The Crucial Role of Insurance When Hiring a Commercial Photographer.

In the world of photography, an item that is often overlooked when selecting a photographer is their insurance. Is it the right kind of insurance? Will meet the needs of their business if something were to happen? Hiring a photographer for your business without verifying their insurance can expose you to unnecessary risks. Understanding their policies can protect you from potential liabilities and ensure a smooth collaboration.

This blog post will explore why hiring a photographer with the right insurance is essential, what types of coverage to look for, and how to verify that your chosen photographer is adequately insured.

Understanding the Basics of Photographer Insurance

Photographers typically carry insurance tailored to the type of work they do. Many insurance companies insure a photography based on the primary type of work they do. A wedding photographer will likely not have the correct insurance to cover a commercial site incident. Typical insurance policies will include general liability insurance, which covers claims related to bodily injury or property damage. According to the Insurance Information Institute, about 40% of small businesses face some sort of liability claim each year. A company that is looking to hire a photographer must determine if just having a general liability is sufficient for their needs.

While general liability covers basic incidents, it does not address all potential risks. For instance, if a photographer's camera falls over and damages something critical during the shoot or seriously injures someone, general liability may not cover those losses. Hence, understanding the full scope of a photographer's insurance coverage is crucial for your business' peace of mind. As an example Branded Exposure carry's a $2,000,000 general liability policy.

The Importance of Cyber Security Policies

In today's digital age, photographers often handle sensitive data such as client information and digital assets. Cyber security policies protect against breaches and cyber threats. A study by Verizon found that 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses. Thus, having a photographer with a solid cyber security policy can be essential for safeguarding your data.

When hiring a photographer, ask whether they have a cyber security policy. This coverage not only protects you from potential data loss but also ensures that your information remains secure throughout the photography process.

While Branded Exposure does not maintain any client information directly, cyber security is still a critical policy to have for certain clients. A commercial photographer, may be working with confidential building plans as an example. This is an a relatively inexpensive policy to have and creates and additional layer of peace of mind for clients.

The Need for an Umbrella Policy

This is a policy that I believe every commercial photographer should have. Branded Exposure carries a $2,000,000 umbrella policy. An umbrella policy provides an extra layer of protection beyond general liability coverage. This type of insurance is particularly valuable for businesses facing higher risks or larger claims. For example, if a photographer is involved in an incident resulting in $200,000 in damages, but their general liability policy only covers $100,000, an umbrella policy can cover the remaining $100,000.

When discussing insurance with a potential photographer, inquire if they carry an umbrella policy for comprehensive protection. This additional coverage can offer peace of mind during your collaboration.

Drone Photography and Proper Insurance

With the rise of drone technology, many photographers now offer aerial imagery services. However, not every photographer is adequately insured for drone operations or properly licensed. It's essential to confirm that the photographer you hire has a dedicated insurance policy .

Some photographers may use a pay per flight insurance plan that covers drone flights only on a per-flight basis. These are not dedicated policy's and typically will only cover very specific situations, leaving a client with a possible liability that's not covered. A full-time dedicated UAV flight insurance policy from a reputable insurance company is highly recommended for comprehensive protection. Always ask about the specifics of their drone insurance to ensure you are fully covered with the limits you require.

Additional Insured Status

Some businesses might want to be listed as an additional insured on a photographer's policy. This means that if a claim arises during the shoot, your business would also be protected under the photographer's insurance.

When talking with potential photographers, ask if they can add your company as an additional insured. This simple step can provide extra security and peace of mind, knowing your business is safeguarded in unforeseen incidents.

Verifying Insurance Coverage

A professional photographer should provide detailed information regarding their insurance coverage. When interviewing potential photographers, do not hesitate to ask for proof of insurance and specifics about their policies.

Look for documents that outline the types of coverage they carry, including general liability, cyber security, and any additional policies. This transparency is a hallmark of professionalism and will help you make an informed decision when hiring a photographer.

Making an Informed Decision

Hiring a photographer for your business is not only about their artistic abilities; it also involves ensuring they have the right insurance coverage. By understanding the importance of various insurance policies, including general liability, cyber security, and umbrella coverage, you can make more informed choices.

Additionally, confirming that the photographer is adequately insured for drone operations and can add your company as an additional insured can further safeguard your business.

Investing time in comprehending a photographer’s insurance can prevent potential headaches down the line. Protect your business by hiring a photographer who prioritizes the right insurance coverage for a successful and secure collaboration.

A professional camera setup ready for a photoshoot