Photography and Videography Insurance in California | Insureon (2024)

FAQs

What kind of insurance do I need for photography? ›

The most basic and critical coverage type for photographers to have is general liability insurance. This is true for any small business.

Office and property insurance covers the things in your studio (props, backdrops, fixed IT equipment etc) and portable insurance covers technical equipment when you're on location (cameras, tripods, tablets etc). If you're not sure it's worth insuring, add it all up – it's probably worth more than you think.

Yes. As a freelance photographer, you are susceptible to many different kinds of claims such as broken or stolen equipment, client injuries, and faulty memory cards. These claims can oftentimes be expensive and could financially devastate your business.

Commercial general liability (CGL) insurance

CGL, or general liability, is a must-have for any photographer. If an accident occurs at your studio or another location and a third party suffers bodily injury or property damage, CGL helps pay those costs.

California photographers and videographers pay an average of $425 annually for general liability insurance, according to our customer data.

Liability insurance for photographers covers damages due to alleged failure to provide contracted services or providing them incorrectly. Additionally, if you own a significant amount of camera and lighting equipment, and work on someone else's property you should consider general liability insurance.

Without photographer insurance, you could be paying the entire medical expense out of pocket. No matter how careful you are, there is an ever-present risk of a client sustaining an injury and asking for financial compensation for their medical bills.

These self-employed individuals are their own employers, and they have to pay a bit extra in “self-employment tax” to contribute to Social Security and Medicare. These SE taxes are used to pay: Federal Income tax. State income tax.

IRS forms for photographers to file their taxes

You'll file a Schedule C on 1099 income. Schedule SE - This form accompanies Schedule C and is used to estimate your social security and medicare taxes for the year.

Both sole proprietorships and LLCs have their advantages. Sole proprietorships are easy and inexpensive to maintain. LLCs, while more complicated and costly, give you more protection and lend credibility to your business. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which structure best meets your needs.

Does a freelancer need liability insurance? ›

Professional Liability Insurance: This is probably the single most relevant insurance policy for freelancers since anyone who provides any type of professional services should have professional liability insurance, also known as errors & omissions coverage.

Use a cost-plus pricing model to determine how much to charge to cover your costs and make a profit. Remember to include production costs, shipping charges, and overhead in your pricing, and make sure you're making enough to support yourself.

Two years of training at a professional school of photography; or four years of professional experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

In fact, a deposit/retainer policy is an essential contract policy for a successful photography business.

Compared to the cost to repair the delicate components of your camera, a policy might save you hundreds of dollars. Camera insurance can also provide you with the reassurance to carry your camera regularly, enabling you to capture more.

IRS forms for photographers to file their taxes

You'll file a Schedule C on 1099 income. Schedule SE - This form accompanies Schedule C and is used to estimate your social security and medicare taxes for the year.