Photographer and videographer insurance in Michigan

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

Which policies are required for photographers and videographers in Michigan?

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 purchased by photographers and videographers in Michigan. It can protect your business from expenses associated with common mishaps, such as client property damage and injuries.

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

Michigan state law requires workers’ compensation coverage for all small businesses that employ three or more workers, or one or more workers at 35 or more hours per week for 13 or more weeks. Business-owned vehicles must be covered by commercial auto insurance.

Compare photographer and videographer insurance quotes from top U.S. carriers

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

Photographers and videographers in Michigan 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 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 (E&O), can help cover legal expenses if you’re sued for unsatisfactory performance or a work mistake.

Workers' compensation insurance

If you own a photography or video production business in Michigan that has three or more employees, you need 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 pay for your medical bills, including ongoing rehabilitation costs. It can also cover some of your missed wages.

Commercial auto insurance

Any Michigan 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 Michigan?

How much will business insurance cost? Perhaps less than a new professional camera. In Michigan, photographer and videographers can expect to pay rates lower than the national median to secure their business, according to an analysis of Insureon applications.

The biggest drop over the national rate is workers’ compensation, generally the most expensive policy for photographers and videographers nationwide. In Michigan, a workers' comp policy is nearly $200 per year less than the national rate. Michigan state law is particularly strict in enforcing laws relating to workers’ comp. Uninsured employers may be subject to steep fines or imprisonment for up to six months.

Median business insurance costs for Michigan photographers and videographers.

Save time and money with Insureon

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

To make the application go quicker, have this information ready: