Whether you are a photographer, videographer, or hobbyist, you need comprehensive insurance to cover your costly equipment and shield you from liability claims. Apart from your high-end cameras, you may also need coverage for your computers, vehicles, or drones. If you are looking for the best photographers’ insurance for your business, we have made your task easier by determining the top 9 providers of equipment and liability insurance for photographers.
- The Hartford – Best overall for photographers’ insurance
- NEXT Insurance – Best for instant COI
- Nationwide Insurance – Best for BOP
- Travelers – Best for auto insurance
- Thimble – Best for short or flexible coverage periods
- Full Frame – Best for affordability
- Gallagher – Best for large studios and production houses
- Hiscox – Best for destination photographers
- biBERK – Best for workers’ compensation
Comparison Table
| Insurance Provider | Quote Process | Policy Purchase | Customer Service | Financial Rating (AM Best) |
| The Hartford | Online | Online or via agent | 24/7 | A+ |
| NEXT Insurance | Online | Online | M-F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT | A- |
| Nationwide | Via agent | Via agent | 24/7 | A+ |
| Travelers | Via Agent | Via agent | 24/7 | A++ |
| Thimble | Online | Online | No hotline, only email and chat support | Insurance partners with high ratings |
| Full Frame | Online | Online | M-F 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. MST | A- |
| Gallagher | Online or via expert | Online or via expert | – | A+ |
| Hiscox | Online | Online | M-F 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST | A |
| biBERK | Online | Online | – | Parent organization, Berkshire Hathaway, rates A++ |
9 Best Photographers’ Insurance Providers
The Hartford – Best overall for photographers’ insurance
Overview
The Hartford is among the most reputed and trusted insurance providers in the US and stands out for its comprehensive coverage options for small businesses. Besides standard coverages such as workers’ compensation and professional liability, it also offers specialty insurance, including coverage for drones and studio equipment.
Pros and Cons
pros
- Online quotes
- Specialized coverage options
- Coverages available for solopreneurs, home-based businesses, and studios
- 24/7 claims service
cons
- May need an agent to finish the purchase
- No mobile app
- No same-day coverage
Pricing
Cost can vary widely according to the size of your business and the type of coverage you choose. You can expect to pay upward of $480 annually for a BOP with three essential coverages, with limits of $1 million per claim and $2 million aggregate.
If you need additional coverage for your equipment and operations, you can work with an agent to get the best value.
Customer Satisfaction
While The Hartford does not offer a mobile app, it has a user-friendly website for policy management and claims filing. You can generate quotes online, although you may need an agent to help you with the purchase. The Hartford has fewer-than-average complaints with the NAIC, which testifies to a great customer experience.
NEXT Insurance – Best for instant COI
Overview
Despite being a new company, NEXT Insurance has established itself in the insurance market with its top-notch digital experience. NEXT is the right choice for buyers who prefer the convenience of shopping online. NEXT is our pick for speed and convenience.
Pros and Cons
pros
- Intuitive website and app
- Online policy purchase and management
- Instant and shareable COI
cons
- No 24/7 call center facility
Pricing
NEXT offers competitive pricing options with up to 25% discount on business insurance policies. General liability insurance costs $17 on average per month.
Customer Satisfaction
NEXT Insurance scores high on customer satisfaction. Although there is no 24/7 call center, the tech-forward website and app allow customers to self-serve and troubleshoot their problems with ease. Policyholders can obtain quotes, buy insurance, manage their policies, and file claims online with a click.
NEXT also allows the insured to share live COIs instantly, anytime, anywhere, and for free. This is an extremely convenient feature for photographers who shoot at various destinations and have to show proof of insurance.
Nationwide Insurance – Best for BOP
Overview
Nationwide offers the best liability insurance for photography studios with under $5 million in annual revenue. Nationwide’s customized BOP for photographers offers a comprehensive package with general liability, commercial property, business income, and photography equipment insurance.
Pros and Cons
pros
- 24/7 support
- Convenient BOPs with add-ons as required
- Loss control services
cons
- Quotes are available only through an agent
- A few negative reviews about claims handling
Pricing
For pricing information, you have to contact a licensed agent or alternatively you can use the website too get a quote from Nationwide.
Customer Satisfaction
Nationwide’s policyholders have access to a 24/7 call center and online self-help resources. The website offers quick links to online payments, claims tracking and filing, and finding an agent. The company has very few complaints registered against it and ranks third in customer satisfaction according to the most recent J.D. Power survey.
Travelers – Best for auto insurance
Overview
Travelers is among the nation’s largest insurance providers and our top pick for auto insurance. You could be a solopreneur who drives a vehicle to event venues or a videographer with a production van that travels to filming locations. You can combine Travelers’ business auto insurance with a BOP for comprehensive liability coverage.
Travelers offers some coverages that its competitors don’t, such as accident forgiveness, new car replacement, and gap insurance.
Pros and Cons
pros
- Nationwide coverage
- Customized BOP for photographers
- Broad range of coverage options and discounts
- Umbrella insurance up to $10,000,000
- Highest possible financial rating
cons
- Agent required for quotes and purchase
Pricing
For quotes and pricing information, you have to contact an agent. However, independent websites state that Travelers auto insurance costs substantially less than the national average for similar vehicle categories. Discounts are also available for good driving behavior.
Customer Support
Policyholders have access to a 24/7 call center and a broad network of agents. The company has fewer-than-expected complaints with the NAIC. However, there are a few negative reviews about claims handling.
Thimble – Best for short or flexible coverage periods
Overview
The key advantage of Thimble is that it allows you to buy insurance for specific events or short periods such as a month, a day, or even an hour. Thimble scores high on affordability, flexibility, and range of coverages. This makes it the best insurance provider for photographers who want affordable and tailored coverage for specific jobs.
Since Thimble is an agent, its policies are underwritten by third-party insurers. Thimble provides general liability, professional liability, and photography equipment coverage. It also offers drone coverage through Global Aerospace Inc.
Pros and Cons
pros
- Affordable coverage
- Insurance for single events
- Short-term coverage options
- Customizable liability limits
cons
- No 24/7 call center or direct agent contact
- Policies are underwritten by other companies
Pricing
Thimble’s insurance packages start from $18 a month for photographers.
Customer Satisfaction
Thimble ranks high in customer satisfaction. Its iOS and Android app provides a top-notch digital experience. Through the app, you can get free online quotes, buy and manage policies, file claims, and get unlimited COIs.
Full Frame Insurance – Best for affordability
Overview
Full Frame specializes in insurance for photographers and videographers. It is ideal for freelancers, part-time photographers, and hobbyists because it lets you buy coverage for a specific event. It provides general liability, professional liability, camera equipment insurance, and more.
Pros and Cons
pros
- Affordable plans
- Coverage for single events
- Instant COI
- 24/7 access to policy documents
cons
- No 24/7 call center
- No in-house claims team
- Pricing
Pricing
Full Frame has some of the most affordable and best liability insurance packages for photographers. It offers three policy options: Event, Annual, and Annual Plus.
The Event plan starts at $59 for a single event and provides coverage for up to 3 days. The Annual plan starts at $129 for general liability insurance and added policy options. The Annual Plus plan starts at $184 per year and includes camera insurance with general liability and added policies.
Customer Satisfaction
While Full Frame does not have a 24/7 call center, it provides access to licensed agents who can resolve your queries. Its digital services include quick online quotes, instant COI, policy management, and claims filing.
Gallagher – Best for large studios and production houses
Overview
Gallagher is a leading insurance brokerage and risk management firm. It offers customized coverage for several industries in the Media and Entertainment vertical, including films, television, advertising, theater, live events, and photography.
It has a broad range of coverage options for photographers and videographers, along with loss control and risk management services.
Pros and Cons
pros
- Global coverage
- Loss control and risk management services
- Expert phone consultations
cons
- Mixed reviews
- Pricier than many of its competitors
Pricing
For Gallagher, you need to fill the online form for a quote by the experts via mail or phone.
Customer Satisfaction
Gallagher has some mixed reviews on independent websites, especially about its sales and claims departments. However, customers are happy with the quote process. You can get quotes online or request a consultation with an expert who will assist you in putting together the right coverages.
Hiscox – Best for destination photographers
Overview
Hiscox is among the most popular providers of small and micro business insurance. Its global coverage makes it the ideal insurance provider for destination photographers. Although Hiscox’s main focus is general liability and professional liability, you can add business property insurance and cyber insurance for more comprehensive coverage.
Pros and Cons
pros
- Multiple customizable options for micro and small businesses
- Global coverage
- Same-day coverage
- In-house claims team
cons
- No mobile app
- BOP not available in some states
- No 24/7 call center
Pricing
You can get quick quotes on the Hiscox website after you enter your insurance requirements. For a small business, you can expect to pay upward of $600 annually for a BOP and $400 annually for professional liability. You can either pay in full or choose one upfront payment followed by 10 monthly payments.
Customer Satisfaction
Buying insurance from Hiscox is convenient. The company provides quotes online when you enter your requirements and allows you to manage every aspect of your policy digitally. Instant COIs and same-day coverage are available. Although the company has higher-than-average complaints with the NAIC, the number has dropped consistently in the past months.
biBERK – Best for workers’ compensation
Overview
BiBERK is part of the Berkshire Hathaway Insurance group. It offers insurance to solopreneurs as well as multi-employee businesses. Insurance types for photographers include BOPs, workers’ compensation, commercial auto, cybersecurity, and umbrella insurance.
biBERK workers’ compensation plans include statutory compensation coverage, which means that employees can claim compensation for certain liabilities even if their employer is not at fault.
Pros and Cons
pros
- Online quotes
- Highly customizable coverage options
- Financial backing of Berkshire Hathaway
- Free and unlimited instant COIs
cons
- Not available in all states
Pricing
biBERK sells its policies directly, which means that customers can avail of up to 20% cost reduction compared to other providers. However, no additional discounts are offered.
Customer Satisfaction
biBERK provides quick online quotes once you enter your insurance requirements on its website. It also allows you to buy a policy and file claims online. Agents are available if you need help.
Methodology
We evaluated and compared several photographers’ insurance providers based on key parameters such as coverage options, customizability, affordability, convenience, and financial strength. At the end of this survey, we established the 9 best photographers’ insurance companies for your business.
FAQ
How does a photographer get insured?
Photographers can get insured in two ways. They can either buy a business owner’s policy (BOP) that bundles all the essential coverages for a small business, or they can choose individual policies that cover their unique risk exposures, such as professional liability, camera equipment insurance, and drone insurance.
