Get a Photographer Insurance Quote

What is photographer insurance?

Photographer insurance is a specialized type of business insurance designed to cover the unique risks associated with running a photography business. This policy typically includes general liability, professional liability and equipment coverage. Policies may also include add-ons to increase the amount and breadth of protection offered.

Who needs photographer insurance?

How you protect a camera and any other photography gear depends on the purpose of its use. If you have equipment but do not generate income through photography services, that equipment can be covered by contents insurance, which may be part of your property insurance policy.

Photography insurance, as a form of business insurance, is applicable to anyone who uses photography equipment to generate income. Examples include wedding photographers, portrait photographers, event photographers and commercial photographers.

It doesn't matter whether photography is your primary source of income or a side hustle. If you make money from photography, you should consider getting insurance coverage.

What does photographer insurance cover?

Photographer insurance provides a wide range of coverages to safeguard your business against potential risks. Here are some common coverages:

• General liability insurance: This covers third-party bodily injury and property damage. For example, if a client trips over your equipment and gets injured, general liability insurance can cover the medical expenses and legal fees if they decide to sue.
• Professional liability insurance: This covers claims of negligence, misrepresentation, or inadequate work. If a client is unhappy with their photos and claims you did not meet the agreed-upon standards, this insurance will coverage the resultant legal fees.
• Equipment protection: This protects your photography gear, such as cameras, lenses, and lights, from theft, damage, or loss.

In addition to these basic coverage types, photographers can opt to add additional forms of protection. These extensions are known as "riders" or "add-ons."

What insurance coverage add-ons are recommended for photographers?

While the basic coverages are essential, there are several add-ons that can provide additional protection tailored to your specific needs:

• Commercial auto insurance: If you have a vehicle that you use to take to job sites or events, you can choose to protect your car. Commercial auto insurance is similar to a personal auto insurance policy, but provides coverage to business usage, such as transporting equipment.
• Cyber liability insurance: Photographers often store sensitive client data online. Cyber liability insurance protects you from data breaches, cyber-attacks, and associated legal costs.
• Business interruption insurance: If an unexpected event like a fi re or flood forces you to close your studio temporarily, this coverage can help replace lost income and cover ongoing expenses until you can resume operations.

These add-ons can provide comprehensive protection, allowing you to focus on your craft without worrying about potential risks.

How much does photographer insurance cost in Canada?

The cost of photographer insurance varies from business to business, but on average, you can expect to pay somewhere from $400 to $1,200 per year for a comprehensive policy.

This total, however, is just an estimate. To see precisely how much photographer insurance will cost, you need to get a quote and talk to an insurance provider.

What factors determine the cost of photographer insurance rates?

Several factors influence the cost of photographer insurance rates, including:

• Location: Where you works can have a big impact on the premiums you pay. Generally, photographers who work in large cities like Toronto or Vancouver will pay more for insurance than photographers in small towns, due to a higher likelihood of theft or equipment damage.
• Business size: The size of your business plays a significant role in determining the cost of an insurance policy. Larger business with numerous employees will usually pay more than a sole-proprietor.
• Coverage needs: The amount and types of coverage offered by your policy will also impact your premiums. Generally speaking, the more protection you have the higher your premium will be.
• Claims history: Insurance companies use past behaviour to predict future behaviour. If you've made multiple insurance claims in the past, insurance providers may deem you to be high-risk, and in turn, charge a higher premium to cover you.

How does photographer insurance work?

Photographer insurance can protect you in numerous ways. The scenarios outlined below are just a few examples of how the coverage works.

• Equipment damage: If a photographer's camera or lens is accidentally damaged during a shoot, photographer insurance can cover the repair or replacement costs, ensuring they can quickly get back to work.
• Image misuse: If a client's photo is used without permission in an advertisement, the photographer's insurance can offer coverage for potential copyright infringement claims, safeguarding them from legal issues and financial losses.
• Cancelled events: If a scheduled event, like a wedding or corporate function, gets cancelled at the last minute, photographer insurance can help recover lost income from the non-refundable deposit or fees. Note that cancellation insurance isn't always standard to a photographer insurance policy, and is most likely to be included as an add-on to a basic policy.

The protection provided by a typical photographer insurance policy is not exclusive to these examples. Protection extends to numerous areas of property damage, personal injury, litigation and business interruption. The specific inclusions and exclusions of coverage will depend on your specific policy. It is important to discuss your needs when purchasing coverage from an insurance provider.

How to get the cheapest photographer insurance quote

Finding affordable photographer insurance doesn't mean compromising on coverage. Here are some tips to get the best rates:

• Shop around: Compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best rates. Each provider may offer different premiums and coverage options.
• Bundle with personal coverages: If you have a form of personal insurance - e.g. car insurance, home insurance, etc. - you may receive a discount by bundling your photographer insurance policy with that same company.
• Increase deductibles: Opting for higher deductibles can lower your premium costs. Just ensure you can afford the deductible amount in case you need to file a claim.
• Limit your claims: Avoiding claims can help keep your insurance rates lower over time, as providers often offer discounts to businesses with a clean claims history.

By following these tips, you can find affordable insurance that meets your needs without breaking the bank.