Insurance -- the big discussion thread

John Locke · November 19th, 2002, 08:00 PM

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...

Phil Reams · January 27th, 2003, 12:38 PM

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

K. Forman · January 27th, 2003, 03:53 PM

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

Don Bloom · January 27th, 2003, 10:22 PM

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

Dylan Couper · January 28th, 2003, 12:45 AM

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.

Phil Reams · January 28th, 2003, 01:14 AM

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

Bob Zimmerman · January 28th, 2003, 11:35 AM

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?

Don Bloom · January 28th, 2003, 11:41 AM

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

Bob Zimmerman · January 28th, 2003, 12:40 PM

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!!

Don Bloom · January 28th, 2003, 03:27 PM

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!

January 29th, 2003, 12:18 AM

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

Jaime Valles · April 15th, 2003, 10:28 AM

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!

Jaime Valles · April 15th, 2003, 10:39 AM

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.

Jeff Donald · April 15th, 2003, 10:44 AM

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.

Derrick Begin · April 15th, 2003, 11:22 AM

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

November 19th, 2002, 08:00 PM	#61
John Locke Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Austin, TX USA Posts: 2,882	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... __________________ John Locke SursumFilms.com

January 27th, 2003, 12:38 PM	#62
Phil Reams Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 60	Insurance Policy for Wedding Videographers? 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 __________________ Phil Reams Timeless Studio Productions Clearwater, Florida FCC Licensed Electronics Technician (GROL) Amateur Radio - KC4UVU Life Member of the PSHA - Pinnacle Studio Haters of America

January 28th, 2003, 01:14 AM	#66
Phil Reams Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 60	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 __________________ Phil Reams Timeless Studio Productions Clearwater, Florida FCC Licensed Electronics Technician (GROL) Amateur Radio - KC4UVU Life Member of the PSHA - Pinnacle Studio Haters of America

April 15th, 2003, 10:28 AM	#72
Jaime Valles Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: New York City, NY Posts: 316	Equipment insurance??? 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!

April 15th, 2003, 10:44 AM	#74
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	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. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

January 27th, 2003, 03:53 PM	#63
K. Forman Capt. Quirk Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Middle of the woods in Georgia Posts: 3,596	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

January 27th, 2003, 10:22 PM	#64
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	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

January 28th, 2003, 12:45 AM	#65
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	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.

January 28th, 2003, 11:35 AM	#67
Bob Zimmerman Major Player Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Illinois Posts: 888	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?

January 28th, 2003, 11:41 AM	#68
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	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

January 28th, 2003, 12:40 PM	#69
Bob Zimmerman Major Player Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Illinois Posts: 888	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!!

January 28th, 2003, 03:27 PM	#70
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	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!

January 29th, 2003, 12:18 AM	#71
Robert Coyote Posts: n/a	You might investigate if you should incorporate yourself as an LLC or S corp

April 15th, 2003, 10:39 AM	#73
Jaime Valles Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: New York City, NY Posts: 316	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.

April 15th, 2003, 11:22 AM	#75
Derrick Begin Major Player Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: New York Posts: 329	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