Liability Insurance

[Toblerone]

Hi everyone!

As a new studio photographer, I have a few questions about liability forms or/and insurance.

My studio's a very safe enviroment and I am not really concerned that any model would realistically sustain any physical (or mental:)) injury, however, I don't know most of these guys and gals and anything is possible.

So my questions is, how do you protect youself against fake or real lawsuits? Do you have a standard liability release form or do you have liability insurance. Any information would be very helpful.

Thank you!

[anonyymi]

I'm not a professional but I would have thought that insurance is an essential, even if just to defend yourself against the chancers. It's your belief that your studio is a safe environment, have you had a second opinion? Do you have studio lighting with exposed hot bulbs, lighting on stands that could be knocked over by a clumsy model? Is everyone who comes into your studio going to sign a release form before the enter? OK, I may be scaremongering but this is why you buy insurance isn't it?

[Toblerone]

Good points. I guess that's why I am on here asking.

Any examples of the type of insurance, cost, etc would be very helpful.

[Toblerone]

nobody??

[Mark_Cohran]

nobody??

I think it would be best to simply talk to an agent in your area. Rates can vary considerably depending on where you live and work.

[Canonymous]

In Aus, liability insurance can also cover "you" while you are out on a location, not just your clients so its not a bad thing to have and is fairly reasonable in cost. If you want more protection against law suits there is "professional indemnity insurance", which usually costs alot more.

But as mentioned, best to check with a local agent that you feel comfortable with.

Good Luck with the studio, sounds exciting!:D

[Kays]

I am a professional Brokers and you will get no good post on pricing here, check your agent or two. Quotes are free and you don't have to take them.
Better questions because you don't know yet would be , Who has good luck with payed claims and what carrier?
Who has had terrible luck and why.. just because you under insured doesn't make them the bad guy.. I've got hit twice in my pocket it happens..

[Toblerone]

Thanks for the info. I will talk to an agent tomorrow.

Kays, do you mind telling us how you got hit? Was it a real claim or just something completely made up?

[amonline]

PPA - Best choice I ever made.

[Kays]

By made up I hope you don't mean I faked being robbed haha. It was stolen out of my car twice, once they smashed my window the other time picked my lock with a slim jim coat hanger who knows.
I am a Broker so I don't deal with people directly, I deal with your agents to help them place accounts because well... they honestly know next to nothing because the insurance field is so large you can't be an amazing sales person and a well educated insurance agent.... untill your about 80 then you die and we start over again.. Which is why my firm is 500million.

Anyways thats some fore sight so you understand what your up against. Ask your trusted agent if they have ever insured a photographer before ect. Any issues things they personally think you need in your policies or limits and ask them to go to market and get you the best they can do.

Depending on your need will depend on the carrier, a semi-pro photographer wouldn't need all the bells and whistles of a large studio who shoots on and off site all week ever week. I know that sounds like common sense but the minimum premium for the "better" carrier will be more then Travelers or Hartford who has a very good basic program for your average "semi-pro" type photographer.

The best tip is do not underinsure your gear... its pennies on the dollar and it will bite you in the ass.

Thanks for the info. I will talk to an agent tomorrow.

Kays, do you mind telling us how you got hit? Was it a real claim or just something completely made up?

[mfr301]

Hey guys, I was actually online looking for something else and came across this thread.

I will tell you that the BEST MOVE I EVER MADE WAS JOINING P.P.A.!!!!!

First, when you purchase the "higher end" membership you become part of the Malpractice trust fund automatically. Then they have insurance plans (Through Marsh Affinity as the underwriter), which is designed JUST FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS and at a VERY reasonible rate.

DO NOT go through your homeowners. Believe it or not, certain camera makes/models, etc are not covered because it is considered PRO. Also, when you go to make a claim, SOME companies will do a check on you and if they find that you own a photo bus or website, they will deny the claim.

By joining PPA and getting their Eqiupment Insurance and Liability Insurance, you basically, even if you never use it, own a very reliable and trustworthy piece of mind.

Just my 2 cents from a law enforcement perspective and seeing people get scrrewed over every day.

Mike

[woodsters]

I would think that with any business you would want some sort of insurance. I know when my wife was looking at doing some work from home before, the company she was going to do it, required to have some. I believe it was liability insurance. And it wasn't for physical injuries, it was legal representation for the work she did. Kind of hard to say without getting into our personal life, but like I said, I think it's a common practice for business' or those going into business to have some sort of liability insurance. My understanding has been that even pizza deliverers (who use their own car) are supposed to have special insurance above and beyond their normal car insurance.

[Toblerone]

Thanks for the great info!

I am actually now officially insured :)