Commercial auto insurance for photographers and videographers

Your employees may be skilled drivers, but accidents can happen to anyone. A collision could lead to another motorist getting injured, or a photography business's van being totaled.

An auto accident could cost your small business thousands of dollars, especially if someone is hurt. Compare that to the median premium of about $140 per month for small businesses, and it’s easy to see why commercial auto insurance is the better deal.

Commercial auto insurance helps pay for lawsuits, property damage, and medical costs that arise from an accident involving a company vehicle. It can also cover vehicle theft, vandalism, and damage from hail and storms.

This policy can be tailored to fit the needs of a photo or video company. For example, a photographer who drives infrequently to take portraits of clients may need less coverage than a video production company that drives long distances to different filming locations.

Company-owned vehicles must be covered by commercial auto insurance. It's the law in almost every state.

Commercial auto insurance may be required if you:

• Own a film production van or other work vehicle
• Transport camera and film equipment
• Send photographers or other employees to clients' homes

State regulations determine how much coverage you need. Your commercial auto insurance must meet your state’s liability insurance requirements.

You can tailor your commercial auto insurance policy to match your business's risks and its budget. This policy can cover:

If your photography or videography company is sued over an auto accident, legal expenses can pile up fast. You may also have to pay a settlement or court-ordered judgment.

If an accident injures the driver of your photography business's vehicle, or any passengers, your policy can cover the cost of medical care.

Collision coverage pays for damage to a company car or other work vehicle, regardless of who caused the accident.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage pays for damage caused by drivers who lack insurance. Some states require this coverage.

Comprehensive insurance covers non-collision damages, including fire, vehicle theft, and vandalism.

Commercial auto insurance only covers vehicles that are owned by a business, but sometimes employees drive personal or rented vehicles for work errands.

For example, a videographer might drive their own car to a wedding, or a drone photographer might rent a van to transport their equipment. Personal auto insurance also won't provide coverage if you get into an accident while driving for work.

Hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) provides liability coverage for photographers and videographers who get into an accident while driving a personal, leased, or rented vehicle to conduct company business.

Commercial auto insurance covers the risks of driving for work, but it doesn’t cover everything. Photographers and videographers should also consider:

General liability insurance: This policy protects against basic risks involving customers, clients, and other third parties. It can cover accidental damage to a client's property or a slip-and-fall injury at your photo 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.

Inland marine insurance: A standard commercial property policy covers business property in a fixed location, which is why photo and video professionals often invest in inland marine insurance. This policy covers your cameras and other business property wherever you take it.

Are you ready to protect your photo or video business with commercial auto insurance? Complete Insureon’s easy online application today to compare quotes from top U.S. carriers. Once you find the right policy for your business, coverage can begin in less than 24 hours.