Why do photographers need insurance?
If a photographer loses a memory card of wedding photos, or a client is injured on a photo shoot, it could result in a lawsuit. Photographer insurance can help pay legal fees and medical costs. Some policies may be required by client contracts, state laws, or commercial leases.
Find the right coverage
Our licensed insurance agents will help you find photography insurance policies that match your unique risks. Get free expert advice and peace of mind knowing you have the right liability and equipment coverage for your business.
Fill out Insureon's easy online application to get started.
What types of business insurance do photographers need?
These policies cover common risks faced by photography businesses.
General liability insurance
This insurance covers basic photography risks, such as customer property damage and injuries. Bundle with equipment insurance in a business owner’s policy (BOP) to save.
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Damaged customer property
- Copyright infringement and other advertising injuries
Business owner’s policy
A BOP is a cost-effective insurance policy for photographers that bundles commercial property insurance and general liability coverage together in one plan.
- Third-party bodily injury
- Third-party property damage
- Damaged photography equipment or business property
Professional liability insurance
This liability policy is also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O). It covers legal expenses if a client sues a professional photographer over the quality of their work.
- Lost or low-quality photos
- Accusations of negligence
- Late arrivals or missed events
Workers’ compensation insurance
Most states require workers' comp for photography businesses that have employees. It also protects sole proprietors from work injury costs that health insurance might deny.
- Employee medical expenses
- Missed wages
- Legal costs
Commercial auto insurance
This policy covers the cost of accidents involving a vehicle owned by a photography business. Most states require this coverage for business-owned vehicles.
- Property damage caused by your vehicle
- Bodily injuries from an auto accident
- Vehicle theft and vandalism
Equipment insurance
This policy protects your cameras and other photography equipment that travels outside of your office. It covers property losses due to theft, fires, storms, and vandalism.
- Cameras brought to a wedding
- Photography equipment in transit
- Business property stored off-site
How much does photographer's insurance cost?
A freelancer will pay less for insurance than a small business with several photographers.
Factors that affect the cost of photographer's insurance include:
- Type of photography, such as wedding photographer
- Value of camera equipment and other property
- Business income and size
- Types of insurance purchased
- Coverage limits and deductibles
State insurance requirements
See your state's requirements for photo/video businesses
How do I get photography insurance?
It’s easy to get insurance coverage as a freelance photographer or photography business if you have your business information on hand. Our insurance application will ask for basic facts about your business, such as revenue and number of employees. You can buy policies online and get certificates of insurance with Insureon in three easy steps:
- Complete a free online application
- Compare insurance quotes and choose policies
- Pay for your policy and download a certificate
Insureon's licensed agents work with top-rated U.S. insurers to find coverage that fits your photography business, whether you work independently or hire employees.
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