Workman's compensation is a state run program so it varies from state to state. In Ohio, the State will pay unpaid workers claims then go after the employer for unpaid premiums, penalties and possible jail time if there is a pattern of fraud.

Jeff

I decided to not temp fate and be a star participant in a video version of Nannygate.

I hire my crew through a local temp agency that gives me a good price since I bring them the people. I decide on the pay rate. All of the paperwork is completed, taxes paid, the crew have insurance coverage, and I get to pay the temp agency once per month. Better than getting sued when one of the crew gets hurt. As far as I can tell, the crew meet all the tests of being an employee. Work when and where I direct and use my tools. So Nannygate could certainly happen.

I almost had that brought home when I put a cameraman on top of a roof while the SWAT team tossed a flash-bang outside the home they were storming (this was training). The cameraman bounced about 2 feet straight up and slid towards the edge of the roof. He stopped just before he went over.

I've been shooting police videos for 3 years here in Vallejo, CA and have worked out the following ground rules with the police I ride with and the citizens I tape (shoot is such a negative thought).

1. I turn off the camera whenever I am asked.
2. I will erase tape right then and there if requested.
3. I don't carry a camera into a dwelling. I do take and operate one in a place of business.
4. I do tape people in public. The police are quick to point out that I have a right to do so. Many of the bad guys are worried that their faces will appear on the 5 o'clock news. They are relieved when they find out I am filming for the police department.
5. I have a hat that says in big letters, VPD Photographer.
6. I have a Volunteer Police badge that gets me into and out of a lot of places.
7. I make certain that the police know me and are not threatened when I show up on scene (The Chief gave me a police radio so I can go out crusing and following the action, and I get called out along with the SWAT team whenever.)
8. I wear a vest.
9. I know how to get the shotgun out of the cradle
10 I use the zoom lens and let the young officers chase the bad guys.
11. I don't point my fingers (or any other object) at the police dogs. Cameras are OK, they tend to be hams anyway.
12. If I need a release, I exchange a copy of their video for the right to use their image and voice. My releases are printed on 4 by 6 inch card stock.
13. I furnish video clips at N/C on request to the DA and attorneys if I've taped an incident and they need a copy.

I've laughingly threatened to sue them if they ever decide I cannot do this anymore. It is interesting to say the least.

So far the only police footage I've done that has hit the airwaves was video I shot of a K-9 officer that was killed the day before the TLC crew was scheduled to follow him around. My footage ended up on their K-9 program that broadcast last February (and they gave me no credit!). OK, they did insist on paying $150 for the footage.

I hire my crew through a local temp agency. They take care of all the paperwork, taxes, insurance, etc. They make certain the person can legally drive, has no criminal record, etc.

All I have to do is pay the bill once per month (credit cards happily accepted). Since I bring them the people, they don't have to test them and I get a good rate.

My company liability insurance is via the agency WEVA has made available to members. I've had to have them send a coverage letter to the local city purchasing department and to San Francisco State University. Without it, I could not work for them. The best $500 per year I spend.

Hiring through the temp agency makes a lot of sense. I hadn't thought about hiring that way. I think I'm going to look into that.

Jeff

What if your production has several locations across the country? Do you need to buy a workers comp policy for every state you'll be working in? What about working in other countries?

Thanks.

Does anyone associtated with these "reality" shows know if the producers have Errors and Omissions insurance to protect them in the event of a liable or slander lawsuit? Or is there another type of insurance that covers everything? (workers, liability, etc?)

Thanks.

That's not the purpose of E&O coverage as I understand it. Liability insurance is for that purpose.

BTW, understand that the mere presence of insurance does not mean that you won't get hit in the pocketbook.

How do you insure your camera against theft? What if you took your camera on vacation and had it stolen from the hotel or got mugged on the street?

Since I run a video business, I have all of my gear insured (as well as my business) through the insurance company arranged by WEVA (Wedding and Event Videographers Association).

It is a full-replacement cost policy. Costs $550 per year or about 1% of what it would cost to replace everything if my studio burned down.

I have $25,000 of coverage on gear I take into the field.

Also covers gear, buildings, boats and aircraft I rent.

Still, my policy is to never leave equipment unattended. Anywhere, anytime except in my studio which is protected by a darned good alarm system and a fairly large Rotteweiler.

Well, OK, she'd lick you to death and show you where the goodies are but when you are outside and she is inside, you'd think she would leave nothing but clothing labels if you got in there with her.

That said, if someone wants the equipment and is carrying a persuader, they can have it. I may ask for a receipt for the police report but they can have it. :-)) I would ask them to let me keep the tape though.

A home policy will usually not cover video gear (or computers) that are used for business. Even a part-time business.

adding to Mikes comments on Home insurance.

if you use it for BUSINESS / make $$ it is NOT covered .. some insurance will let you add a FLOATER for it to be covered.

now if you do NOT charge and it is just a hobby most insurance will cover your camera ( provided it is more of a consumer type - pd 150 , XL would probably qualify BUT not a dsr 500 , something that read PROFESSIONAL ) .. there is also usually a MAX $$ amount they will cover ( could be 1000 or 2500 depending on your insurance) . again to go over the max amount a FLOATER can be added. when i looked into mine .. to cover 25K (camera, decks,editing etc) they wanted 600 year for the floater with 500 deductable ( non professional).

for 1 million liabilty floater $90 year (again non business, non professional)

protecting my ASSets i do carry a 1 million professional liability policy 900 year ( no dramatic projects covered .. for the 1 million policy to cover dramatic projects it was 1400 a year )...
i carry this because sometimes i work on friends projects which they intend to make $$. i received NO $$ , i take NO POINTS , i just help out for FREE BUT most of these projects have no insurance and when it comes down to WHO pays in CAILF it's the person with the deepest pockets therefore i cover my ASSets.
my home insurance has stated they will NOT cover any project that has the intent to make $$.

Mike,

Are there any exclusions with that policy? Let's say you're in the back of a truck filming a car racing down the highway...or some other "risky" and obviously "non-wedding" shooting...and some gear falls out and disentegrates...is that covered?

If not, there has to be some insurance for pro-shooters that find themselves in all kinds of shooting situations...

Hi Everyone,

A post in the VX2000/PD150 forum got me to thinking, so I now respectfully submit this question to the collective oracle (oracles-oracli? *grin*) of knowledge...

I never have considered carrying insurance for Wedding Videography. However, in retrospect, this is probably a prudent idea considering the propensity of today's society for litigation. (I suppose I have been extremely lucky thus far...)

Does anyone have some ideas on how to go about getting the proper coverage? Would it be some kind of rider you attach to your existing business policy, or would it be a stand-alone policy?

Thanks in advance for anyone's help!

-Phil

I would contact WEVA. They are the Wedding Event Videographers Association, and would have the best info on who, how much, etc. As a matter of fact... I noticed you are in Clearwater. They are having a huge seminar in Orlando on Feb 18th and 19th, featuring tutorials and lectures on many aspects of Wedding and Event video. I'll be there.

For more info, go to weva.com
Keith

Insurance is a very good idea. 1st of all with all of the theft going on who wants to be stuck (most homeowner policies won't cover our gear used for pro use) 2nd is liability. If someklutz trips over your tripod at the reception guess what-you are probably out of business. SUE is not a name anymore it is a way of life! 3rd this is the tough one- coverage for fault (hold harmless)- I' m not sure if this is really what it is called, but say the B/G HATE the video and you've redone the edit 9 times and refunded all their money and BAM! They sue you for grief and aggravation (theirs not yours) Let the insurance company pay for it therefore I'm not out of business and my wife will still talk to me?!?!?! AND I don't have to move out of state or sell all my nice shiny toys! Get the picture! I've seen it happen. Talk to commerical insurance brokers and WEVA shop and compare and get the right coverage for your business.
Don

It's a shame we live in such rediculously letigious countries. Although I think it's much worse in the USA, Canada is quickly becoming as bad.

Although I think juries are becoming a little more jaded when it comes to "I tripped over your tripod and bruised my toe, now I want $10,000,000", I would hate standing in court against a crying bride in court, because she didn't like the video, and feels you ruined her life.

Excellent advice everyone.

I appreciate the replys. Looks like I'll be getting some real soon!

Dylan, you would not belive how long I looked for the proper spelling for the word "letigious"-- I finally gave up ane re-worded my post! *grin*.

Also, thank you Chris for directing my post to a more appropriate area. As I hang around, I'll get a better feel for where things go. :-)

-Phil

I was going to ask something about this subject. Can't you have the customer sign a form saying you are not responsible for loss, etc etc? If any of you wedding vidographers use a form like that what does it say?

in the terms and agreements of my contract, it says something to the effect of hold harmless. Yeah right, try to that one thru the court system. I had my attorney draw up my contract and guess what, another attorney can still find a way out. There is no iron clad rule I guess. Fortunately, most B/G and most video folks don't get into this type of situation, at least not to my knowledge so I guess you just have to have some belief and trust in people. (and a good lawyer on retainer)
Don

You have a good point Don, but then again most people sign something and think it's a legal document and won't get a lawyer. I would think with most wedding video's the cost of getting a lawyer would be more than what the video cost. if I screwed up someone s wedding I would be glad to refund their money. But if they just didn't like camera angles or Uncle Joe was in the video to much, I don't think they would have much to sue you over. But then again there are alot of hungry lawyers out there!!

Hi Bob,
You're right on all points but I spent way too much time and money to build my video business as well as another business and now that it's just me, the wife and the dog I want to enjoy the fruits of the labor more than ever. I actually talked to both my lawyer and insurance guy this AM after going thru this thread and questioned them about "hold harmless" etc. they both said and I quote "STOP! You're going to make yourself crazy" They're wrong, I already am. So I guess I'll just go on the way I am and if someone wants to sue well....Take my cameras, take my house, take my wife, just leave me my dog!
Don!

You might investigate if you should incorporate yourself as an LLC or S corp

Hello, all. I'm going to be getting a whole bunch of equipment for making a DV feature this summer, using a DVX100 (~$3500). Im wondering about equipment insurance. How do I get insurance for the camera and it's equipment? About how much does it cost?

Another question: If I'm buying the equipment in the U.S., but the filming will be done in Puerto Rico, will the insurance cover the equipment if it gets damaged down there? Or do I have to get insurance in Puerto Rico instead?

Thanks for any advice!

Well, I should have searched the forums before posting. Oops...

Anyways, it looks like State Farm has the best insurance policy for equipment, with no questions asked.

However, I'm still not clear on getting insurance here if my shooting will be in Puerto Rico (which is technically a part of the US, though not a state). Do any of you have experience with insurance coverage outside the US?

Again, thanks in advance.

That's a question for your insurance agent. If he can't answer it, he should call the underwriters. An insurance policy is a contract and may have provisions and exclusions on travel outside the continental US. Ask first, better safe than sorry.

Jaime,

My equipment is cover by State Farm, in NY. I think you might have discover a post or two about it. You also reminded me that I have to pay that bill next month. HAR HAR.

They may be able to cover you outside the US by charging you more. State Farm will probably have an answer for you.

Happy Shooting! I wish I was going to Puerto Rico! Can yah stuff me in a camera bag?

Cheers!

Derrick

I got home insurance on my apartment and got a rider for the camera gear, by the way. That was the most sensible solution.

I can't answer this for US people, but I can tell you what I did
here in Europe. I have a special insurance specially for expensive
things. The insurance isn't too expensive and covers theft, accidents
and things like were you drop your camera and it breaks (not
on purpose ofcourse). But it is only valid for MYSELF. If someone
else drops the camera I am out of luck. Also it is not insured if
I use it for commercial work (which I don't at the moment).

Ofcourse I could have also insured it if I loan it out, rent it out
or use it commercialy, but then it would be much more costly.

Anyways, it is a seperate insurance over here.

Initially, I had hoped to shot my short film in a 'guerilla filmmaking style' way to avoid all the paper work with buying insurance etc., but the cast in my short film is going to be SAG cast, so I have to get the proper insurances in place (a general liability insurance and worksman comp. insurance) before SAG will green light my film.

Does anyone have any contacts to insurance brokers or insurance companies for cheap policies?

Thanks!

http://www.productioninsurance.com/entertainment.htm

http://www.csicoverage.com/film_shoot.html

http://www.filmemporium.com/newweb/insurance/

http://www.producers.masterguide.com/globalmedia/insurance.html

http://www.insure-all.com/forms/film_production_insurance_application.htm

http://www.harbourinsurance.com/filmshoots.html

Hey all,

New to the forum, I have a Canon XL1-s that I will be using for a documentary type DVD. I am wondering about insurance for the camera when I am in the field. DO any of you have any recommendations on companies, I don't have property/homeowners insurance so I can't approach it through that. Any ideas would be appreciated......and you will be getting a lot of questions from me in the future! I'm a complete novice at this and I'm looking forward to it ! :-)

Thanks
Sean

It's a bit difficult to give recommendations on companies when you don't specify where in the world you are.

But my kit is on home contents (you don't have to be a homeowner to get home contents insurance BTW, if you rent you should have it also).

Nigel,
Thanks for the info mate, I'm living in California. I think that I will enquire with my old homeowners property agent. Had to drop it recently because finances were so tight :-)

Best
Sean

I have a rider on my renters insurance as well that protects my camera.

In my experience, it's cheaper to get kit added to home contents than to take out a separate policy, so it's worth looking in to.

Just make sure that the policy really does cover you for all foreseeable circumstances.

Good luck!

Thanks guys for your input. I appreciate it. :-)

Best
Sean

Insured my camera through State Farm in New York. (Renters/Apartment insurance) The camera takes up the bulk of the payment because it is used outside of the studio. About 200 bucks a year with a 500.00 deductable.

It also insures everything in my studio.

Cheers!

You might take a look at this post from Dylan Cooper. He gives a couple of references to insurance:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8725

Rental houses require insurance on your part for their equipment. The place I'm going to rent from doesn't have insurance you can get through them. Who sells insurance for equipment and other things for an 8 day shoot? How much?

I just insured my GL2, Lowepro Dry Zone 200, and all the stuff inside (value based on receipts = $4,200) under my homeowners policy for $56 dollars per year! In addition to the 3 year service agreement through the vendor, my camera is now insured for accidental damage, vandalism, theft, fire, lightening (Big in Central Florida), and any freak accident that might ever happen to it. To make the deal even better, no deductible!

I use State Farm.

Thought someone might like to know about this...

Brad,
Thank you for that information, I also have all of my equiptment insured under my Homeowners Policy with State Farm. It is even covered if I am out in the field somewhere and gets stolen, damaged, etc. AWESOME!

Thanx,

Brad,
I'll have to sign up for that one. Sounds like a good deal.


Rob:D

These are usually riders on your policy (I have the same thing on all of my optical gear). There may be a catch though if you use the equipment professionally. That might require a different policy/rider and I'd bet it's more expensive!

Jeff,

When setting up this additional coverage, I was asked if the camera was used professionally. After telling him that it was presently only costing me money, my agent told me the difference in cost for professional use is nominal. He has never mislead me before.

Brad

My XM-2 is hopefully on the way and I'm in the lookout for a good insurance. My homeowners policy (Trygghansa) only covers valuables that cost less then $1200. If I wan't my camera covered I have to buy an extra seperate insurance costing me about $90.

Any of our swedish comminity members have any suggestions/recomendations for what companys plan I should go with?

Also what is the standard practice if you need to make use of your insurance. Do you usually have to wait a long time for them to approve things and then buy it through some company that they have contacts with? I would like to know what I should demand/expect from them.

I have all my computer, photo and video gear covered under a rider on my State Farm homeowners policy as well. Last winter my wife had a break-in at her apartment where she was staying while attending grad school out of town. A digital camera, laptop and some peripherals were stolen. State Farm was great and I got reimbursed for everything within a month or two.

They sent me a check. The only thing that wasn't fully covered was a two year old digital camera. They pro-rated its value based on age, however they offered another hundred bucks or so if I submitted a receipt for purchase of a replacement. They just wouldn't cover anymore if we didn't replace. It turned out to be a non-issue since digital cameras have gotten so much cheaper these days, I was able to get her something better than the old one for the amount they paid.

In all respects, I've been very happy with my State Farm homeowners and auto policies. But it's also important to have a good agent to deal with.

I too have seperate riders for my equipment. I have a rider for my laptop that I take back and forth to work so if it get lost or stolen it will be covered. I made sure all my video equipment and computers are also covered under seperate riders. Not that much extra money at all.

Would anyone have information on how to get insurance for apartment dwellers?

I must have a good $20G or so in my place and don't have a lick of insurance- apartment insurance seems like a good investment- can anyone point me in the right direction?

<<<-- Originally posted by Steve Nunez : Would anyone have information on how to get insurance for apartment dwellers?

I must have a good $20G or so in my place and don't have a lick of insurance- apartment insurance seems like a good investment- can anyone point me in the right direction? -->>>

Steve your best bet is to locate a local insurance agent and secure renters insurance. Any of the large companies should be able to provide this type of coverage (State Farm, Farmers, Allstate). Ask around (friends, family, etc.) and get a recommendation. I would call several of the aforementioned companies and get quotes.

Paul is correct. You really should have insurance, not only for your posessions but especially for liability. It's one thing to lose $20,000 worth of gear but entirely another to get sued for $1,000,000! Actually the policy I had while living in an apartment was called a "homeowners" policy anyway. Talk to an agent, it isn't all that expensive.

when I inquired with my agent about coverage for my equipment she said it would be covered under homeowners but only if were 'not for professional use'.

If so you've got to get a seperate rider deal for it. Be careful about that.