We’ve spotlighted several different types of insurance policies for filmmakers and rental houses. Each of them protects you from issues that could arise on your set. We recommend them all, but we know that some films are on strict budgets and need to reduce premium costs as much as possible. So, here is what we consider the Top 3 Film Insurance Policies every filmmaker needs, and why.

General Liability Insurance

General Liability sits at the top of the list of ‘must-haves.’ This type of policy covers damages or injuries to third parties caused by your filming. 

What does this mean? 

Say somebody is walking by your set, and they fall over a cord and break their leg. They decide to sue you for damages. That would be a General Liability claim.

The same goes for the location, as well. Let’s say you are filming and you have a light set-up to shine through a window. Then, that light falls backward and breaks the window of the building next door. That is also a General Liability claim. 

Accidents happen, and if you are not covered, a single incident can shut down your project. If you want a real-world example of why you need General Liability Insurance, click HERE.

Workers’ Compensation

This is one of the film insurance policies required by law, so there is no getting out of it. If you’re found involved in a claim without a valid Workers Compensation policy, then you’ll pay for the hospital and rehab bills out of your pocket. You even risk getting a fine from the state for hiring employees without Workers Compensation Insurance.

And you have to cover ANYONE working for you, even if they are contract labor.

I understand the confusion. If they just work for you for a few hours or a few days, and you’re paying them as an independent contractor, they’re not really your employee, right?  

Anybody who works for you, whether they’re an independent contractor, volunteer, intern, part-time employee or full-time employee, are required by California law to have Workers Compensation coverage.  It also doesn’t matter how you pay them.  Pay them in cash, check, a payroll service, or don’t even pay them at all, they still need coverage under a  Workers Comp policy.

And if you think you can play the odds, read this real-world story where Workers’ Compensation coverage came into play.

Errors & Omissions Insurance

 

General liability insurance covers damage to a third-party or their property, but what about less tangible things, like libel? E&O Insurance protects you against claims of a less tangible nature.

• Copyright Violations
• Invasion of Privacy
• Infringement of Trademark, Slogan, or Title
• Plagiarism
• Defamation of Products
• Libel or Slander

It just takes a single copyrighted photo or undocumented quote, and suddenly you find yourself in court.

Errors and omissions insurance policies typically cover the business owner, employees, and subcontractors. Each policy is industry specific. In other words, a film producer will need a different type policy than a distributor.  Contact your agent to find out what type of coverage you need.

Where to Purchase Film Insurance Policies

For more information on production insurance in California, contact Equipment & Production Insurance. The team at Equipment and Production Insurance are film, photographic & entertainment industry insurance specialists. Whether you need short-term, annual, post, documentary, commercial, equipment, rental house, or E&O, you can rely on their quick and knowledgeable assistance to meet all of your production insurance needs.