Learn about business insurance requirements and the most common policies for photographers and videographers in New York.
Which policies are required for a photographer or videographer 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, also called errors and omissions insurance, 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 must also be covered by commercial auto insurance. Personal vehicles used for business purposes should have a hired non-owned policy.
What are the most common policies for a New York photographer or videographer?
The most common policies for photographers and videographers in New York vary depending on revenue, client contracts, partnerships, and other factors.
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.
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.
Business owner's policy (BOP)
Photographers and videographers sometimes qualify for a business owner’s policy. This package helps your business save money by bundling commercial property insurance with general liability at an affordable rate.
New York workers' compensation
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.
What do photographers and videographers in New York pay for business insurance?
According to an analysis of Insureon applications, 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 business owner's policy will cost nearly $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 median, costing New Yorkers $390 versus the $340 national median cost.
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.
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.
To make the application go 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 or videographer insurance quotes today.