Whether it’s shooting a game in Allentown or a wedding outside Pittsburgh, your clients rely on you to capture their pivotal moments. The Keystone State lives up to its name, with access to the large markets of Boston and New York City just a train ride away. Whether you work with local clients or travel to venues up and down the coast, any time in the field increases the risk of damage to costly camera equipment. Different types of business insurance can help protect your equipment and your other assets, leaving you to focus on the task at hand.
When considering which business insurance will best protect your company, it’s important to consider your individual risk and relevant business factors. Will your company require office space? Most leasing agreements require proof of general liability insurance and/or commercial property insurance. Your clients may also ask for proof of professional liability insurance before booking you for a shoot. Also called errors and omissions insurance, this coverage can potentially protect you from a lawsuit resulting from a business discrepancy. Pennsylvania state law requires all small businesses with one or more workers to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
Insureon makes shopping for insurance easy with industry-leading technology that gathers quotes from top U.S. carriers that fit your needs. Read more to find out which policies are most common for photographers and videographers in Pennsylvania, and 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 Pennsylvania 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 size.
| Business type |
General liability / BOP |
Professional liability |
Workers' comp |
| Sole proprietor |
X |
X |
|
| Partner |
X |
X |
|
| Contractor / freelancer |
X |
X |
|
| Employer |
X |
X |
X |
General liability insurance: General liability insurance is the foundation of a videographer or photographer’s business protection with coverage that extends to bodily injury, client property damage, advertising injury, and the cost of legal defense. Most commercial leases require you to have this coverage.
Professional liability insurance: Many clients require proof of professional liability insurance before entering contracts for professional services. This policy, also called errors and omissions insurance or photographer liability insurance, can help cover legal expenses if you’re sued for unsatisfactory work or a business discrepancy.
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.
Pennsylvania workers' compensation: Pennsylvania state law requires all small businesses with one or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If an employee is injured on the job, workers’ comp can help pay for medical fees and lost wages. Independent contractors and solo business owners are not legally obligated to purchase workers’ comp, but they may elect for coverage. Workers can procure coverage through Pennsylvania’s State Workers Insurance Fund or through a private insurer.
Photographers and videographers spend a lot of time in the field and in front of the action, so it may come as no surprise that they face a higher risk of workplace injury than workers in more sedentary occupations. In particular, they’re at risk for injuries caused by overexertion and falls, slips, and trips, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Business insurance costs for photographers and videographers in Pennsylvania
Photographers and videographers in Pennsylvania can expect to pay slightly less than the national median to secure their small business, according to an analysis of Insureon applications. Errors and omissions coverage is relatively low, at around $27 per month. This policy is particularly important for photographers and videographers who are hired to capture once-in-a-lifetime moments. An errors and omissions policy could protect you from a lawsuit that results from misfortune, such as your memory card failing during a client’s wedding vows. Some errors and omissions lawsuits can reach six figures, which could cause irrevocable damage to a small businesses. In all, the median cost is less than $200 per month to secure your photography or videography business.
Save time and money with Insureon
Insureon’s industry-leading technology helps photographers and videographers in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 or videographer insurance quotes today.