If you have worked in film for any length of time, you know you must be prepared for anything, or should I say EVERYTHING, especially in today’s work climate. Unexpected problems in filmmaking occur, so staying one step ahead of potential issues is vital if you want a successful film career!

What types of things go wrong during filming?

You can anticipate some of the issues that might arise on the set. Is the weather where you are filming unreliable? Is it a high-traffic city?

Yes, bad things happen more often than you might think!

1. Foul weather ruins a shot.

Invest in a plan B if you can. Schedule outdoor shots for the first half of the day, and indoor shots for the second half. That way you won’t lose all your time if the outdoor set gets rained out.

2. Film equipment breaking.

Having the proper moving picture insurance is incredibly important. Should necessary equipment break (whether it fails on its own, or it is damaged by a worker), the right insurance saves the day.

3. Rental vehicles involved in accidents.

Accidents happen. Even if your rental vehicle suffers damage away from the actual shoot. For instance, if an intern or another worker running an errand had an accident, you can quickly rack up some expenses.

What type of insurance do you need to cover rental accidents?

Moving picture insurance does not come as “one-size-fits-all.” It comes with a lot of compartments and necessary “extras” depending on what type of filming you plan to do. For instance, if you are using drones, you will need drone insurance.

If you plan to use vehicles, then rental car accidents could cause a lot of damage that regular insurance will not cover. That’s why it is important that every filmmaker invests in Hired Auto Liability Insurance.

What is Hired Auto Liability Insurance?

Hired/Non-Owner Auto Liability (HNOAL) is insurance that covers any damage your rental car causes to others. This differs from hired Auto Physical Damage Insurance, which is responsible for damage to the rental vehicle itself. HNOAL insurance ensures that if a third party vehicle or person suffers harm from your rental, the rental company is safe from claims. Consequently, many rental companies make HNOAL insurance is a requirement for filmmakers.

Often, filmmakers believe HNOAL insurance is only necessary for on-camera rentals; however, it is just as necessary for the rental that you use to pick up lunch for your crew. All rentals need protection.

Many people use cars for their productions. To ensure your peace of mind, make sure that you and your company have the necessary insurance.

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Contact us at Equipment & Production insurance today to ask us about Hired Auto Liability Insurance for your next shoot. Or call me directly at (818) 295-2266 and let me show you how I can be of assistance!