Photography Business Insurance: What It Is, Best Companies
Photography businesses may benefit from insurance that covers camera equipment and professional liability.
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Updated · 5 min read
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Senior Writer, SMB Business insurance can protect photographers and videographers from a slew of financial risks. Even if photography is a side gig, you’ll still typically need at least:
- General liability insurance. This pays out if someone says your business caused injury, illness or property damage, among other claims.
- Professional liability insurance. This covers you if a client claims your work did not meet expectations, or your services were inadequate.
- Business property and/or equipment coverage. These policies can cover your gear and other business equipment from theft or damage.
Here’s what you should know about photography business insurance and how to purchase the right policies for you.
Save up to 30% on business insurance
NerdWallet Small Business helps you get real-time quotes from 30+ insurers, and instant access to your Certificate of Insurance (COI) through our partner, Coverdash.
The best photography insurance companies
NerdWallet’s editorial team chooses the best business insurance based on:
- Relative number of complaints to state insurance regulators.
- Financial strength, which indicates a company’s ability to pay claims.
- How easily you can get a quote and buy a policy online.
Here are some of our top companies that serve photographers and videographers. We recommend getting multiple quotes to find the best coverage at the best price.
Chubb
Chubb is a financially strong company with relatively few consumer complaints. It also sells insurance policies online to businesses with less than $2 million in annual revenue. While Chubb doesn’t specialize in photography businesses, it is a solid, convenient insurance option if you don’t have complex needs. Read the Chubb business insurance review.
The Hartford
If you want a one-stop stop for your photography business, The Hartford may be it. The carrier offers tailored add-ons, like drone coverage and the option to schedule coverage for your camera equipment. Doing that lets you avoid buying a separate policy to cover equipment when it’s outside your business property.
You can get home-based business coverage or a business owner’s policy from The Hartford. It offers quotes online, but you’ll need to connect with an agent in order to buy a policy. Read The Hartford business insurance review.
Ergo Next
You can get a quote and buy a policy online in minutes through Ergo Next. You can also access your certificate of insurance online, making it a convenient option overall. Ergo Next offers three bundle levels for photography businesses. That makes it a potential fit for larger studios with employees, property and vehicles, as well as sole proprietors and smaller outfits. Read the Ergo Next business insurance review.
Thimble
Thimble is an insurance agent. Since it doesn't underwrite insurance policies, we don't give it a star rating.
If your photography business is a side gig, you may be interested in Thimble. It’s a good fit if a venue requires proof of coverage for a one-off event or shoot. This company lets you get insurance fast, and buy it by the hour or day. But be warned: You may pay for that convenience. Its coverage can come with hefty one-time transaction fees that outpace your premium.
Thimble isn't an insurance carrier. It sells policies underwritten by partner companies, which you would work with in the event of a claim. Read the Thimble business insurance review.
What is photography business insurance?
Photography business insurance can include several policies that shield photographers and videographers from financial liability.
Whether you run a photography business or simply shoot family photos on the side, it can make sense to invest in business insurance. The right insurance policy can protect you from devastating expenses that your business would otherwise have to pay.
What risks does my photography business face?
Photographers and videographers commonly face risks such as:
- Broken, lost or stolen equipment, including camera lenses, lights and computers.
- Not making it to a client’s event on time — or at all.
- Accusations that your services were not up to a client’s expectations.
- Getting into a car accident while driving to a photo shoot.
- A damaged flash card or hard drive that causes you to lose all of your files.
Types of photography business insurance
Here are some common types of business insurance that may be helpful for photographers and videographers. Note that some insurance types may not be necessary for smaller businesses with fewer assets.
General liability insurance
If someone claims you or your employees caused them injury or property damage in the course of business, general liability would pay. It also pays out if you are accused of advertising injury, such as libel or slander against another photographer.
Say a DJ breaks his turntable after tripping over your light stand at a wedding. Your general liability insurance could cover the cost of a replacement. If he broke his ankle, general liability would defend you in a potential lawsuit and pay for his medical costs.
Professional liability insurance
Also called errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, professional liability covers allegations that you failed to deliver adequate services. It pays defense costs if you’re sued and any judgment against you
For instance, say your flash card somehow fails before you have an opportunity to back up your files, and your client sues. Professional liability insurance will pay costs to defend you and damages to your client.
General liability policies typically include some professional liability coverage. But for a service- and skill-based business like photography, you may want a standalone policy with higher limits.
Business property insurance
If your office, studio, equipment and other business possessions are damaged in a covered disaster, business property coverage pays out. Also called commercial property insurance, it typically includes business interruption coverage. This pays for rent, payroll and other costs while you can’t do business after the covered property event.
For example, if your studio were to catch fire. Business property insurance would cover the items inside and the costs to rebuild and repair the building. Business interruption coverage helps pay utilities, rent and other ongoing costs.
It’s important to note that this insurance covers items only while they’re on your business property. That may be fine if people come to you for photo shoots. But if you bring expensive equipment to locations, you’ll likely want inland marine coverage (more on that below).
Additional insurance photographers should consider
| Policy | Coverage details |
|---|---|
| This policy covers camera bodies, lenses, lighting, computers, and other gear while in transit or on location. You may also see it called tools and equipment insurance. For example, say you’re in a car accident that destroys your computers and memory cards. Commercial auto insurance won’t pay for those items in your vehicle, but inland marine would. | |
| This covers medical bills, lost wages and therapeutic costs for employees who suffer injury or illness while working. Most states require workers’ comp if you have employees, but it’s also a smart buy for sole proprietors. Health insurance may not cover job-related claims. If one of your photographers breaks her ankle while on a shoot, workers’ comp can help cover the cost of her bills. It can also pay a portion of her lost wages and physical therapy costs. | |
| Pays for medical expenses, vehicle repairs and property damage from accidents involving a car you use for work. If you get in a car accident on the way to a photo shoot, your commercial auto insurance policy can cover your vehicle repairs. It can also pay the cost of the other party’s repairs, damaged possessions and bodily injuries if you were at fault. | |
| Business income off-premises | This coverage pays out if your equipment is damaged while not at your business property and you can’t work. For example, you are shooting a wedding and drop your camera. Now, you have to cancel a job. This endorsement covers a portion of the lost income. |
| Cyber insurance covers costs when client files are exposed, stolen, or held for ransom. It also pays out if identifiable personal images or client credit-card data is stolen. Say your computer was hacked, and someone stole your clients’ photos, addresses and payment details. Cyber insurance would cover an investigation and identity monitoring for your customers. | |
| Drone insurance | Also called unmanned aircraft insurance, this covers liability and physical damage if you fly a drone commercially. Venues, clients, and film commissions may require you to have this coverage if you shoot drone video. For example, say you’re shooting an aerial video and hear a loud noise. All’s clear, but you accidentally sent your drone through a stained glass window when you jumped. Drone insurance would cover the damage and costs to defend you if the venue owner sues. |
Many insurers offer general liability and commercial property insurance in a bundle known as a business owner’s policy, or BOP. It typically includes business interruption coverage. A BOP is a great choice if you have a commercial studio or storefront.
Insurance providers can often customize a BOP for you to include photographer-specific perks. They may offer discounted rates for purchasing multiple policies too.
Save up to 30% on business insurance
NerdWallet Small Business helps you get real-time quotes from 30+ insurers, and instant access to your Certificate of Insurance (COI) through our partner, Coverdash.
What photographers should look out for in policies
It’s common for business insurance policies to have exclusions or gaps. Here are the ones photographers should look out for.
- Copyright infringement coverage. You could be sued for accidentally photographing copyrighted artwork or making a video with a licensed track playing in the background. General liability typically excludes copyright infringement from advertising injury clauses. Some professional liability policies may cover copyright infringement, though. Ask about adding it as an endorsement if you don’t see it explicitly listed.
- Second-shooter coverage. If you hire subcontractors to shoot additional footage of events like weddings, they should have their own insurance too. Ask them to add you as an additional insured on their policies before you work together.
- Home insurance limits. If your business is a side gig out of your home, your homeowners policy may cover some of your equipment. But if it does, limits are typically low for business items. You’ll likely want standalone equipment coverage if your gear is expensive.
- Coverage limits in general. Pay attention to per-item limits for any equipment coverage you have. Say your policy caps individual claims at $2,000, but your camera costs twice that amount. You’ll save some money on a replacement, but still end up footing a big bill.
How much does photography business insurance cost?
The price of business insurance can vary significantly depending on the policies you choose, the amount of coverage you buy, the size of your business, the number of people you employ and your location.
But in general, photography and videography are relatively low-risk professions. Your insurance premiums shouldn't cost as much as someone who works in a more dangerous industry such as construction.
As with any major decision, shop around for a few quotes from different insurers to make sure you’re buying the best plan for your unique needs.
How do I buy photography business insurance?
Here are some simple steps to be aware of when getting a business insurance policy:
1. Learn what insurance you need — and how much
If you’re a sole proprietor who photographs events as a side hustle, you won’t need as much insurance coverage as a full-fledged studio with 20 employees and freelance photographers.
For part-time freelancers, some insurers offer policies that protect you on a per-event basis rather than requiring a monthly or annual commitment.
2. Get several quotes and compare insurance plans
There are three main ways to get estimates from insurers: You can reach out to an insurance broker, shop via an online marketplace or contact individual providers on your own. Learn more about how to get business insurance.
3. Purchase your insurance package and keep your policies up to date
Read the fine print on your policy so you know how and when you’re covered. For example, you may want protection if your equipment is stolen, but not all insurers offer that within their business property insurance policies.
You can set calendar alerts to remind yourself when it’s time to renew your insurance policy to make sure you don’t accidentally allow your coverage to lapse.
