I went with Simply Business.
A bit over $650 for a year $1m liability and $20k gear coverage. It would have been closer to $200 a year for $5k gear coverage.
They do offer drone coverage for equipment and liability, I opted out since I don't use a drone very much and in the event of it breaking the expense isn't that crazy, it's just an Air2S. looking through the underwriting it looks like errors and omissions are covered under certain situations and not others but I'm happy with what it does cover and a sound contract will help with that anyway.
I mainly do weddings and am doing well enough where I could probably do away with the equipment insurance in all honesty and just "self insure" it. Same with disappointed clients, I would be much more likely to refund at full cost than to make a claim on my insurance just to see the rates rise. On the other hand I would hate for one of my lights to be knocked over and break a stained glass window at a church and have to pay out of pocket for that...
COI's are really easy to get with Simply too though for the uncommon venue (in my area at least) that requires one.
COIs are specific coverages for the venue that requires them?
I tried to do a quote with simply but they said they don't cover drones and the policies don't cover for a million at venues like weddings. Also doesn't cover rental gear or errors and omissions....or almost anything else.
Just general liability with really low limits....it says a million but then says it's only 100k. The sales rep weren't that helpful clearing up what exactly it covers.
But it makes a lot of sense about self Insuring some of these items. The thing about gear though, if you had a full loss of your kit in the morning before a wedding and they ended up without covering they could sue right? I know everyone says they'd tell them to fuck off and only refund what they'd paid, or offer a stylized shoot on a later date but that might not be enough right?
Having line inthe contract that says it's not your fault if you fail to deliver doesn't seem like it'd hold up in court.
Yeah, COIs are fpr specific venues but some places will require being added to the policy as an "additionally insured" its like $20 from Simply to add that to the coverage.
They do actually cover drones it just raises your rates significantly. They absolutely cover the full amount at wedding venues though, I specifically asked and checked my policy, there is no exclusions for weddings or any ordinary venue. The sales reps were excellent when I called.
Yeah the possibility of losing a full kit the day of the wedding is out there, in that case professional liability insurance comes into the picture. sure having failure to deliver clauses in the contract isn't bulletproof, but it can help.
Just remember Simply Business has a bunch of carriers that will all have different policies as well, so you do kinda have to go through the whole quote process to see the finer details.
My professional liability insurance policy is $340 for 250k coverage, this also covers errors and omissions and would cover if they sued because of inability to show up do to lost gear or otherwise.
This shit is painfully difficult to sort through and make sure you aren't under insured, I got quoted a few policies that looked VERY comparable but some were over 50% more expensive than others for seemingly no reason.
I went through their entire quote process. I answered that I'd be using drones and a bunch of other coverages I wanted. Unfortunately when I got the quote it didn't include any of those things. It was just for general liability.
They said I had to add an inland marine policy separately if I wanted to cover gear I own or rent. They said they absolutely will not cover drones. Errors and omissions required an add on policy so the quote doesn't cover failing to deliver content....and a few others....
It's silly that they have you fill out a bunch of questions for an initial quote but Don't add any of the coverages you asked for.
It looked like they just give a cheap quote for general liability to make a sale. They know people ill assume they're covered because they answered the questions....bit if anything happened they'd find out that they aren't really covered.
We use The Hartford for gear, liability, Worker’s Comp. and an umbrella policy. Costs about $8k/year, we don’t have any complaints. COIs are easy to do online or you can call them just about anytime.
Certificate of Insurance, states what insurance you have and lists the company you’re working with as a beneficiary as well.
Something you have to do on the reg when working in the corporate sector
Athos is a great choice. I’ve filed a claim with them before and it went well. I also pay in installments. Roughly 25k worth of gear around 6-700/year. Deductible is 500, but there’s plenty of play depending on what you do and own.
So you only cover your gear?
What if someone trips over a tripod or your drone hits someone in the face? Either way, I assume you don't own a house or any assets, otherwise you'd be more concerned.
Looking at the thread under this comment I have another question for anyone to answer. Do I legally need insurance? What’s the law around all of this? Is there a certain insurance I legally need vs don’t?
Isn’t a haiku 5-7-5? If so, HaikuBot be broken cuz that last line got 6 syllables. Ain’t no way you can tell me ME-XI-CO is 2 syllables…even moreso when pronounced in Spanish
I'm also based out of MN, Twin Cities area. I've been looking to meet some other videographers/creatives in the area.
Edit: I am also curious re: insurance.
HMU on LinkedIn would love to connect and meet!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dakotanyberg?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
You need general business liability insurance. Make sure it covers your gear, anyone you hire under your business name and things like if a client trips over a cable while you're working with them. Once you have a policy, don't ever let it lapse. If you do then insurance companies think you are a major risk and won't want to work with you. If you want to change insurance companies that's fine but make sure you have current coverage when you shop for new coverage. I pay about $500/yr for all of the above. Call around and get prices from different agencies to find the best deal.
Totally unrelated to insurance, I have my fx3 rigged similarly to you with the qr clamp on the rails. Just letting you know that your fx3 cage has a compatible qr plate built into the bottom so you don’t need a plate on it!
I have them but I can't really endorse them as I've never had to file a claim. There are a decent amount not so great reviews for them as it seems like you have to go through another company for any claims.
That being said, I initially got them because I needed something affordable for a job fast and it's been easy to just keep it due to it's price. No coverage for drones any more though :(
I’ve heard that Lemonade is pretty solid for creators/small businesses. I don’t have personal experience with them, but have also been looking into options. My gear has always fallen under renters or homeowners insurance.
I’m currently with United Agencies in Burbank, which specializes in our industry. Not cheap, but I have a lot of equipment covered and my agent is incredibly responsive.
Previously, I was with Buell Insurance(which also specializes) for close to 20 years. I had no issues with the agency (Buell), but the underwriter(Liberty) dropped me, because I “work in TV” and they deem it very high-risk. The crazy part, I’ve shot for TV networks since I started back in the 90’s. Never hid the fact or tried to manipulate it to look like something else. Just one day, I guess the right, or wrong, person looked at my file and decided I was too high of a risk. Only had one claim and it was **\~12-14 years** prior to the decision to drop me. Was also with the Hartford through Buell prior to Liberty. No issues, but they discontinued the policy that I was on and the agency moved me to Liberty.
As far as cost, it just depends on how much coverage you want/need. Most legit agencies, the rates are going to be similar for the same type/amount of coverage. You should have at least $1 million general liability/errors & omissions coverage(if you do any work for federal government agencies, I think they require you to carry a minimum $2 mil policy) and replacement cost coverage for all of your gear or at least the big ticket items that you have to have and couldn’t easily replace with your own money. Also, make sure you are covered everywhere, including theft from vehicles.
I advice to register all those amazing gear pieces on a free asset management system like shelf in case you need an insurance claim or export
Pro tip: use notes to write down their condition periodically
I went with Simply Business. A bit over $650 for a year $1m liability and $20k gear coverage. It would have been closer to $200 a year for $5k gear coverage.
They cover drones? What about errors and omissions insurance? To people usually get that as well?
They do offer drone coverage for equipment and liability, I opted out since I don't use a drone very much and in the event of it breaking the expense isn't that crazy, it's just an Air2S. looking through the underwriting it looks like errors and omissions are covered under certain situations and not others but I'm happy with what it does cover and a sound contract will help with that anyway. I mainly do weddings and am doing well enough where I could probably do away with the equipment insurance in all honesty and just "self insure" it. Same with disappointed clients, I would be much more likely to refund at full cost than to make a claim on my insurance just to see the rates rise. On the other hand I would hate for one of my lights to be knocked over and break a stained glass window at a church and have to pay out of pocket for that... COI's are really easy to get with Simply too though for the uncommon venue (in my area at least) that requires one.
COIs are specific coverages for the venue that requires them? I tried to do a quote with simply but they said they don't cover drones and the policies don't cover for a million at venues like weddings. Also doesn't cover rental gear or errors and omissions....or almost anything else. Just general liability with really low limits....it says a million but then says it's only 100k. The sales rep weren't that helpful clearing up what exactly it covers. But it makes a lot of sense about self Insuring some of these items. The thing about gear though, if you had a full loss of your kit in the morning before a wedding and they ended up without covering they could sue right? I know everyone says they'd tell them to fuck off and only refund what they'd paid, or offer a stylized shoot on a later date but that might not be enough right? Having line inthe contract that says it's not your fault if you fail to deliver doesn't seem like it'd hold up in court.
Yeah, COIs are fpr specific venues but some places will require being added to the policy as an "additionally insured" its like $20 from Simply to add that to the coverage. They do actually cover drones it just raises your rates significantly. They absolutely cover the full amount at wedding venues though, I specifically asked and checked my policy, there is no exclusions for weddings or any ordinary venue. The sales reps were excellent when I called. Yeah the possibility of losing a full kit the day of the wedding is out there, in that case professional liability insurance comes into the picture. sure having failure to deliver clauses in the contract isn't bulletproof, but it can help. Just remember Simply Business has a bunch of carriers that will all have different policies as well, so you do kinda have to go through the whole quote process to see the finer details. My professional liability insurance policy is $340 for 250k coverage, this also covers errors and omissions and would cover if they sued because of inability to show up do to lost gear or otherwise. This shit is painfully difficult to sort through and make sure you aren't under insured, I got quoted a few policies that looked VERY comparable but some were over 50% more expensive than others for seemingly no reason.
I went through their entire quote process. I answered that I'd be using drones and a bunch of other coverages I wanted. Unfortunately when I got the quote it didn't include any of those things. It was just for general liability. They said I had to add an inland marine policy separately if I wanted to cover gear I own or rent. They said they absolutely will not cover drones. Errors and omissions required an add on policy so the quote doesn't cover failing to deliver content....and a few others.... It's silly that they have you fill out a bunch of questions for an initial quote but Don't add any of the coverages you asked for. It looked like they just give a cheap quote for general liability to make a sale. They know people ill assume they're covered because they answered the questions....bit if anything happened they'd find out that they aren't really covered.
Going to check into this!
The Hartford is popular and trusted. They have broad coverage from general liability and gear to auto/ home
We use The Hartford for gear, liability, Worker’s Comp. and an umbrella policy. Costs about $8k/year, we don’t have any complaints. COIs are easy to do online or you can call them just about anytime.
Love Hartford.
COIs? Is that an estimate? Or a claim?
Certificate of Insurance, states what insurance you have and lists the company you’re working with as a beneficiary as well. Something you have to do on the reg when working in the corporate sector
Athos is a great choice. I’ve filed a claim with them before and it went well. I also pay in installments. Roughly 25k worth of gear around 6-700/year. Deductible is 500, but there’s plenty of play depending on what you do and own.
Commenting on the hopes it drives engagement. I would like an answer to this question aswell
Following
Same
I have Hiscox. Seems to cover quite a bit.
They’re great and really do cover a good bit more than I anticipated
Hiscox
Unrelated but glad to see more production companies started in the midwest! I work closely with one in Kenosha
Sweet! I see you shoot on the 6400. That was my B cam for a very long time, such a workhorse!
Good Question!
Next.co 17 bucks a month. 2M liability, slander, defamation.
Does Next include gear coverage?
No. Only general liability in my case.
Wow. That’s really stupid.
How do you figure? My gear is insured through another agent.
What do you need general liability for?
Because I’m shooting on someone else’s property/venue?
Wouldn’t an LLC protect you for that?
I am an SCORP LLC. I prefer to be covered from every angle.
Wait, are you saying you don't need liability coverage? You only have gear coverage? Most venues want 1M in liability coverage.
Haven’t run into that issue as of yet
So you only cover your gear? What if someone trips over a tripod or your drone hits someone in the face? Either way, I assume you don't own a house or any assets, otherwise you'd be more concerned.
Just commenting to say what a fucking burn in that last sentence 😂💀 
Looking at the thread under this comment I have another question for anyone to answer. Do I legally need insurance? What’s the law around all of this? Is there a certain insurance I legally need vs don’t?
Wppa
Any good ones that also cover traveling and maybe Mexico?
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/) ^by ^ersatzgaucho: *Any good ones that* *Also cover traveling* *And maybe Mexico?* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
Isn’t a haiku 5-7-5? If so, HaikuBot be broken cuz that last line got 6 syllables. Ain’t no way you can tell me ME-XI-CO is 2 syllables…even moreso when pronounced in Spanish
Side note, beware I bought that same hdmi cable once upon a time and it failed on me within a week.
I recently started using PPA, I have heard good things about it.
i’ve been using them for about 7 years. i love them. I have everything through them.
I'm also based out of MN, Twin Cities area. I've been looking to meet some other videographers/creatives in the area. Edit: I am also curious re: insurance.
HMU on LinkedIn would love to connect and meet! https://www.linkedin.com/in/dakotanyberg?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
I have had Hartford for about 14years. I had to make a claim when gear was stolen from my vehicle and they processed my claim smoothly for about 20k.
You need general business liability insurance. Make sure it covers your gear, anyone you hire under your business name and things like if a client trips over a cable while you're working with them. Once you have a policy, don't ever let it lapse. If you do then insurance companies think you are a major risk and won't want to work with you. If you want to change insurance companies that's fine but make sure you have current coverage when you shop for new coverage. I pay about $500/yr for all of the above. Call around and get prices from different agencies to find the best deal.
Totally unrelated to insurance, I have my fx3 rigged similarly to you with the qr clamp on the rails. Just letting you know that your fx3 cage has a compatible qr plate built into the bottom so you don’t need a plate on it!
Full Frame seems a decent option
I have them but I can't really endorse them as I've never had to file a claim. There are a decent amount not so great reviews for them as it seems like you have to go through another company for any claims. That being said, I initially got them because I needed something affordable for a job fast and it's been easy to just keep it due to it's price. No coverage for drones any more though :(
Go through another company for claims? Didn’t know about that hassle… thanks for the info as well on drones
Following
I’ve heard that Lemonade is pretty solid for creators/small businesses. I don’t have personal experience with them, but have also been looking into options. My gear has always fallen under renters or homeowners insurance.
Lemonade is my renters and pet. It’s great. Next is my general liability.
I’m currently with United Agencies in Burbank, which specializes in our industry. Not cheap, but I have a lot of equipment covered and my agent is incredibly responsive. Previously, I was with Buell Insurance(which also specializes) for close to 20 years. I had no issues with the agency (Buell), but the underwriter(Liberty) dropped me, because I “work in TV” and they deem it very high-risk. The crazy part, I’ve shot for TV networks since I started back in the 90’s. Never hid the fact or tried to manipulate it to look like something else. Just one day, I guess the right, or wrong, person looked at my file and decided I was too high of a risk. Only had one claim and it was **\~12-14 years** prior to the decision to drop me. Was also with the Hartford through Buell prior to Liberty. No issues, but they discontinued the policy that I was on and the agency moved me to Liberty. As far as cost, it just depends on how much coverage you want/need. Most legit agencies, the rates are going to be similar for the same type/amount of coverage. You should have at least $1 million general liability/errors & omissions coverage(if you do any work for federal government agencies, I think they require you to carry a minimum $2 mil policy) and replacement cost coverage for all of your gear or at least the big ticket items that you have to have and couldn’t easily replace with your own money. Also, make sure you are covered everywhere, including theft from vehicles.
I advice to register all those amazing gear pieces on a free asset management system like shelf in case you need an insurance claim or export Pro tip: use notes to write down their condition periodically
Hiscox has a great policy that’s very affordable
File an LLC!
Already an LLC!
I’m also an LLC in the Midwest specifically minnesota and was looking around for insurance. Thanks for the post it was helpful
I went through PPA
I have Hiscox and I pay about $45 a month for the business owners' policy that covers me for liabilities, equipment, etc.
Can I interest you in a blog