Photographer and videographer insurance in Ohio

Learn about business insurance requirements and the most common policies for photographers and videographers in Ohio.

Which policies are required for photographers and videographers in Ohio?

If you have a commercial lease, your property manager may require you to purchase general liability insurance. It's one of the most common policies for photographers and videographers in Ohio because it can protect your business from expenses associated with mishaps, such as client property damage and injuries.

Your clients may require professional liability insurance in a contract. Also called errors and omissions insurance, professional liability insurance provides financial protection if a client files a lawsuit claiming your work caused financial harm because it was late, erroneous, or incomplete.

State law in Ohio requires every small business with one or more employees to provide workers’ compensation coverage, and business-owned vehicles must be covered by commercial auto insurance.

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What are the most common policies for Ohio photographers and videographers?

Photographers and videographers in Ohio, from Columbus to Cleveland, 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 Ohio 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 at an affordable rate.

Professional liability insurance

Many clients require proof of professional liability insurance before entering into contracts for professional services. This policy, also called photographer liability insurance or errors and omissions insurance, can help cover legal expenses if you’re sued for unsatisfactory performance or a work mistake.

Workers' compensation insurance

If an employee is injured on the job, workers’ comp can help pay for medical fees and lost wages. If you own an Ohio photography or video production business that has employees, you are required to carry workers’ compensation coverage. Sole proprietors can elect for this coverage, but it is not required by law.

In Ohio, workers' compensation insurance can only be purchased through a monopolistic state-administered workers’ compensation fund. It cannot be purchased through private insurers.

Commercial auto insurance

Any Ohio 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.

How much does insurance cost for photographers and videographers in Ohio?

Photographers and videographers in Ohio can expect their business insurance costs to adhere closely to the national median, according to an analysis of Insureon applications.

The median cost for errors and omissions coverage is just $34 per month for photographers and videographers in the state. If you were sued due to a work mistake or undelivered services, this policy could help pay for your legal costs.

An E&O policy paired with general liability coverage can cost Ohio photographers and videographers under $100 per month to secure their small business.

Insureon does not have data for workers’ compensation costs, as state law does not allow the purchase of this policy through private insurers.

Median business insurance costs for Ohio photographers and videographers.

Save time and money with Insureon

Insureon’s industry-leading technology helps photo and video professionals in Ohio 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 Ohio and can answer your questions as you consider coverage.

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