Photographers use their artistic skill and tech know how to capture “moments” on
film. On the surface, it may seem like a luxurious job, free of risks and dangers.
But just like any other freelancer, contractor, or small business owner, a photographer’s
day-in and day-out job is not without its risk. Among these include camera theft,
photo theft, copyright infringement, and risk of injury due to lugging around heavy
equipment. But don’t let these risks stop you from doing what you love, especially
if you protect yourself with insurance for photographers.
Photographers General Liability Insurance
General liability insurance for photographers provides coverage in the event that
one of your clients decides to bring suit against you either for property damage
and personal injury, including medical costs. For instance, as a photographer you
have equipment to lug around and set up. This can lead to an environment that is
prone to both damage to a client’s property, as well as injury that without general
liability insurance could result in hefty defense or medical costs.
Photographer Business Owners Insurance
Whether you are a newbie photographer or seasoned one, it’s essential to protect
your equipment. After all, your camera and accessories are your livelihood — without
them you can’t capture those precious memories via still photos or videos. That’s
why business owners insurance is important. A typical business owners insurance
policy, or BOP, combines property insurance and general liability. Not only is your
studio covered under the property insurance component of a BOP package, but your
photography equipment, office equipment, and furniture as well. What’s more, the
general liability portion of a business owners insurance policy protects you from
the risks of a judgment against you for allegations of negligence. It also includes
damages, legal defenses costs, and situations where a client is injured in your
studio.
Photographers Professional Liability Insurance
Dissatisfied clients and technology glitches (failed memory card, etc.) resulting
in loss of photos are some of the unfortunate occurrences that can happen when you
perform photography services for a client. If the event was a once-in-a-lifetime
event, like a wedding, if you fail to deliver services as promised, you stand to
have a client make a claim against you. However, professional liability insurance
for photographers provides you with protection against mistakes and claims of negligence.
Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions, protects you,
the photographer, as well as any employees or subcontractors working on behalf of
the business.
Photographers Inland Marine Insurance
Another type of insurance for photographers is inland marine insurance, which is
designed to protect your photography equipment while in transit or while in storage.
In the event that your photography equipment is damaged or stolen when in transit
to a photo gig, an inland marine insurance policy would cover this loss.
Photographers Commercial Auto Insurance
If you travel by car, truck, or van to get to your photography setting, you’re putting
your livelihood and yourself at risk if you don’t have commercial auto insurance
for photographers. Examples of risks covered by commercial auto insurance includes
vandalism and hail damage as well as property damage due to a vehicular accident.
Photographers Workers’ Compensation
Workers compensation insurance for photographers is mandated by law, although requirements
vary according to the state. If you have employees working for you in your photography
business, workers’ compensation insurance protects them against work-related injuries
and illnesses. Additionally, workers’ compensation insurance provides protection
for certain lost wages, medical, and rehabilitation expenses. For example, if one
of your photographers develops back problems from carrying heavy equipment as part
of his job duties and requires surgery, workers’ compensation insurance would cover
not only the medical expenses, but lost wages for the surgery and recovery.
Looking through this viewfinder, you can see that insurance for photographers is
critical to keep you business assets safe and protect you from financial loss. Keep
yourself and your business protected against the hefty costs of lawsuits and liability
risks by obtaining the perfect insurance package for your photography business.
