Insurance is a basic thing every professional photographer needs. As a young business owner I fretted about this way too long before I actually took care of it. Like most things in life, my anxiety about the cost and complexity of commercial insurance was far from the simple reality of it. Here’s what I did:
First, I called my local rep for home and auto. Most home, auto or residential insurance companies do not offer commercial or business insurance. It is a different specialty for agents. So I asked my local guys who they recommended. That’s how I found Innova. (Info below for you guys.) I went and met with Ron at Innova Insurance. He is wonderful, helpful and informative. He explained what I needed was fairly simple. I have a standard million dollar business policy to cover my liability in case something ever happened on-location, during a shoot, at my office or to my equipment. I simply supply my list of equipment to Ron each year and he adjusts the policy as needed.
I started with covering my small meet -and-great office and my gear. Now, we have the full studio covered in our policy for Blush Imagery LLC and also everything for my husband’s (Brian’s) Fitzgerald Photo LLC was now added.
So how much does this starter million dollar policy cost? Get this … It was like $400 a year when I was a smaller business. Now that we are larger, it is closer to $600. Seriously, for a starting policy like what $30 a month— totally worth the peace of mind! Most of us photographers, are walking around with about $6-10 K strapped around us every wedding when you add up the bag, batteries, flashes, do-dad and oh yah, cameras!
“But, I work from home, doesn’t my home insurance cover my office and my equipment?” Well check. You need to report that you operate a business from home to your home or renters insurance company. You may need to add what is called a business rider. Riders are special insurance policy provisions that provide additional benefits not found in the original contract, or that make adjustments to it. The name “rider” is taken from the concept that they have no independent existence; they have force and effect only when they’re attached to a policy, or “riding” it. It will add just a minimal cost to your policy per year. No big deal!
Be sure to consult a great commercial insurance agent like Ron. When I have questions, I call him to avoid calling the actual policy company. Sometimes, calls and concerns will magically add dollars to your policy!
Being a professional photographer means protecting yourself and others at your home or business by getting professional insurance. Get it done! It’s so easy!
Where I get my business / commercial insurance:
Innova Insurance
Ron Blumenthal
Scarborough, Maine
207-855-5522 EXT. 101
Tell him Beth @ Blush Imagery sent you!
by Beth
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