As a professional photographer, you understand the importance of taking the perfect photo. But what happens when an accident or unforeseen event puts your business at risk? That’s where photographer business insurance comes in.*
As a professional photographer, you might think that your work is relatively low-risk when it comes to causing injury to others. Depending on the types of projects you undertake, however, there is potential to cause injury to a third party (such as a member of the public) or damage their property. Any claim for compensation that is made against you in such circumstances could result in significant costs for your business.
No matter how careful you are, there is always the possibility that an accident could occur. Whether you are working on location or in a studio, there is always the potential for things to go wrong. It’s not hard to imagine a person tripping over your equipment and injuring themselves, or for other activities associated with the photography session resulting in damage to property; especially when moving objects or setting up a shoot. When working on location and interacting with the public these risks are multiplied. Depending on where you are working and the requirements of the shoot, an accident could result in you being liable for significant costs to compensate for any property damage that you cause or when someone is injured because of your photographic work.
Public liability insurance for photographers may help protect you from the financial costs that you incur when your work activities result in an injury or damage to property. Public liability insurance may pay your legal costs when defending yourself against a claim for damages, as well as paying any compensation ordered by a court (up to a specified limit) if you are found legally liable. Even when you are certain that you are not at fault it can still be expensive to get the best legal representation when defending yourself against a claim for damages.
Depending on the terms of the public liability insurance policy, it may also cover you for mistakes that cause harm to third parties made by your assistants or others that work with you in your photography business. In the worst cases, the costs of a large compensation claim could bankrupt your business or even lead to significant personal losses. While it is not a legal requirement for you to carry public liability insurance as a photographer, it does give significant peace of mind knowing that you are covered should the worst happen.
Public liability insurance provides coverage up to a specified maximum limit. The amount of coverage that you need will depend on various factors including the size of your business, whether you have additional people working with you and the size of the projects that you undertake. In general, you should consider the worst-case scenario that you could face and then buy enough insurance to cover yourself in case it happens.
The best thing to do is consult with one of our insurance brokers and discuss your individual needs. They will be able to provide you with a quote for public liability insurance that considers your individual needs and circumstances based on the type of photography work you do.
Public liability insurance in Australia typically provides photographer businesses and photographer contractors cover for:
Public Liability Insurance cost for photographer contractors snapshot:
Self-employed photographer contractors, starts from around $980* or $90 per month.
$5 million Public Liability Insurance cost for some photographers with no previous claims starts from around $980* or $90 per month.
Photographer on sites
Have Employees
Costs will be higher.
Important : the above is a guide only ; pricing may vary significantly from the above based on your size, clients, experience and photographer business activities.
List of states and territories in Australia we can help photographers find the insurance cover they need :
We are business insurance brokers
What does this mean to you ?
What that means is that we are YOUR representative, and our first responsibility is to YOU, unlike an insurance agent who represents the insurance company.
And in the event of a claim, we fight for YOU, which may mean a faster and more successful claim.
Insurance Broker Code of Practice: We subscribe to and are bound by the Insurance Brokers Code of Practice a full copy of which is available from the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) website, https://www.niba.com.au/insurance-brokers-code-of-practice
Important : We have no power to authorise claims. However, our experience and assistance can help you when you have a claim.
*Important: Insurance protection may be available only subject to meeting insurers underwriting criteria. Some of the insurance protections listed may not be available or may have limitations or exclusions. Insurance protection cover inclusions vary significantly from insurer to insurer. DO NOT rely upon the above. Please check your policy schedule carefully for inclusions , exclusions and limitations. Talk to a business insurance broker on 1300 670 250 for more information.
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The information in this website is for informational purposes only and is in no way to be considered personal, financial or legal advice.
Contact an authorised insurance broker , accountant or solicitor to obtain advice in relation to your specific situation . Use of this website does not create a relationship between the author and the reader.
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