Insurance for Photographers

There are many unique risks that photographers and videographers often face during a photography session. Don’t let an accident, damaged equipment or other mishap hit pause on your small business. Consider the big picture by protecting yourself with Photographers and Videographers Insurance.

Public Liability*

Photography can often involve loads of expensive equipment. You may have cords taped to the ground, big screens erected, and you may be working with hot lights. All of these pose an opportunity to cause injury to other people. Accidents, injuries and property damage can also arise in the most unlikely of ways for photographers. What would you do if you were to spill your morning coffee on the stylist’s vintage handbag? Or the model was to stumble and break a bone as you were directing their movements?

Often referred to as General Liability insurance, Public Liability insurance is designed to provide protection for you and your business in the event a customer, supplier or a member of the public brings a claim against you due to their being injured (and not covered by the Accident Compensation Commission) or sustaining property damage as a result of your negligent business activities.

Public Liability insurance also picks up legal costs that you may incur while defending yourself from a covered claim.

Things to think about when considering Public Liability Insurance

Photographers and videographers often meet their clients in different locations. You may work with them in your own studio, in their homes, at a wedding venue, in a park, on the beach or any number of other locales. While this can be an exciting part of being a photographer, it can also open you up to more risk.

Accidents happen, and they might be more likely to occur in unfamiliar locations where you may have less control over the setup and other factors. However, mishaps can also happen in places you’re familiar with, even when you’re being extra careful. Public Liability helps protect your business from the unexpected, so you can focus on capturing your clients’ special moments.

What is covered?

Portable Equipment Cover typically covers loss or damage caused by:

• Fire, storm, water, explosion, impact or malicious damage
• Accidental damage
• A vehicle collision or overturning
• Theft occurring after forcible and violent entry to locked buildings or locked vehicles
• Theft of equipment that is securely attached to a vehicle with locks or padlocks

What is not covered?

Portable Equipment Cover does not cover loss or damage caused by:

• Normal wear and tear or gradually developing conditions
• Cracking, scratching, marring or breakage of glass or fragile items or surfaces
• Rust, oxidation, mildew, mould, moths, insects, vermin, dry rot, contamination or pollution
• Heating, drying, cleaning, dyeing or altering any insured item
• Faulty workmanship or materials
• Employee theft
• Unexplained shortages in your inventory

Things to think about when considering Portable Equipment Cover

There are many things to consider if you’re deciding whether to add Portable Equipment Cover to your photographer’s insurance, videographer’s insurance, or wedding photography insurance. It may help to ask yourself these questions as you decide what type of cover you may need or want:

• Does your business rely on portable property (such as your camera gear, other photography equipment, or tools)?
• Would having to replace or repair of the equipment put your business under financial stress?
• Is your portable equipment stored in the open air or is it secured?
• Do you have the means to secure your portable equipment, both in your studio and work vehicle? Your policy wording is likely to explain how your portable property is required to be securely stored for it to be covered by your insurance.