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Production Insurance - Megan Liz Smith

Table of Contents

PRODUCTION INSURANCE

When working on projects at a professional scale, insurance is a necessity. Either you, your company, or your client will need to provide proof of insurance for renting gear, booking locations, hiring cast and crew, etc. On smaller scale projects you may be able to do without, but expect to pay extra for being uninsured.

Why Get Insurance?

  1. To protect from liability related to injuries on set and any accidents in working vehicles.
  2. Cover theft and ‘loss and damage’ of rented and owned equipment.
  3. In some cases production insurance can also protect against libel or copyright infringement claims.
  4. MOST IMPORTANTLY: BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO IN MANY CASES

Short-term vs Long-Term

You can get either an annual, or short term policy, depending on your company’s needs.

You can even get single-day coverage for a one-day shoot. Although it’s recommended to have coverage for prep as well.

Getting Insurance

Your production insurance must be bought from a licensed entertainment insurance broker. They must specialize in entertainment insurance. 

You can only have one broker at a time, much like real estate. So make sure to shop around. Get multiple quotes from local and national brokers. 

When talking to your broker make sure to explain the project thoroughly to get proper coverage. Are you working with animals? Pyrotechnics? Cars? Kids? Etc. 

*Ask about their process around issuing an after hours COIs (Certificates of insurance)* A lot of times you’ll need to present your COI after work, or on weekends. See if and how your insurance broker will be able to handle this.

Types of Coverage You'll Need

You’ll need at least two types of coverage, possibly more.

  1. General Liability Coverage This is in case you or someone on your cast or crew has an accident involving rented gear that damages something or injures someone. *You may need to name the rental company as an additional insured.*
  2. Property Coverage (all risk & replacement cost). For leased/rented equipment naming the rental company as loss payee. Gear is insanely expensive & occasionally hard to replace. Make sure that you, through your insurance coverage, have the means to repair or replace the equipment if it’s damaged, lost or destroyed. This insurance would also cover the rental payments for the time it takes to repair or replace the equipment. The amount of coverage needs to be for at least the replacement cost of the equipment you’re renting.
  3. Automotive Liability Coverage. For hired & non-owned autos. This one is required if you need to rent a vehicle. Also, applicable if someone is injured while loading or unloading equipment from any vehicle. This is the coverage you need to have to protect yourself. Your General Liability coverage excludes this situation.
  4. Workers Compensation. This coverage would pay the medical expenses for someone that was working for you if they suffered an injury while on the job.

National Entertainment Insurance Brokers