ProfEngineer Loc: Florida

I have been reading Ugly Hedgehog – Photography Forum for some time now and have never seen anything regarding insurance that should be carried by a freelance photographer. I am not into photography for the money, so have never worked as a freelance. A company has seen some of my work and has ask me to consider working as a freelance for them as needed. I am concerned with where my liability is working for pay. What insurance should I have to cover me? I am aware of Professional Liability Insurance for engineers as I was a structural engineer and carried a large amount of insurance for my work. Before taking this job I what to determine my out-of-pocket costs.

d3200prime

You will get varied answers from this forum that might confuse or at create doubt so I would recommend you consider legal counsel. We are great at helping with photography issues but legal issues not so much. Good luck!

krl48 Loc: NY, PA now SC

You might want to look into the Professional Photographers of America and see if the cost/benefit of joining them might provide the protection in terms of liability and equipment insurance you're concerned with. www.ppa.com

MDI Mainer

I can recommend this book as an excellent and comprehensive guide:

https://www.amazon.com/Photographers-Legal-Guide-Carolyn-Wright/dp/0979035309

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I would highly recommend having a conversation with a lawyer. or perhaps a commercial insurance agent you would trust. I have a business insurance policy that also covers my gear. Best of luck.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Best answer.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

When I was a professional I carried a "high risk" insurance policy on my equipment, if my tripod for example, feel from the balcony during a wedding and injured someone, I would be covered, it also covered lost or stolen equipment. It is expensive.
Now I have a separate policy with my insurer. It covers just the equipment for lost or stolen venues. It is a separate policy, not a rider on my home owners policy. Lots of folks carry a rider and falsely think it will cover their equipment if lost or stolen.
You should always check with your insurer, tell them exactly the coverage you need, and they will be able to customize a plan to suit your needs.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Best and really only answer thus far.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

The company you will be working for may have a specific requirement for liability insurance, especially if you will be working at their facilities.

ProfEngineer Loc: Florida

I want to thank everyone for your help. I believe I will past on this job and stick to having fun shooting for my self.
ProfEngineer

traderjohn Loc: New York City

First, how many days, how many hours.. You get compensated. Be business-like. Yes, CYA.

gwilliams6

I have a business insurance policy with State Farm that covers all my camera and computer gear and also gives me $1 Million in liability insurance, which is a minimum for shooting in many venues nowadays.

As State Farm is also my car insurer, I would first check with your homeowner's, renter's, and/or car insurer and see what they might be able to do for you with business liability coverage.

Cheers

Nickaroo

Just get in touch with a Lawyer who is Familiar with Commercial Liability. You need to be "Bonded" to say the least. A Good Attorney will probably be in the neighborhood of $600-700 at the top end. Just do it so it keeps everyone straight.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Your final decision as to the legalities and insurances for your freelance business should be based on professional advice from lawyers and insurance agents or brokers. If you wish to research the options to start with, The Professiona Photograher of America (P.P.of A) and the America Society of Media Photograher (ASMP) are recommended. Their offerings and recommendations are specifically intended for photographers. Consider the insurance programmes that come with membership.

Of course, laws and regulations can differ in various jurisdictions and circumstances so seeking professional advice in your location is important

I can tell you what insurances I carry to give you some ideas of what you may require.

PUBLIC LIABILITY- This covers you for any accidental damages you cause to people or property, in the course of doing your work, on your premises or on location. If someone trips and falls on an electrical cable or light stand, if a hot lig burns a hole in somethg, etc., etc.

NON PERFMANCE- For example- if a job is time sensative- the client has paid to reserve advertising space and you miss the deadline. You shoot an event that can not be restaged and for whatever reason, you can not deliver the images, etc, etc. Circumstances like these can lead to a lawsuit.

EQUIPMENT- A comprehensive policy to cover the replacement of lost, or damaged equipment due to fire, theft water damage, in yor home, studio and/or motor vehicle. I make certain the values set are current replacement costs.

It is important to consult a lawyer to assist you in designing a contract form. Your contract can set out the certain limitations of liability and what yo guarantee and what you disclaim. These clauses can help determine the extent of your required insurance coverages. How you register yo business- as a single proprietorship, corporation, etc., also affects liability issues- your lawyer can explain the details, advantages and taxation issues.

You mention that you ordinarily do not do photography for money. Once you accept payment you are representing yourself as a professional. Make sure the fees you receive will cover your overhead costs, insurance is only one of them.

Some of this may sound onerous and a bit scary, but settg up all of this in advance will avoid regrets in the future.

Good luck- much success

Bobsphoto

Before you spend money on an attorney, and I'm not advising against that, talk to your homeowners insurance carrier to see whether the liability and property insurance will meet your needs. Do you have an agent who can advise you. When I was in consulting and airshow announcing business we carried a general business insurance policy that cost about $500 and it covered most risks. Your biggest risk will probably be getting to and from the job. You might also look into an umbrella policy through your homeowners that will offer broad general coverage.