Business Insurance Requirements for Photographers and Videographers in Texas

With its sweeping skies, gorgeous vistas, and vibrant cities, Texas presents photographers and videographers with a stunning backdrop for their work. Whether you shoot corporate videos for the boardrooms of Dallas or photograph the hottest new bands playing in Austin, business insurance can help protect your company and your equipment.

General liability insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage for third-party property damage or injuries that happen if you’re on location or in your studio for a shoot. Professional liability insurance, also called errors and omissions insurance, will protect you if a client claims you did not deliver the services you promised. Some larger contracts might require you to have this policy before you start work. You will also likely want a business owner’s insurance policy with an inland marine insurance rider to insure your gear at your studio and in the field.

Insureon makes shopping for insurance easy with industry-leading technology that gathers quotes from top U.S. carriers that fit your needs. Continue reading to learn more about the types of commercial insurance that are available, as well as costs and other considerations for providing photography and videography services in Texas, or simply start an application to get your free quotes today.

Find the right insurance policy for your photography or videography business

The most common business insurance policies for photographers and videographers in Texas 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 type.

General liability insurance: General liability insurance provides coverage for third-party property or injury claims against your business. Let’s say you accidentally break a window at a wedding venue or a client trips over your tripod and breaks a leg. General liability insurance could help cover damages and medical expenses. If you rent a studio or an office, your landlord will probably require you to carry this type of insurance. You may also qualify to purchase a business owner’s policy, or BOP, which bundles general liability coverage with commercial property insurance at a cost that’s typically lower than if you purchased each policy separately.

Inland marine insurance: While commercial property insurance can protect photo or video equipment that stays at your primary business location, inland marine insurance can cover items you use in the field, including your shooting and editing gear. Think of it as camera insurance for when you’re on the go. It can be purchased as a standalone policy, or as an endorsement to your commercial property insurance.

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, can help cover legal expenses if you’re sued for unsatisfactory work or a business discrepancy.

Texas workers' compensation insurance: If you or an employee is injured on the job, workers’ comp can help pay for the medical fees and lost wages. In Texas, workers’ comp insurance is not required by law. Still, it’s an important type of insurance to have, as medical expenses and time lost due to injury can set your business back financially.

Although being a photographer or videographer isn’t commonly thought of as a dangerous or injury-prone profession, injuries can and do happen, especially in the field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most commonly reported injuries for photographers and videographers in the United States are overexertion and bodily reactions, followed by slips, trips, and falls, along with transportation incidents.

Business insurance costs for photographers and videographers in Texas

Median insurance costs for photographers and videographers in Texas are very similar to median national costs, according to an analysis of Insureon applications.

You can expect to pay roughly $425 annually for general liability insurance or $500 if you decide to purchase a BOP. You’re actually likely to pay less than the median national cost for errors and omissions insurance, at $270 per year. Workers’ compensation insurance is the one policy where Texans may pay a bit more than the national median: $1,115 annually versus $1,034.

Save time and money with Insureon

Insureon’s industry-leading technology helps photographers and videographers in Texas save time and money shopping for insurance by comparing policies from dozens of top U.S. carriers. Apply online and review quotes for the policies that best fit your business needs. Our insurance specialists are licensed in Texas 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 and videographer insurance quotes today.