Risks should be made on film, not in real life. Filmmaker insurance can be complicated. From self-employed photographers to studios, risks include everything from data and financial losses to cancelled shoots, stolen equipment or props, and physical injury to cast. Any loss or damage can have a significant impact on your earnings and reputation, and if a client or employee is affected they could take legal action. Contractually you may also be required by your client to have insurance.
As a partner business of Williamson Carson, insurers to the creative industries, we know the photography and film industry inside out and the associated risks. All our photography and film insurance covers are tailored for the industry and to your unique requirements. Working with specialist insurers, we offer insurance packages with comprehensive protection not available anywhere else. From professional indemnity to all risks insurance for cameras, we can also arrange extensions such as rectification costs cover which will help you rectify any mistakes you may make before your client becomes aware. We also provide specialist insurance protection to industry bodies, including members of the British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies and the Association of Photographers.
As a privately owned broker with a small and dedicated multi-disciplined and experienced team of advisors with expertise in the photography and film sector, we pride ourselves on our exceptional service. Whether you’re getting a quote or making a claim, your insurance will always be handled personally by an expert member of our team.
The below packages have been designed for Filmmakers with an income of less than £100,000. Click on the package that best suits your needs.
Re-shoot and re-compilation costs: Our insurance goes beyond the cameras themselves and extends to cover the expenses associated with re-shoot and re-compilation as a result of damage to your cameras.
Transparency: We strongly believe that a transparent policy is extremely important. Where possible we ask clients to itemise the equipment they have. In the event of loss or damage, the claims can be paid extremely quickly. We can also provide two options; replacement cost as new or second-hand replacement cost.
Clear cover in respect of theft from un-attended: All specialist photographic insurance policies will contain different levels of cover in respect of theft from un-attended. What is critical, is that you are clear as to what and when you can leave your filming equipment unattended in your vehicle. Whenever we insure filmmakers, we ensure you are clear on the cover provided.
Production indemnity: If you have any involvement with commercial productions, we can include specialist production and re-shoot indemnity.
As a film maker, it’s important that you think carefully when buying insurance. It’s too easy to get it wrong and insurers don’t help with complicated policy wordings and endorsements. This guide provides some key considerations for filmmakers when buying insurance
So, what do you need to protect as a filmmaker?
We think two of the most important factors are:
You can reduce your risks significantly by carefully selecting a reputable insurer and ensuring you are covered correctly.
Endorsements and exclusions – unfortunately, every insurer is different and as result, you can often get caught with a policy that has an important exclusion or requires certain conditions before a claim is made. Below are a few important endorsements to keep an eye out for when buying camera insurance
It’s important to highlight that many insurers may refuse to alter the exclusions above, but nonetheless, an awareness of these exclusions should help encourage you to be extra careful with your cameras.
As a film maker your reputation is critical. There are two insurance covers we suggest you consider which will help you protect that reputation:
This covers your mistakes and protects you when clients allege that you haven’t done a good job. You might think it will never happen but it does. A filmmakers professional indemnity policy will cover anything from the costs of replacing accidentally deleted client photos or re-shoot costs if your shoots were not as required by the client.
Importantly professional indemnity provides both
So, why does this help protect your reputation as a filmmaker? There’s nothing worse than (in the unlikely event something does go wrong) attempting to handle this matter yourself. If you are insured with a reputable insurer, their claims handlers and solicitors are experts in these situations and may be able to make the problem disappear without any fuss. More time for you to do what you love … filming.
Public or General Liability covers claims against you or your business from third parties for bodily injury and property damage as a result of your business activities, for example, if someone trips over your tripod and injures themselves. Public liability insurance is important for filmmakers as you are constantly away from your premises, increasing the chance of causing bodily injury or property damage to a third party.
We won’t make comments on any insurance companies here, but we will advise you that the claims service between the various camera insurers will be different. Do your homework on the insurance company you choose, and don’t be tempted to always opt for the cheapest, you may pay the price at a later date.
In the event your cameras are damaged or stolen, you need an insurer who will be able to support you in your time of need. You want an insurance company that will:
An insurance company’s willingness to pay your claim quickly is critical. If your camera is damaged this weekend, you probably need a replacement within a week, if not sooner!
Employer’s liability insurance covers the cost of compensation if an employee of your business is injured or becomes ill as a result of the work they undertake for your business. If your business has any employees you are required to hold an employers liability insurance policy by law.
This covers your business property, i.e. the contents of your office. Your cameras are your most important assets, but don’t forget to your office equipment especially if you have your own specialist printers, photography equipment and software.
Whinney Insurance Brokers is a trading name of Williamson Carson & Co Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Register Number 146295.
