | $5,000/$10,000 | No | Yes | Yes |
Offered as an endorsement to general liability insurance? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Deductible | $500 | $500 | $0 | $0 |
As a tour guide, your tools and equipment are essential to a successful tour experience. Whether leading a walking tour or driving a bus, you rely on your equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable tour for your guests. However, accidents can happen and your tools and equipment can become damaged or stolen. Tools and equipment insurance can help in situations such as:
Theft–Tools and equipment insurance can cover the items if the equipment is stolen during a tour
Accidental damage–If your equipment is accidentally damaged during a tour, such as dropping your camera or microphone, tools and equipment insurance can cover the repairs or replacement
Natural disasters–If your equipment is damaged or lost due to a natural disaster, such as a flood or fire
Tools and equipment insurance policies typically offer coverage limits ranging from $5,000 to $50,000
Business interruption coverage–If your tour guide business experiences a loss of income due to a covered event, such as theft or damage to your equipment, business interruption coverage can provide compensation for lost income during the period of interruption
As a tour guide, you may use a vehicle to transport guests during a tour. Commercial auto insurance can cover the vehicle used for business purposes, protecting you against financial loss in accidents or damages. Commercial auto insurance can help in the following situations:
If you or your employee is involved in an accident while driving a vehicle during a tour, commercial auto insurance can cover damages and injuries caused to other parties
Commercial auto insurance can cover repair or replacement costs if your vehicle used for tours is damaged due to an accident, theft, or other covered incidents
If the tour guide rents a vehicle for business purposes, commercial auto insurance can provide coverage for accidents and liability claims while driving the rental vehicle
The components of commercial auto insurance for tour guides include:
Auto liability coverage–This covers damages and injuries caused to others in an accident where you or your employee is at fault
Collision coverage–Covers damages to your vehicle caused by a collision with another vehicle or object
Comprehensive coverage–This covers damages to your vehicle caused by theft, fire, or natural disasters
Medical payments coverage–This covers medical expenses for you and your passengers in case of injuries sustained in an accident
Commercial auto insurance policies typically offer coverage limits ranging from $25,000 to $1 million.
Commercial auto insurance policies may also offer additional coverage options, such as:
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage–This coverage protects in case you or your passengers are injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver
Hired and non-owned auto liability–If you rent or borrow a vehicle for business purposes, or if an employee uses their personal vehicle for business purposes, this coverage can protect in case of accidents
Normally, personal auto insurance policies do not cover vehicles used for business purposes. If you use your personal vehicle for your tour guide business, consider getting commercial auto insurance to ensure you are adequately covered.
Workers' compensation insurance is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their work. Workers' compensation insurance can help in situations such as:
Strains or sprains from lifting heavy objects
Repetitive motion injuries
Illnesses caused by exposure to hazardous materials or substances
Motor vehicle accidents while on the job
Physical assaults or attacks from tour guests or third parties
The coverage limits for workers' compensation insurance may vary depending on the state and the insurer. Generally, this insurance covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.
Workers' compensation insurance policies may also offer additional coverage options, such as:
Employer’s liability insurance–This coverage can protect if an employee sues the employer for injuries or illnesses sustained while on the job
Occupational accident insurance–This coverage can provide benefits for work-related injuries or illnesses not covered under workers' compensation insurance
Tavel insurance for tour guides typically covers unexpected events that may occur during travel, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost or stolen luggage, and other travel-related mishaps. This type of insurance is important for you if you frequently travel with groups of people to different locations.
Travel insurance policies for tour guides offers up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip in the form of trip cancellation or trip interruption coverage
Travel insurance for tour guides can typically be purchased on a per-hour basis or an annual policy, depending on the insurer and the needs of the tour guide. It's important to check with the insurance provider to see what options are available and what coverage is included in each policy.
Walking tour guide insurance considers walking risks. As a walking tour guide, you may face congested streets which result in property damage or unpredictable weather, and uneven sidewalks which result in body injuries to third parties. With this insurance, you can rest easy if someone is hurt or property is damaged on the tour.
Cost per Month | Cost per Year | Deductible | |
---|---|---|---|
General liability insurance | $34 | $408 | $0-$500 |
Professional liability insurance | $39 | $468 | $500-$1,000 |
Commercial property insurance | $50 | $600 | $1,000-$2,000 |
Business owner’s policy | $80 | $960 | $1,500 |
Commercial auto insurance | $55 | $660 | $500-$1,000 |
Tools and equipment insurance | $42 | $504 | $500-$1,000 |
Workers compensation insurance | $88 | $1,056 | $2,000-$5,000 |
Travel insurance | $45 | $540 | $1,000-$2,000 |
The average tour guide insurance cost is $34 per month or $408 per year for a $1 million general liability insurance. Some factors that can impact premiums are:
Type of insurance coverage–Different types of insurance coverage, such as general liability, commercial property, and workers' compensation, have different costs associated with them
Level of coverage–The higher the coverage limit, the more expensive the insurance policy
Business location–The location of the business can impact the cost of insurance due to varying state regulations and risks associated with the area
Business size–The size of the business can impact the insurance cost, as larger businesses may require more coverage and have higher risks
Industry-specific risks–Tour guide businesses that offer high-risk activities, such as adventure tours or extreme sports, may have higher insurance costs due to the increased likelihood of accidents
In connection, here’s a table showing the cost of a $1 million general liability insurance from companies you should consider working with:
Cost per Month | Cost per Year | Best for | |
---|---|---|---|
NEXT | $15 | $180 | Best overall; Fastest general liability insurance for tour guides |
CoverWallet | $19 | $228 | Comparing tour guide insurance quotes online |
The Hartford | $22 | $264 | Workers compensation insurance for tour guides |
Tivly | $26 | $312 | Comparing tour guide insurance quotes over the phone |
Hiscox | $28 | $336 | Tour guide insurance with automatic renewal |
Thimble | $30 | $360 | On-demand coverage for tour guides |
Get all the best quotes from leading providers in a click of a button!
Here are some of the best tour guide insurance companies. Read some of the reviews below to know their pros, cons, and average rate for a $1 million general liability insurance:
Best overall
Issues an online proof of insurance instantly
Fastest general liability insurance for tour guides
Great customer service and reputation
Excellent rates
Outstanding value for money
Get a 10% discount if you buy two or more policies
Some customers have reported difficulty with the claims process.
NEXT offers a variety of insurance options for tour guides. You can buy insurance policies for your business either separately or as part of customized bundles designed for specific industries.
Best for: Best overall; Fastest general liability insurance for tour guides
Average cost: $15 per month
Our rating: 10/10
Quick and easy-to-use platform
Multiple insurance options
Great customer service
Difficulty with the underwriting process
CoverWallet is an internet-based insurance intermediary that enables small business proprietors to receive quotes from multiple insurance companies simultaneously. However, CoverWallet does not function as a direct supplier of business insurance.
Best for: Comparing tour guide insurance quotes online
Average cost: $19 per month
Our rating: 10/10
Extensive experience and expertise in providing insurance coverage for small businesses
Personalized customer service and support from dedicated agents
Robust coverage options that include general liability, commercial auto, workers' compensation, and property insurance
Limited add-ons to general liability insurance
For more than 211 years, The Hartford have been providing individuals and enterprises with the necessary aid and security to pursue their distinctive aspirations, seize opportunities and overcome unforeseen obstacles.
Best for: Workers compensation insurance for tour guides
Average cost: $22 per month
Our rating: 10/10
Helps to find the most cost-effective insurance policies
Offers professional advice and guidance in selecting the appropriate coverage
Assists with the insurance claims process
Provides personalized customer service
Offers the convenience of managing all insurance policies in one place
May negotiate better insurance rates on behalf of their clients
You need to call to get a quote
Tivly simplifies purchasing commercial insurance for businesses by assisting small business proprietors and operators in obtaining quotes from preferred insurance companies. The company was founded in Norman, Oklahoma, in 2009. Call now to compare quotes over the phone.
Best for: Comparing tour guide insurance quotes over the phone
Average cost: $26 per month
Our rating: 8/10
Highly rated by AM Best and the BBB.
They have coverage available in 49 states
Competitive pricing and discounts for bundling multiple policies
Online quoting not available all the time due to periodic site maintenance
Hiscox have over 100 years experience in insurance, protecting businesses of all sizes. The company was founded in 1901 in Bermuda and has since expanded to operate in several countries, including the UK, USA, Europe, and Asia. They offer commercial insurance policies that include public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance.
Best for: Tour guide insurance with automatic renewal
Average cost: $28 per month
Our rating: 8/10
On-demand coverage options that allow for coverage to be purchased only for the duration of a specific tour or activity
Has a high customer satisfaction rating.
Provides a mobile app for managing insurance policies and making claims
Offers 24/7 customer service and support
You can’t reach customer service by calling
Thimble is a unique insurance provider offering on-demand tour guides coverage. You can purchase coverage by the hour, day, or month, making it a great option for those who only need insurance for specific events or tours.
Best for: On-demand coverage for tour guides
Average cost: $30 per month
Our rating: 8/10
Use anyone except Employers. Period. They are non-transparent and shameful. After I complained long enough to warrant a call from a supervisor, the supervisor called back from a PRIVATE NUMBER (no caller ID), left a message that they are not reversing their decision (without any communication with me), and failed to leave a phone number for me to call back. She was hiding! They also fact find via email and phone calls, which is terrific for speed and communication. However, after setting a precedence of email or phone calls, they send time sensitive information via email, without any heads up... they are hoping you miss it and forfeit via expiration. Evil policies. Go elsewhere.
This place is an absolute joke of a company and should be ashamed of the way they conduct business. I was hurt on the job at the end of July and it took them just shy of 7 weeks to issue out a paycheck to me. Yes the amount was back dated but still. Not many have the luxury of not receiving a paycheck for almost 2 months. To top it all off, the original adjuster marked me down for the wrong state which caused a problem from the get go, I've had 3 different adjusters now since each one can't seem to figure out the simplicity of my claim. All my paperwork which includes, my job, house, and drs visits all are from the same state and city but yet some how I have been filed under a completely different state 1500 miles away. They do not answer your phone calls or emails no matter how many you leave. I've had to escalate my frustrations to the supervisors of each of these individuals in order to even get some kind of response. I've had more communication and information given to me about my claim from the customer service representatives then the actual adjusters.......... please tell me how that works?! A serious overhaul needs to happen here in order to serve your clients the way they deserve to be taken care of. 10/10 do not recommend this company to a single soul on earth
I have never had the displeasure of working with a more incompetent and disrespectful person in my life. I’m an injured worker and the adjuster that was assigned to my case was named Carrie Furgeson. In the past 6 weeks that I’ve been injured and out of work I have only been able to get ahold of her twice, not for lack of trying. I have left countless voicemails, countless emails, and she ignores them all. When I am finally able to get ahold of her I’m greeted with terrible customer service. She is rude, she talks over me and I’m hardly able to get a word in edgewise. She spelled my name wrong on my documents even after I spelled it for her properly countless times, this caused a whole new issue with my bank. I have bill collectors from the hospital calling me demanding payment and Carrie Furgeson won’t do a single thing to help, or to get them paid. All of my documentation is in Colorado, my job is in Colorado, my address is in Colorado, all my Dr offices and appointments have been in Colorado and Carrie still managed to hold my claim because she wasn’t sure what state she needed to file it under. It’s been 6 weeks since my Injury and my company still hasn’t received the wage paperwork to fill out so they can get me my correct wages. When she’s not ignoring me she’s answering my questions with “I don’t know” well I don’t know how she got this job, because apparently she doesn’t know anything about it. She is a disgusting morose individual inside and out and I genuinely wish her the worst in all of her future endeavors. I highly recommend you don’t use this company. Please if you are a business owner and your looking into this company please don’t use them. I’m sure they have the cheapest payment and that’s why companies use them in the first place, but you will be doing your employees a grave disservice by forcing them to venture into this absolute dumpster fire of a company. I would rate 0/5 if possible but 1 was the lowest I was allowed.
Their general liability insurance purchase process is simply the best online experience I've ever had in my life!
As long as they cover your line of business, you're literally covered! best rates, best coverage, best online experience, best professionals, can't be happier that I chose them!