Commercial Photographer Insurance

Commercial Photographer Insurance

What kind of insurance do commercial photographers need to consider? The following is a list of common exposures that should be considered when designing a risk management plan. The experts at CMB Insurance are here to guide you to the best insurance coverage for your commercial photography business.

Commercial General Liability Insurance

A CGL policy protects a photography business by covering various liabilities, such as:

  • Third-party bodily injury—Something as simple as a guest or client visiting the business and slipping on a wet floor can result in serious financial damages. CGL policies provide coverage for bodily injuries suffered by third parties on the premises or in relation to business operations.
  • Third-party damage—A CGL policy will protect an organization in the event that it is found liable for damages to someone else’s property. These policies typically cover damage to tangible property as well as losses related to such property being rendered unusable.
  • Personal and advertising injury liability—A CGL policy will also provide coverage for offences made by employees, such as copyright infringement, slander, libel or malicious prosecution.
  • Medical expenses—If a non-employee is injured on the premises or in an incident related to operations, CGL policies will protect the organization. Coverage for medical payments can be triggered without legal action and allows for smaller medical claims to be settled quickly and without litigation.
  • A sturdy defence—CGL coverage includes protection for legal expenses in the event that the business has a liability claim brought against it.

Property exposure

Property exposures may include an office, studio, and incidental storage. Ignition sources include electrical wiring and lighting. Combustibles include large amounts of paper and props used in the studio. Cameras and electronic equipment used in digital photography are high in value and are highly susceptible to damage from fire, smoke, water, breakage, and theft.

Crime exposure

Crime exposure is from employee dishonesty and theft of money and securities. If employees deliver photographs off-site, such as to schools and other organizations, there should be a written procedure for tracking orders and receipts. Lack of control over pre-employment background screening and separation of duties increases the exposure.

Inland marine

Inland marine exposures include accounts receivable, commercial articles floater (cameras and other photographic equipment), computers, and valuable papers and records. Cameras and other equipment may be transported and used at off-site locations. The equipment is sensitive and susceptible to damage from breakage, theft, fire, and water damage. Equipment must be kept in a locked compartment during transport. There may be a bailees’ customers exposure if the photographer develops film or repairs photos for others.

Occupiers’ Liability exposures

Occupiers’ Liability exposures can be moderate to high. Lights, equipment, and wiring can cause trips and falls at the studio and off-premises. A photographer’s efforts on location to “get the shot” can result in injury to members of the public who may be in the way. Advertising and personal injury losses may result from violations of copyright or trade dress, invasion of privacy, and similar allegations.

Environmental liability exposure

Environmental liability exposure exists only if dark room processing is part of the operation. In that case it can be high because several of the chemicals used in developing solutions are toxic, especially with cumulative exposure. Disposal of waste must be in compliance with provincial and federal standards.

Automobile exposure

Automobile exposure depends on the frequency of off-premises shoots and the radius of operation. Age, training, experience, and records of the drivers, as well as age, condition, and maintenance of the vehicles, are all important items to consider.

Workers compensation exposure

Workers compensation exposure is low for studio photographers who do not develop their own film or who use digital cameras. If the photographers develop their own photos, exposures increase due to the potential for skin, eye, and lung injury arising from cumulative exposure to developing solutions, which may be toxic. Off-site shoots present the highest exposure due to the many different and potentially unique opportunities for loss, such as photographing animals and the potential for loss from bites, kicks, and scratches. If outdoor shoots are carried out in remote and wilderness areas, injuries may result from slips, trips, falls, falling objects, drowning, or attacks by insects or wild animals.

Minimum recommended coverage:

Business Personal Property, Business Income with Extra Expense, Employee Dishonesty, Money and Securities, Accounts Receivable, Commercial Articles Floater, Computers, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Employee Benefits Liability, Umbrella Liability, Hired and Non-owned Auto Liability, Workers Compensation

Other coverages to consider:

Building, Bailees Customers Floater, Employment Practises Liability, Business Auto Liability and Physical Damage, Stop Gap Liability

Contact CMB Insurance Brokers today to learn about Commercial Photographer Insurance: call 780.424.2727 or click here to get a quote on our insurance services.