weddings: stolen/damaged equpiments and guest injury

[kenwood33]

A few questions geared towards part-time wedding photographers. Do you buy insurance to protect against theft and accidental damages to your equipments (say a guest knocked off one of your light stands resulting in a damaged light)? Or do you held your client accountable by stating it in the wedding contract?

Do you buy liability insurance to protect against wedding guests tripping over studio light wires resulting in an injury? Or do you held your client responsible through the wedding contract?

[PMatthes]

From everything I've read (and what my accountant and lawyer have told me), it's best to have both.

I have an appointment with my Farmers' agent this week, so I'll let you know what coverage I'm going with and the pricing, if you're curious...

[adam8080]

Both.

[DDCSD]

You are responsible for your gear and for any guests that may get injured by your equipment, regardless of how it happens. I'd tell the photographer to get lost if they asked me to sign something stating that I'm responsible for the safety of their equipment and the safety of my guests if they are injured by the photographer's equipment.

Not having insurance is reckless and irresponsible. All it takes is one accident and you're getting sued out of your mind and lose everything you have. I highly doubt that any contract could absolve you from responsibility if you or your equipment caused an injury.

[giuliasmith]

Contracts won't protect you in the case of an accident. Insurance is a MUST! We have 2 mil in liability (to cover accidents), 20K in equipment (covers theft, loss or even if we drop it!), and we also have malpractice insurance through PPA. Our insurance total runs about $400/year - and it is SO worth it for that peace of mind. With the economy as sour as it is, you never know when you will be at a wedding and someone may swipe your bag with your lenses, or on location shooting and someone trips over your tripod - then sues you!

[WAF]

Contracts won't protect you in the case of an accident. Insurance is a MUST! We have 2 mil in liability (to cover accidents), 20K in equipment (covers theft, loss or even if we drop it!), and we also have malpractice insurance through PPA. Our insurance total runs about $400/year - and it is SO worth it for that peace of mind. With the economy as sour as it is, you never know when you will be at a wedding and someone may swipe your bag with your lenses, or on location shooting and someone trips over your tripod - then sues you!


Who is PPA? Web site?

[jacuff]

Who is PPA? Web site?

Professional Photographers of America.
http://www.ppa.com/

[x2x3x4x5x]

Hill & Usher is who I use and highly recommend them. A little more then typical ($75ish more per year) but they specialize in professional creatives.