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 05/10/2011 05:12:26 PM · #1
Now that I'm using assistants, and going on locations for shoots, I was wondering about insurance for photographers. What kind do I need, if any? If so, what companies do you recommend?

Thanks
 05/10/2011 06:54:15 PM · #2
I watching this thread since I am doing more and more work with dance studios...kids running around lights that could fall on them and such.

I'm interested in learning what the options are also.
 05/10/2011 07:01:48 PM · #3
I don't know about in the US, but in the UK you would take Professional Indemnity and Public Liability.

The first is for something that might happen as a result of your work, the second is in case someone has an accident as a result of what you're doing.
 05/10/2011 07:12:04 PM · #4
I believe it was MattO who originally recommended Hill Usher. I got my insurance ithrough them which is Travelers Insurance. It covers equipment (owned and rental), property damage, personal liability, etc. Basically whatever you need they can customize th policy to suit your needs. Since it is business insurance you will pay more.

Message edited by author 2011-05-10 19:13:23.
 05/10/2011 07:26:51 PM · #5
Thanks. It's a place to start.
 05/10/2011 08:17:28 PM · #6
As Yanko said, I've been with Hill and Usher for a few years now for my business. Covers me, my equipment, rented or owned, liability insurance(2 million in coverage) Computer equipment, office equipment and all that. Nice people mine goes through the Hartford, with Hill and Usher as my Agent.

Matt
 05/10/2011 09:18:39 PM · #7
Matt, someone said I needed to worry about people traveling to and from the set (wherever that might be) while working for me. Is this true? I'd think that regular car insurance would cover any accidents they may have while not on the set, or if they go do an errand during the shoot. Am I wrong? Am I responsible for anyone not on the set, and if so, is that what the liability is for?
 05/10/2011 09:24:19 PM · #8
Originally posted by tanguera:
Matt, someone said I needed to worry about people traveling to and from the set (wherever that might be) while working for me. Is this true? I'd think that regular car insurance would cover any accidents they may have while not on the set, or if they go do an errand during the shoot. Am I wrong? Am I responsible for anyone not on the set, and if so, is that what the liability is for?


You would need to ask a lawyer or agent that question. I honestly don't know. Liability insurance I have covers me and the venue I'm working at should someone get hurt with my gear or something that is my fault. I can't imagine you being responsible for someone doing something off set, unless they are your employee and you require them to do that as part of their job. If so then I think you would need some sort of workmen compensation insurance. Again I'm not the right person to ask. I'm a single employee business with me as the CEO. Chief everything officer.

Matt
 05/10/2011 09:45:48 PM · #9
Yup, me too. And CBW (Chief Bottle Washer).
 05/10/2011 10:34:16 PM · #10
Good thread. I'm in the market for insurance, too.

Not sure regular insurance covers the to/from stuff while they are working for you: if they are driving to/from home to get to/from work, it is their coverage. But if they go out to do something on the job, even in their car, their insurance might want to come after your insurance (or you, if you don't have any). I'm not in any way a reliable source of information for this, though. Trust me not.

I think the other thing that comes up sometimes is venues--many places that you might want to shoot will want to see that you have coverage before allowing it. And, of course, if someone stubs their toe when they accidentally kick over your light stand, destroying your gear, they could sue you for medical treatment, pain and suffering, anguish over destroying your "Improperly Placed, Secured, Placarded" equipment, and for the barrage of expletives when you went all Christian Bale on them for messing with your lights! [see, I am building your 'rep' for you! you're welcome :) ]

Message edited by author 2011-05-10 22:35:14.
 05/10/2011 11:09:34 PM · #11
Originally posted by chromeydome:

I think the other thing that comes up sometimes is venues--many places that you might want to shoot will want to see that you have coverage before allowing it. And, of course, if someone stubs their toe when they accidentally kick over your light stand, destroying your gear, they could sue you for medical treatment, pain and suffering, anguish over destroying your "Improperly Placed, Secured, Placarded" equipment, and for the barrage of expletives when you went all Christian Bale on them for messing with your lights! [see, I am building your 'rep' for you! you're welcome :) ]


I have a couple of gyms, junior college and High school that I use remote strobes in, they require me to keep a current certificate of insurance with their SID at each renewal. Hill and Usher will send you one if you request it, that you can provide them.

05/11/2011 01:51:19 AM · #12
Are H&U local? Or do they have reps in California?
 05/11/2011 03:11:32 AM · #13

I haven't checked pricing, but joining ASMP or PPA is supposed to get you access to discounted insurance, but I don't know from which provider.

I have heard of some photographers that get "umbrella" coverage -- also only vaguely familiar with this.

If anyone wants to share experience with either or both, that will be most welcome :-)
 05/11/2011 09:54:48 AM · #14
I'm insured through State Farm Insurance. I have my house and cars of course insured through them but also have a separate rider for my computer hardware and another for my camera gear and of course liability for it all as well and if it works the same in the US then like with mine its all covered under an umbrella policy that combines the liability for me up to 3mill at this time.

-dave
 05/11/2011 12:50:00 PM · #15
Be careful when insuring things for business use with insurance intended for personal use (including riders). Many, if not all, homeowners and personal auto policies disallow coverage for business use. What that means is that if you have an accident, damage your equipment or get sued while working, you're not insured and, in case of a lawsuit, you can be held personally liable. You don't want that. Really. If you are using your personal insurance to cover you for such things and your agent says it's OK, make sure that it's spelled out in your policy and you understand the fine print.
 05/11/2011 01:53:36 PM · #16
Check to see what your home owners insurance can do for you as well. You can often buy a rider policy for camera gear that will cover damage and loss at a better price than you can but stand alone insurance. The negative is that any claim on that policy might shift your risk pool on your home owner's policy, so ask for a firewall on the rider.

I have my home, auto, camera and an umbrella policy all with the same insurer at a better price than I could have gotten shopping them out individually.
 05/11/2011 02:05:17 PM · #17
Originally posted by BrennanOB:
Check to see what your home owners insurance can do for you as well. You can often buy a rider policy for camera gear that will cover damage and loss at a better price than you can but stand alone insurance. The negative is that any claim on that policy might shift your risk pool on your home owner's policy, so ask for a firewall on the rider.

I have my home, auto, camera and an umbrella policy all with the same insurer at a better price than I could have gotten shopping them out individually.


Aren't those rider policies typically for personal use? It sounds like she is really needing a business policy.
05/11/2011 02:19:36 PM · #18
Originally posted by yanko:

Aren't those rider policies typically for personal use? It sounds like she is really needing a business policy.


My wife and I both run our businesses out of the house, so while my camera is personal use, my construction tools and certain types of liability are covered under the umbrella policy with a separate rider.
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