Photographer and videographer insurance in Pennsylvania

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

Which policies are required for photographers and videographers in Pennsylvania?

If you have a commercial lease, your property manager may require you to purchase general liability insurance. Commonly purchased by photographers and videographers in Pennsylvania, general liability insurance 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. Also called errors and omissions insurance, professional liability insurance provides financial protection if a client files a lawsuit claiming your work caused financial harm because it was late, erroneous, or incomplete.

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

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What are the most common policies for Pennsylvania photographers and videographers?

Photographers and videographers in Pennsylvania, from Erie to Pittsburgh, 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 Pennsylvania 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 coverage 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 Pennsylvania and you have 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?

According to an analysis of Insureon applications, the typical photo or video professional in Pennsylvania can expect to pay slightly less than the national median for most policies.

The median cost of general liability insurance is $425 annually for Pennsylvania photographers and videographers, the same as the national median.

Median business insurance costs for Pennsylvania photographers and videographers.

Save time and money with Insureon

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

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