Working on video projects is exciting, but it also comes with risks. I’ve seen a shoot where a tripod fell and smashed a rented lens worth over $3,000. I’ve also seen people slip on set, power failures ruin a full day of shooting, and even location owners asking for proof of insurance before allowing filming. That’s why video production insurance is so important—it protects you when something goes wrong.
According to The Business Research Company, the entertainment insurance market is expected to grow from $3.88 billion in 2024 to $4.33 billion in 2025. That growth shows that more creators and companies now understand the value of protecting their work.
I’ll explain video production insurance, what it covers, and how to get the right one for your project.
What Is Video Production Insurance?
Video production insurance is a special kind of insurance for people and businesses making videos—like short films, commercials, YouTube shows, music videos, or documentaries.
It helps protect you financially if something bad happens during your production. The cause could be an injury, broken equipment, stolen gear, a lawsuit, or a canceled shoot.
What Does Video Production Insurance Cover?
Here are the main things most video production policies include:
#1. General Liability
Covers things like
- Someone getting hurt on set
- Damage to the location or property
Example: If a light stand falls and breaks a window, general liability pays for repairs.
#2. Equipment Insurance
Covers your gear, including:
- Cameras, lenses, lighting, sound equipment
- Whether it’s owned or rented
- If it gets stolen, lost, or damaged
Example: If rain ruins your rented drone, your policy helps pay for it.
#3. Errors and Omissions (E&O)
This protects you from legal problems related to your content.
- Copyright issues
- Defamation or privacy claims
- Using someone’s image or music without permission
Example: If you use a song without a license and the owner sues you, E&O covers legal costs.
#4. Cast & Crew Injuries
If your actor or camera operator gets hurt while filming, the policy helps with:
- Medical bills
- Missed work costs
- Legal claims from the injured person
#5. Add-On Coverage
Some shoots need extras like
- Drone insurance
- Animal liability
- Stunt scene coverage
- Weather delay protection
You can add these based on what your project needs.
Why You Need Video Production Insurance?
Here’s the truth: accidents happen—even when you’re careful.
Without insurance:
- You pay for damages or injuries from your own pocket
- Rental houses might not rent gear to you
- Clients may not hire you
- Locations may block your shoot
- One mistake could ruin your business
But with insurance, you have a backup plan. You can focus on creating while knowing you’re protected if anything goes wrong.
Real Stats About the Industry
Here are a few numbers that show how important this factor is:
- The entertainment insurance market will grow by 11.4% in one year, from $3.88B in 2024 to $4.33B in 2025
- Many film sets now require $1 million in general liability coverage
- Some gear rental shops won’t release equipment without a Certificate of Insurance (COI)
What Types of Video Production Insurance Can You Get?
Short-Term Insurance
Best for one-time projects like
- Weekend music video shoots
- A 2-day commercial
- A single documentary film
You only pay for the days you’re filming.
Annual Insurance
Best for full-time creators or production companies with:
- Multiple shoots per year
- YouTube series or client work
- Frequent gear rentals
You stay covered all year.
How Much Does Video Production Insurance Cost?
There is no universally applicable cost for video production insurance. It depends on your project’s size, duration, risks, and location. Some people may pay just a few hundred dollars, while others might spend thousands—especially if they’re working with big teams, rented equipment, or risky scenes.
Let’s break it down so it’s easy to understand.
Factors That Affect the Cost
Here are the main things that determine how much your insurance will cost:
- Project Length
- A 1-day shoot will cost less than a 3-month production.
- Your Budget or Shoot Value
- The higher your production value (crew, actors, equipment), the higher your coverage needs—and price.
- Gear Value
- Are you using a phone and basic lights? Or a $50,000 cinema camera?
- Rented gear often requires you to have insurance before pickup.
- Location
- Filming indoors in a studio is less risky than shooting outdoors or in multiple cities.
- International shoots may cost more due to added legal risks.
- Crew Size
- Insurance may cost more if you’re hiring many people, especially union members.
- Special Risks
- Are you using stunts, drones, boats, animals, or fire? These usually require extra coverage (add-ons).
- Type of Insurance (Short-Term vs. Annual)
- A single project costs less than a full-year policy that covers multiple shoots.
Cost Breakdown by Production Type
Here’s a rough idea of what to expect:
| Production Type | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Small shoot (1–2 days) | $200 – $800 |
| Short film (under 2 weeks) | $500 – $1,200 |
| Mid-size commercial | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Annual freelancer policy | $400 – $1,500+ |
| Large-scale feature film | $3,000 – $10,000+ |
Tip: Most insurance providers offer custom quotes. Prices are determined by the information you provide, so please ensure accuracy in your details.
Optional Add-Ons That Can Raise the Price
Basic policies don’t always include these extras, but your project might need them.
- Drone coverage: +$100–$300
- Stunt or action scenes: +$300–$800
- Animal use: +$100–$500
- Travel or international coverage: varies
- Weather interruption coverage: +$200+
- Errors & Omissions (E&O) for distribution: +$500–$2,000
Example: If you’re filming a short action video with drones and rented gear, your cost could jump from $500 to over $1,000 depending on what you include.
How to Save Money on Insurance
If you’re on a tight budget, here are a few ways to lower the cost:
- Choose short-term coverage if you don’t shoot often.
- Avoid risky scenes (stunts, fire, extreme weather) unless necessary.
- Bundle multiple shoots into an annual plan if you film regularly.
- Increase your deductible to lower your monthly premium.
- Only insure what you actually need (don’t add extras you won’t use).
How Do You Get Video Production Insurance?
Here’s what to do:
- Know your needs
- How long is your shoot?
- What gear are you using?
- Do you have actors, stunts, or drones?
- Find an insurance broker who understands video
- Some good ones: Wrapbook, Film Emporium, Front Row Insurance, Athos, Thimble
- Get quotes
- Ask for prices from 2–3 companies
- Compare what’s covered, not just the price
- Read the fine print
- Check what is NOT covered
- Ask questions if you don’t understand
- Get your Certificate of Insurance (COI)
- You’ll need this to rent gear or film at certain locations
- Store your documents
- Keep both digital and printed copies in case something goes wrong
What’s the Difference Between Video Production Insurance and General Business Insurance?
Video production insurance is designed specifically for shoots. It covers risks like equipment damage, cast injuries, and copyright lawsuits.
General business insurance is for offices, shops, and service providers. It usually covers workplace injuries, building damage, or stolen office equipment.
Example:
- Video production insurance covers the cost if your rented camera breaks during a shoot.
- If a customer slips in your editing studio, general business insurance helps.
Both can be useful, but they serve different purposes. If you’re a full-time creator, you may need both.
Is Video Production Insurance Required to Rent Equipment or Film at Locations?
Yes, in most cases.
- Rental companies won’t release gear without a Certificate of Insurance (COI).
- Venues and filming locations often require proof of insurance, listing them as “additional insured” to protect their property.
- Clients may also request to see your insurance before signing a contract.
Without insurance, you may not even get permission to start shooting.
Does Video Production Insurance Cover Freelancers?
Yes, it can.
Freelancers often think insurance is only for large teams, but that’s not true. Even if you’re a one-person crew, you could still face:
- Gear damage
- Injuries
- Client disputes
- Accidents on set
You can get short-term policies for small shoots or annual coverage if you work full-time. It’s also affordable for individuals.
What Does E&O (Errors and Omissions) Insurance Mean in Video Production?
E&O insurance protects you from legal claims about your video content.
It covers issues like
- Using someone’s name, image, or voice without permission
- Copyrighted footage, music, or brand logos
- Defamation, slander, or privacy invasion
Example:
If someone sues you for including them in a documentary without consent, E&O covers your legal costs.
Most distribution platforms (Netflix, Amazon, and even festivals) require E&O coverage before accepting your film.
What Happens If I Don’t Have Video Production Insurance?
If something goes wrong and you’re uninsured, you’ll be responsible for all costs. This could include:
- Repairs or replacement for damaged gear
- Medical bills if someone gets hurt
- Lawsuit costs (which can be thousands)
- Location damage compensation
- Lost income if production is delayed or canceled
Without insurance, one mistake could shut down your project or your entire business.
Can I Get Insurance for Online Videos or YouTube Projects?
Yes. Many insurance companies now offer coverage for digital creators, too.
If you
- Rent gear
- Pay actors or editors
- Film at locations
- Work with sponsors
- Use licensed music or brand footage
…then you’re still at risk—even if your video is “just for YouTube.”
Some platforms even offer creator-specific plans with smaller budgets and flexible terms.
How Much Coverage Do I Need?
It depends on your production size, but here’s a simple guide:
| Project Type | Suggested Coverage |
|---|---|
| Small shoot (under $10k) | $500K–$1M |
| Mid-level project | $1M–$2M |
| Large production | $2M+ |
Also, check your rental house or location’s requirements—they often ask for minimum coverage levels.
What Does Video Production Insurance Not Cover?
Most policies do not cover:
- Criminal acts or intentional damage
- Unapproved stunts or dangerous activities
- Non-listed crew or equipment
- Extreme weather (unless added as coverage)
- Long-term losses like bad reviews or cancelled distribution deals
That’s why you must read the exclusions before signing. If you are engaging in activities that involve risk, such as stunts or underwater filming, please inform your insurer.
How Do I File a Claim If Something Goes Wrong?
- Notify your insurance company immediately
- Gather documents and photos (e.g., damage photos, medical reports, rental invoices)
- Complete a claim form
- Work with your claims adjuster (they’ll help you through the process)
- Wait for approval and payout
Tip: Keep clear records of every contract, receipt, and rental agreement. It’ll make your claim faster and easier.
What Insurance Companies Offer Video Production Coverage?
Here are popular providers:
- Wrapbook – Easy online setup, great for short shoots
- Athos Insurance – Offers fast digital quotes and COIs
- Film Emporium – Known in the indie film world
- Front Row Insurance – Available in US and Canada
- Thimble – Affordable coverage for freelancers and day rates
- Hiscox – Good for freelancers and creative agencies
Always compare quotes before choosing one.
5 Key Takeaways
- Video production insurance protects your shoot from expensive problems.
- It covers gear, injuries, lawsuits, and location damage.
- It’s often required to rent gear or film at certain places.
- You can get coverage just for one shoot—or all year long.
- Insurance shows that you’re professional and trustworthy.
Conclusion
If you’re serious about video production, then insurance is not something to ignore. One accident, one lawsuit, or one delay could wipe out your budget—or worse, your business. But with the right insurance, you can focus on making great content without the fear of losing it all when things go wrong.
Are you prepared to safeguard your upcoming shoot with video production insurance?
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- Media Production Insurance: Why You Really Need It
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