Learn about business insurance requirements and the most common policies for photographers and videographers in North Carolina.
Which policies are required for a photo or video business in North Carolina?
A property manager may require you to purchase general liability insurance before signing a lease with your photo or video business. It's one of the most common policies purchased by photographers and videographers in North Carolina because it can protect you from expenses associated with common mishaps, such as client property damage and injuries.
Your clients may require professional liability insurance in a contract. Also called errors and omissions insurance, professional liability insurance provides financial protection if a client files a lawsuit claiming your work was late, erroneous, or incomplete.
State law in North Carolina requires every small business with three or more employees to provide workers’ compensation coverage, and business-owned vehicles must be covered by commercial auto insurance. Personal vehicles used for business purposes should have commercial coverage with a hired non-owned policy, as well.
What are the most common policies for photographers and videographers?
The most common policies for photographers and videographers in North Carolina 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
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.
North Carolina workers' compensation
If you own a photography or video production business in North Carolina and have three or more workers, 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 North Carolina pay for business insurance?
Despite the state’s pro-business climate, photographers and videographers in North Carolina can expect to pay slightly more for business insurance than the national median, according to an analysis of Insureon applications.
Workers’ compensation is typically $1,143 annually or about $95 per month, the most expensive policy for photographers and videographers in North Carolina. Small businesses with fewer than three employees may be tempted to go without workers’ comp. This would save money in the short term, but in the long term, not having it could be financially devastating for your business.
However, photo and video business in North Carolina can expect to pay less than $500 annually for general liability insurance, which is below the national median cost for that policy.
Save time and money with Insureon
Insureon’s industry-leading technology helps photo and video professionals in North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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.