Inland marine insurance for photographers and videographers

A form of commercial property insurance, inland marine insurance coverage helps photographers and videographers recover the cost of lost or stolen items, as well as equipment that suffers property damage.

Because photo and video shoots take place at different locations, you need gear insurance that can cover your equipment wherever you bring it. For example, if your camera gear is stolen at the park where you were shooting a wedding, inland marine insurance can pay for the cost of replacement.

This policy usually offers equipment coverage for:

• Cameras brought to a photo shoot
• Items kept at a storage locker
• Business property in transit

If you run a photography or videography business, you might want to look into adding inland marine insurance to your general liability insurance or business owner's policy (BOP). Bundling policies is one way for small business owners to save money on insurance.

Talk to a licensed insurance agent about inland marine coverage for your business.

Inland marine insurance doesn’t only pay for stolen items, like a video camera that disappears from a film set. If your equipment is damaged by vandalism or a work accident, this policy will pay for the repair or replacement cost. However, it does not cover general wear and tear.

• Camera bodies and storage bags
• Tripods, lenses, filters, and other camera equipment
• Light kits, backdrops, and other accessories
• Computers, monitors, laptops, and external hard drives
• Other specialized equipment, such as drones

Not every photo or video company has the same insurance needs. Whatever your profession, our licensed Insureon agents can assist you in tailoring a policy that provides the right amount of coverage for your risks, and give you peace of mind.

Inland marine offers great photography equipment insurance coverage to help replace damaged or destroyed equipment, but it doesn’t protect against other common risks. Photographers and videographers should also consider the following photography business insurance policies:

General liability insurance: This policy covers basic risks involving customers, clients, and other third parties. It can cover accidental damage to a client's personal property or a slip-and-fall injury at your studio that leads to a lawsuit.

Business owner’s policy: A BOP bundles general liability coverage with commercial property insurance at a lower rate than purchasing both policies separately. If a client is injured at your office or a thief steals your camera equipment, a BOP would cover the costs.

Professional liability insurance: This coverage can pay for lawsuits related to your work performance. For example, if a videographer hired to shoot a wedding misplaces the memory card, it can pay for legal expenses. This policy is sometimes referred to as errors and omissions insurance (E&O).

Workers’ compensation insurance: This policy can pay for medical expenses if an employee is injured on the job. For example, if a photographer falls off a ladder while trying for the perfect angle, workers’ comp would cover their hospital bill. Most states require this coverage for businesses with employees.

Commercial auto insurance: Photo and video businesses that own a vehicle typically must carry commercial auto insurance to comply with state laws. This coverage helps you recover from accidents involving your business vehicle.

Are you ready to protect your business with inland marine insurance or another type of coverage? Complete Insureon’s easy online application today to get quotes from top U.S. providers. Once you find the right types of insurance for your photo or video business, your coverage can begin in less than 24 hours.