Some surprises can bring unexpected joy and positivity into our lives. However, one surprise no photographer ever wants to deal with is a lawsuit. That’s where photographers insurance comes into play.
Lawsuits can stem from a variety of things, from bodily injury to property damage. If you don’t have the proper photography business insurance coverage, you could be held liable for paying the damages the third party sustained and that could potentially close your business down for good. Learn more about the risks photographers, like yourself, may face during a session and how photographers insurance can provide you financial peace of mind.
Bodily Injury
With wedding season at a close, and holiday events just around the corner, we’re sure your photography business has been hectic and will only continue to stay that way. Around this time of year, you’re likely photographing using the beautiful autumnal landscapes and getting in some studio time. It’s hard to try to control every aspect of your shoot, and if you’re not careful, a client could injure themselves and you could be the one to blame.
Here’s an example: You’re taking family portraits outside in a field next to a creek. The family you’re taking shots of is getting lively and as you move them around to get the right photo, one of the children trips over a rock, falls, and lands in the creek. The child makes it out of the water okay but has sustained a bruised arm and a sprained wrist from trying to catch their fall.
Unfortunately, a client sustaining an injury is a risk that photographers face every day on the job and it can be stressful. In most cases, an apology will not be enough to make up for the incident and you may need to pay for the client’s medical bills out of pocket. You might even face a lawsuit and need to pay for legal assistance. A bodily injury lawsuit can factor in medical bills, loss of employment, and pain or suffering. If you are found liable in a lawsuit, you can have peace of mind knowing that your photographers insurance may cover the legal and defense costs.
Property Damage
Whether you’re an experienced photographer or you just started in the industry, studio shoots are bound to happen in your career, and even more so as it starts to get colder outside. We understand that shooting in a studio provides a variety of positive elements, such as complete control over the lighting, a secure setting, and the ability to shoot indoors any time throughout the year. However, you need to keep in mind that if you’re renting a location, any accident could lead to unintentional damage and financial stress.
Here’s an example: You meet your client at a rented studio space and while taking their professional headshots, they accidentally knock over your lighting equipment. Unfortunately, the accidental fall damages the floor and the studio owner wants you to pay up.
Your photographers insurance policy could respond to this property damage claim and may potentially cover the cost.
Photography Insurance Claim Examples
While we hope that these incidents won’t happen to you, you never know what each photography session will bring and you need to be prepared. The most important thing you can do for your business is purchase photographers insurance coverage. One third-party liability claim could put a financial damper on your business operations and you could see yourself paying hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Don’t believe us? Here is a short list of claim scenarios photographers have faced while on shoots.
- Claim 1: A child posed on a ladder in a studio session and lost their balance during the session. The child sustained minor injuries and they wanted the photographer to pay their medical bill.
- Claim 2: At a studio, a client tripped over a rug and broke their ankle. They sued the photographer for loss of income while they recovered from their injury.
- Claim 3: During a session, a photographer accidentally damaged their camera lens and couldn’t continue the job.
- Claim 4: A photographer rented a venue for a stylized session and lit candles which caused a small fire on the property.
- Claim 5: A photographer traveled across the country for a job and their equipment was damaged during transit.
The last thing you should be dealing with on your own is a third-party claim. Protect yourself and your livelihood by purchasing the right insurance for your business. With photographers insurance, you wouldn’t find yourself in a situation like the ones mentioned. If anything were to occur, Full Frame could have your back. We offer annual policies starting at $99 plus equipment coverage that is framed for your specific business needs.
Protect Your Business with Photographers Insurance
You work hard to capture precious moments for your clients and deserve to reap the benefits your photography business brings. Photographers insurance is a great asset to safeguard your livelihood and you don’t want to run your business without it. Not only will coverage give you peace of mind, but your clients will appreciate the fact you take your business seriously and are willing to invest in it.
And, by carrying photographers insurance you…
- Establish credibility
- Show clients you are a professional
- Stand out from the competition
- Get peace of mind knowing your business is taken care of
- Have the ability to add on camera gear insurance
- And more!
