How can you get the right insurance coverage for your video production when scouting locations?

1 Why do you need insurance?

The first thing you need to understand is why you need insurance for your video production. Insurance is not only a legal requirement in some cases, but also a smart way to safeguard your investment and reputation. Depending on the location, you might need to obtain permits, licenses, or permissions from the owners or authorities to film there. These might require you to have a certain level of insurance coverage, such as general liability, workers' compensation, or equipment insurance. If you don't have it, you might face fines, penalties, or lawsuits. Moreover, insurance can cover you in case something goes wrong during your production, such as an accident, a fire, a theft, or a natural disaster. Without insurance, you might have to pay for the damages, medical bills, legal fees, or lost income out of your own pocket, which could ruin your budget and your reputation.

2 What type of insurance do you need?

When producing a video, you need to decide what type of insurance is necessary. This depends on the nature, scope, and scale of your project, as well as the location and the risks involved. Generally, video producers require general liability insurance to cover for any bodily injury or property damage caused by their crew. Workers' compensation insurance covers medical expenses or lost wages due to work-related injuries or illnesses. Equipment insurance protects against loss or damage to equipment owned or rented. Additionally, errors and omissions insurance covers claims or lawsuits arising from the content of your video, such as copyright infringement, defamation, invasion of privacy, or breach of contract.

3 How much insurance do you need?

When determining the amount of insurance you need for your video production, there is no fixed formula, but you can use some general guidelines to estimate your needs. For example, you should check the minimum requirements of the location, permit, or contract that you are filming at or under. Additionally, it is beneficial to compare the quotes and policies of different insurance providers or brokers. Furthermore, it is important to assess the risks and consequences of your production. This includes evaluating the likelihood and severity of potential incidents or claims that might affect your production and how much they would cost without insurance. You should also consider worst-case scenarios and how much you can afford to lose or pay. Moreover, it is wise to ask for recommendations from other video producers or industry associations.

4 How do you get insurance?

The final step in video production is to get the necessary insurance coverage. Depending on your situation and preferences, there are several ways to do this. For comprehensive and customized coverage, you can purchase a short-term or annual policy from an insurance provider or broker. This allows you to choose the type, amount, and duration of coverage that suits your needs and budget, and receive a certificate of insurance to prove coverage. If you need basic and affordable coverage, joining a video production association or group is a great option. This gives you access to discounted or bundled insurance rates and policies tailored to your industry and niche, as well as the opportunity to network with other video producers and professionals. Finally, using an online platform or app that connects you with insurance providers or brokers is ideal for fast and flexible coverage on-demand or on a project basis. Through this option, you can get instant quotes, compare options, and purchase insurance online or on your phone while adjusting your coverage as needed.

5 Tips for getting the best insurance coverage

Getting the best insurance coverage for your video production when scouting locations can be a daunting task. To ensure that you get the right coverage, it's important to plan ahead and do your research. Speak to the owner or authority at the location and negotiate a fair agreement that works for both parties. When you get your policy, review it carefully and make sure that it covers everything that you need and nothing that you don't. Document your policy and certificate of insurance, and follow the rules and safety measures of the place. Additionally, report any incidents or claims that occur, and contact your insurance provider or broker as soon as possible. By following these steps, you can get the best insurance coverage for your video production when scouting locations, allowing you to focus on your creative vision and goals.