Wedding photographer insurance: What coverages do I need?

As a professional photographer or videographer, there are many venues and events in which you can specialize. One of the most popular options is providing photography services at wedding venues.

Weddings are often one of the happiest moments of a person’s life. However, it can be difficult to appreciate all the special moments with so many moving pieces. That’s where having professional wedding photographers can be a huge benefit.

If you are a photographer who is just starting to work in the wedding industry, you will notice most venues require you carry insurance. Since there isn’t a standard “photography insurance policy,” it is important you obtain a plan that offers a wide range of coverages.

Generally, there are 2 types of coverages that most photographers consider: a one-day wedding photography insurance plan or an annual small business insurance policy. Both are great options depending on how many weddings you plan to do throughout the year. Both plans encompass general liability coverage.

Along with an insurance plan that offers liability coverage, you will want to consider adding one or several of the following protections as well:

• Equipment insurance: Helps with the financial cost associated with replacing or repairing damages to your photography equipment.
• Property insurance: Protects any damages to a building or venue that you operate in.
• General liability insurance: Provides protection should you be sued by a third party for bodily injury or property damage.
• Errors and omissions insurance: Protects against lawsuits brought about by clients who feel your fees don’t equal the quality of products and services they received.

If you have your own photography business, then it could benefit you to explore more comprehensive plans like a Business Owner’s Policy.

Can I get one-day wedding photography insurance?

It might make sense for professional photographers who are new to shooting weddings and other special events to purchase a one-day wedding photography insurance plan. This allows you to maintain the appropriate coverage without investing in a year-long policy.

One-day wedding photography insurance coverage is an excellent option for amateur photographers. Most people enter the industry because photography is a hobby of theirs. A one-day insurance policy is a cost-effective way to try out different types of shoots until you find a niche you enjoy.

Business insurance products you’ll need for your photography business

Most photographers are focused on taking memorable photos, keeping clients happy, and running their business. Not many think about the type of business insurance products they need to run a photography business.

Let’s look at the different types of insurance you should consider as a professional photographer.

What type of insurance is required for wedding photographers?

While there are no legal requirements for photographers to carry a specific type of insurance, most venues will want you to have at minimum a general liability policy. This helps keep both the photographer and the location protected should anything happen.

In addition to a liability insurance policy, professional photographers should also consider adding the following coverages to their insurance product lineup:

• Professional liability insurance
• Commercial property insurance
• Commercial auto insurance

You will also need to purchase a workers’ compensation insurance policy if you have any employees that work for you.

Why do photographers need general liability coverage?

Like other small business owners, photographers who own a company should purchase a general liability policy. Even though it isn’t a requirement to have, general liability insurance provides coverage for a variety of incidents, including:

• Bodily injury
• Property damage
• Personal and advertising injury
• Medical costs and fees
• Fees associated with legal costs

A general liability policy can also provide protection should your business get sued. Without the coverage, you could be forced to shell out thousands of dollars in legal fees and damages.

Do photographers need errors and omissions insurance?Errors and omissions insurance, also known as professional liability insurance, isn’t a required insurance product but could be helpful to have. This coverage will protect your business should clients sue you because they feel that your services didn’t perform to your advertised level.

Camera-specific insurance

Often the most significant investment photographers make is in the equipment they use. Whether it’s your camera equipment, editing equipment, or props, you will want to make sure they are all covered in the event they are damaged or stolen.

Having camera insurance or a commercial property insurance policy can help cover the financial cost of replacing these items should something happen to them.

Other important insurance coverages

While the main types of coverage a wedding photographer should carry include general liability insurance, commercial property insurance, and errors and omissions insurance, there are other products you should consider as well.

Commercial auto insurance is something to consider if you use your vehicle for business purposes. Having commercial auto coverage will provide protection and cover your car, passengers in your car, and other drivers if there’s an accident. Vehicle repairs and replacement costs are also included in these insurance policies.

A workers’ compensation policy is required for photographers who employ other photographers, assistants, or videographers. This coverage will provide added protection for your employees if there’s an accident on the job that results in a workplace injury.

Huckleberry also offers other small business insurance products to help create a complete comprehensive insurance plan for your photography business.

Frequently asked questions: Wedding photographer insurance

Does my wedding photographer need insurance?

Legally, most states don’t require photographers to carry insurance. However, the location where you are having your wedding may. You should check with the venue and see if they require vendors to show a Certificate of Insurance before selecting a photographer.

What is a reasonable price for a wedding photographer?

The price you pay for a wedding photographer will vary greatly depending on several factors. For instance, a photographer who has been shooting weddings for ten years will command a higher price than an amateur just starting out.
Another element to keep in mind is location. If you are doing a destination wedding, photography can be more expensive in certain areas.

Where can I find information on wedding photographer insurance?

There are a lot of great resources online to help with understanding the type of insurance you need when shooting weddings. Huckleberry also offers information on wedding photographer insurance, including average costs, different types of coverages, and answers to some of the most common questions around insurance for photographers.

What are the benefits of wedding photographer insurance?

The most significant benefit of having wedding photographer insurance is the peace of mind it provides. Having coverage allows you to focus more on capturing the special day and less on what happens if there’s an accident at the venue.

What are the benefits of errors and omissions insurance?

While it isn’t common for a wedding photographer to need errors and omissions insurance, it’s one of those insurance products that can come in handy if you ever need it. Since the plan is typically less than $50 a month, it’s well worth it to have in case a client isn’t happy with the pictures you take.

How to get professional photography insurance with Huckleberry

As a wedding photographer, you have many things to worry about during a shoot: finding the right angles for the perfect shot, making the bride feel beautiful, and capturing the beauty of the special day. You shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not you have the appropriate coverage for your business.

Huckleberry makes the process of purchasing insurance easy. Simply by answering a few standard questions, you will receive an insurance quote within a matter of minutes. Thanks to our easy-to-understand policies, there’s no need to use an insurance agent or company. Instead, you can complete the process entirely online.

Get your free photography insurance quote today.