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Photographer and videographer insurance in Illinois
Learn about business insurance requirements and the most common policies for photographers and videographers in Illinois.
Which policies are required for photographers and videographers in Illinois?
General liability insurance is one of the most commonly purchased insurance policies by photographers and videographers in Illinois. It can protect your business from expenses associated with common mishaps, such as damage to a client's property and injuries at a photo or video shoot. If you have a commercial lease, your property manager may require you to purchase this policy.
Your clients may require professional liability insurance in a contract. This policy provides financial protection and coverage for legal fees if someone claims your work was late, incomplete, or failed to meet certain standards.
State law in Illinois requires every business with employees to provide workers’ compensation coverage, and business-owned vehicles are required to have commercial auto insurance.
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What are the most common policies for Illinois photographers and videographers?
Photographers and videographers in Illinois most often buy the following types of insurance. The exact coverage you need depends on the specifics of your business, such as whether you hire employees or drive for work.
General liability insurance
General liability insurance is the foundation of a photographer or videographer’s business protection, with coverage that extends to client injuries, client property damage, and advertising injuries. Most commercial leases require you to have this coverage.
Business owner's policy
Photographers and videographers in Chicago and elsewhere in Illinois sometimes qualify for a business owner’s policy, or BOP. This package helps your business save money by bundling commercial property insurance with general liability coverage at an affordable rate.
Professional liability insurance
Many clients require proof of professional liability insurance before entering into a contract with a photographer or other provider of professional services. This policy helps cover legal expenses if you’re sued for unsatisfactory performance or a work mistake. It's sometimes referred to as photographer liability insurance or errors and omissions insurance (E&O).
Workers' compensation insurance
If you own a photography or video production business in Illinois that has employees, you are required to carry workers’ compensation coverage. If you are a sole proprietor, the coverage is optional. However, if you are injured on the job, workers’ comp can also pay for your medical bills, including ongoing rehabilitation costs. It can also cover some of your missed wages.
Commercial auto insurance
Any Illinois business that owns a vehicle must carry commercial auto insurance, which covers expenses in the event of an accident. Photographers and videographers who drive their own vehicle for work, or rent or lease a business vehicle, can opt for hired and non-owned auto insurance instead.
Inland marine insurance
While property insurance covers equipment that stays at your primary business location, inland marine insurance can cover items you use in the field, such as cameras and lighting equipment you take to photograph a wedding. These items move from location to location, which exposes them to more opportunities for loss, damage, and theft. That’s why they require special coverage.
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How much does insurance cost for photographers and videographers in Illinois?
How much does photography or videography business insurance cost in Illinois? Potentially less than a new professional camera, according to data from Insureon's small business customers.
Photographers and videographers in the state can expect to pay roughly the national median for insurance. That means $425 per year for a general liability policy, or $500 annually if you choose to bundle general liability coverage with commercial property insurance in a BOP.
Errors and omissions insurance costs a media of about $340 per year for Illinois photo/video businesses.
The one major outlier is workers’ compensation insurance. The national median average is slightly over $1,000 per year, but in Illinois the median cost of workers' comp is close to $1,900. However, workers' comp premiums vary tremendously based on the number of employees.
Save time and money with Insureon
Insureon’s industry-leading technology helps photo and video professionals in Illinois save time and money shopping for insurance by comparing policies from top U.S. carriers. Start a free online application to review quotes for the policies that best fit your business. Our insurance agents are licensed in Illinois and can answer your questions as you consider coverage.
To make the application go quicker, have this information ready:
- Workforce details, such as the number and types of employees
- Current and projected revenue
- Business partnerships
- Insurance history and prior claims
- Commercial lease insurance requirements
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Updated: June 20, 2023
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