Photographer and videographer insurance in New York

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

Which policies are required for photographers and videographers in New York?

If you have a commercial lease, your property manager may require you to purchase general liability insurance. It's the most common policy purchased by photographers and videographers in New York because 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 financial protection if a client files a lawsuit claiming your work was late, erroneous, or incomplete.

State law in New York requires every small business with employees to provide workers’ compensation coverage. Business-owned vehicles in New York must be covered by commercial auto insurance.

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What are the most common policies for New York photographers and videographers?

Photographers and videographers in New York 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 New York City and elsewhere in the state 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 New York that has employees, you are required to carry workers’ compensation coverage. If you are a sole proprietor, the coverage is optional. However, if you trip over a light stand and break an arm at your studio, or develop a repetitive stress injury from your work, you can turn to your workers’ comp policy to help pay your medical bills and lost wages.

Commercial auto insurance

Any New York 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 New York?

According to an analysis of Insureon applications, photographers and videographers in New York pay a median of $425 annually for general liability coverage. This is the same as the U.S. median cost.

A business owner's policy will cost nearly $550 per year, which is a little higher than the national annual median cost. The price of errors and omissions insurance is slightly higher than the national median, costing New Yorkers $390 annually versus the $340 national median.

However, New York-based videographers and photographers will typically save when it comes to workers’ comp. The median annual cost for workers' compensation coverage is $769 for photographers and videographers in New York, which is several hundred dollars less than the national median.

Median business insurance costs for New York photographers and videographers.

Save time and money with Insureon

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

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