Business Insurance Requirements for Photographers and Videographers in New York

As a photographer or videographer in New York, your life revolves around capturing the perfect moment. Whether it's a high-fashion photo shoot in New York City or a picturesque wedding in Buffalo, it’s important to have the right tools of the trade, including cameras, light meters – and business insurance. Without proper coverage, you could suffer tremendous financial loss if your equipment breaks or is stolen.

Business insurance can also protect your company from the cost of hefty lawsuits or accidents. Many photographers and videographers purchase an insurance policy called professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance. This policy can pay your legal bills if a client isn’t satisfied with your work and decides to sue. If you rent studio space, the terms of your lease may require you to purchase a general liability insurance policy, which can cover legal and medical expenses related to third-party property damage or injury. Workers’ compensation insurance can protect you and any employees from costs associated with workplace injuries.

Insureon makes shopping for insurance easy with industry-leading technology that gathers quotes from top U.S. carriers that fit your needs. Find out more about the types of photographer and videographer insurance that are available, as well as costs and other considerations for providing photography and videography services in New York, or simply start an application to get your free quotes today.

Find the right insurance policy for your photography or videography business

The most common policies for photographers and videographers vary depending on a number of factors, including revenue, client contracts, and partnerships. The table below illustrates which policies might work best for your business type.

General liability insurance: This type of business insurance is typically one of the first policies purchased by photographers and videographers. It protects your business from a variety of claims, including third-party injuries and property damage. Since photography and videography businesses are often considered low-risk by insurance agencies, you may qualify for a business owner's policy, or BOP, which combines general liability and commercial property insurance into one policy, typically at a cheaper rate than if you purchased them separately. Property insurance covers your camera and other equipment, and can pay to repair or replace business property that is damaged or stolen.

Professional liability insurance: Also called errors and omissions insurance, professional liability insurance covers lawsuits stemming from professional errors, both genuine and alleged. As photographers and videographers, you strive to produce the best work for your clients, but you cannot always guarantee a client’s satisfaction. If a client accuses you of making an error, you could be sued. Even if you aren’t found liable, you may still be responsible for costs related to the lawsuit. If you have professional liability coverage, it will be your insurer paying for court fees, not your business.

New York workers’ compensation insurance: The state of New York requires you to carry workers’ compensation insurance even if you have just one employee. Workers’ comp can pay for lost wages and medical expenses if an employee is injured on the job. While sole proprietors aren’t required to purchase coverage, it’s a policy that is worth considering. If an injury on the job prevents you from working, the combination of medical fees and lost work can cause significant financial loss.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most commonly reported injuries for photographers and videographers are overexertion and bodily reactions, followed by slips, trips, and falls, and transportation accidents.

Business insurance costs for photographers and videographers in New York

According to data gathered from insurance applications through Insureon, photographers and videographers in New York can expect to pay roughly $425 annually  for general liability coverage. This is the same as the U.S. median cost. A BOP will likely cost $550 per year, which is a little higher than the national annual median cost. The median annual cost of errors and omissions policies is also slightly higher than the national average, costing New Yorkers $390 versus the $340 national median cost. However, New York-based videographers and photographers will typically save when it comes to the cost of workers’ comp. The median cost for coverage for photographers and videographers in New York is $769, which is several hundred dollars less than the national median price of $1,034.

Save time and money with Insureon

Insureon’s industry-leading technology helps photographers and videographers in New York save time and money shopping for insurance by comparing policies from dozens of top U.S. carriers. Simply apply online and review quotes for the policies that best fit your business needs. Our insurance specialists are licensed in New York and can answer your questions as you consider coverage.

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

• Workforce details, such as the number and types of employees.
• Current and projected revenue.
• Business partnerships.
• Insurance history and prior claims.
• Commercial lease insurance requirements.

Apply for free photographer and videographer insurance quotes today.