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DPChallenge Forums >> Business of Photography >> Insuring camera equipment and liability insurance?
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05/22/2022 12:49:36 PM · #1
So I'm finally trying to make some money off my photography. And I'm now carrying around a very expensive piece of equipment.

What type of insurance do I need?
Do you have it? Is it expensive?
Should I go through my regular insurance provider (allstate) or get it from someone else?

Thanks!
05/22/2022 01:04:59 PM · #2
Here's a very good article on the topic:

Working Photographers & Insurance

If it were me, I'd be joining the American Society of Media Photographers as well: almost limitless resources for Professional Photographers at about $20 a month, worth every penny. A much better source of advice for nuts and bolts of the pro game than DPC :-) I was a long-time member when I was working.

As for *where* to get your insurance, find a company that specializes in working photographers. Start googling to see the lay of the land. I'm not up-to-date on who are the best players in the business so wouldn't presume to recommend.
05/23/2022 09:00:44 AM · #3
I do paid event photography( think Spartan/Tough Mudder) regularly. I carry my gear with me everywhere, from local events to out of state events. I use Hill and Usher for my insurance on my gear. They are geared toward professional photoraphers.
05/23/2022 09:39:30 AM · #4
Thanks, guys, I'll dig some more.

I didn't see the purpose for liability insurance. I thought bear was a little over the top on it. Until they set me up in the choir room last night -- next to a row of cellos and basses. I had visions of someone tripping over a cord and seeing all the instruments go down like dominos.

I stayed far away from them!
05/23/2022 11:12:05 AM · #5
I'm with Hill & Usher as well. Absolutely must have insurance due to a trillion reasons. I never have to worry about gear replacement in case of damage or theft, etc.

And most certainly liability. If someone gets hurt for any reason while you're present, your a potential defendant.
05/23/2022 11:34:44 AM · #6
You know, given the number of broken bones I see in front of my lens these days, I should probably consider this - doubly so since I'm often crouching inches away from the edge of race courses.....

Anyone know if this covers broken me as well? lol
05/23/2022 02:35:28 PM · #7
Originally posted by Cory:

Anyone know if this covers broken me as well? lol

That'd be your HEALTH insurance, d00d :-)
05/23/2022 02:36:52 PM · #8
Originally posted by vawendy:

I thought bear was a little over the top on it.

Bear is NOT "a little over the top" on it. Any pro shooter who lacks liability insurance is insane. It's not that expensive, anyway...
05/23/2022 03:11:49 PM · #9
Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Originally posted by Cory:

Anyone know if this covers broken me as well? lol

That'd be your HEALTH insurance, d00d :-)

I was going to suggest a tarp to cover him. Health insurance may be over the top.
05/24/2022 07:05:12 AM · #10
ROFL
02/01/2023 10:49:45 AM · #11
you are either "in business", or you "want to be in business", or you just want to make money without the overhead of being in business...

it really depends on who you want to sell to and what you want to sell. do you need to have any more credibility than simply being able to take photos that someone would buy at a show? are you looking to do essentially retail work (that is, shooting for families and individuals)? or do you want to put yourself out there as a commercial photographer?

if you don't need the overhead and credibility, you are free to take whatever risks you want. keep in mind, that if you are engaged in a business relationship of any type (like a family portrait for any amount of money), and someone gets hurt, well, you run the risk of being sued and losing and possibly losing everything you own if your homeowners insurance decides you are not covered for those damages (yes, even a personal umbrella policy does have limits and exclusions).

on the other hand, you may be required to carry insurance by commercial clients (for instance, William & Mary requires me to carry a $1,000,000 general liability policy that has them added as a named insured).

as noted, there are many sources and options for coverage. in the end, having adequate insurance is essentially the cost of being in business. as well as peace of mind.

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