Business Insurance

From time to time get asked do I need business insurance?  The answer is absolutely yes!  You need to protect yourself.  I know it may be hard to understand the importance of it when your first starting out.  You may not have the extra cash to do it.  But in my opinion you can not afford not to.  

Business insurance is your friend.  You have to use to your advantage.  How you ask.  First off, there are going be times when certain locations requires it.  So before you can even bid on that job, you have to tools.  Business insurance is a tool just like your camera.  Another advantage is renting equipment.  Instead of plunking down some crazy deposit needed from the rental house, you can provided them with "proof insurance".  The rental house may require to change the payee on it for the time of the rental.  Not a problem, ask your insurance writer to do so for the amount time you require the rental.  It may cost you a little money like $10 for the time, but worth it.  Not many people have a $50K credit card limit.  Even my American Express raises an eyebrow from time to time.  It is really important to build a relationship with a rental house.  Mine happens to be Calumet.  A Like the service, but they are also overseas as well.  I had just used them back in March for a shoot in London.  That when the relationship comes in handy...but that is another topic.

So where to find this Business Insurance?  ASMP has linked to Taylor and Taylor in LA and NYC  http://www.taylorinsurance.com/   I have not used them.  I use a local company in my town Community Insurance.  http://www.cisps.com/  I have been with Zurich and now with Hartford.  Major players.  When you talk to someone about business insurance, ask them if they have any experience with any other photographer's.  It is really important that they understand how you use your equipment in and out of a studio.  How it it is stored and transported.  You want to make sure you are protected in every possible way. 

Quick example.  Back a few years ago, we were shooting this hotel.  It was at the end of a long day and we were packing up.  One of the assistants placed my 4 x 5 camera in the hallway.  Next thing.."CRASH".  Camera feel over broke the back , bent the frame and crack the lens.  We are not sure if a guest bum into it or what.  So the next morning i called my insurance guy.  they ask for a list of damages.  I had a check fed x to me within 48 hours.  I bought all new stuff.  I'm not kidding...48 hours.  Hardly any down time.