7 Production Insurance Basics Every Small Film Company Should Understand
Whether you're producing commercials, corporate videos, documentaries, or branded content, buying production insurance isn't just about finding the lowest premium. The right policy should match how your production company actually operates.
Before you start comparing quotes, here are seven fundamentals every film production company should understand.
1. General Liability Is the Foundation
Nearly every production company should start with General Liability insurance.
Many clients, filming locations, landlords, and municipalities require proof of liability insurance before they'll allow a production to begin.
General Liability is generally designed to help protect your business if a third party suffers bodily injury or property damage during your operations.
2. Your Equipment Coverage Matters Just as Much
For many production companies, the rental package is the business.
That's why it's important to understand how your equipment is insured.
Many production companies are better served by Inland Marine coverage than relying solely on Business Personal Property (BPP), since production gear is constantly traveling between locations, vehicles, hotels, airports, and client sites.
3. Production Vehicles Create Their Own Liability
Even if your company doesn't own a vehicle, you may still have vehicle-related liability exposure.
Many productions regularly use:
Rental cargo vans
Transpo vans
Crew vehicles
Personal vehicles for production errands
Hired & Non-Owned Auto coverage is commonly used to help address these situations.
Commercial Auto for Production
4. Every Shoot Has Different Insurance Requirements
One client may simply ask for a Certificate of Insurance.
Another may require:
Additional Insured status
Waiver of Subrogation
Specific liability limits
Rental house wording
Understanding these requirements before shoot day can prevent unnecessary delays.
Film Shoot COIs & Production Insurance Requirements
5. Don't Compare Premium Alone
The least expensive quote isn't always the best value.
When comparing production insurance, ask questions like:
Does the policy fit production work?
Is equipment properly covered?
How quickly can COIs be issued?
Does it contemplate rented equipment?
Are production vehicles addressed?
The answers often matter more than a small premium difference.
6. Choose an Agent Who Understands Production
Film production isn't like most businesses.
production schedules
rental houses
certificates
on-location shoots
camera equipment
crew operations
can often identify exposures that a generalist might overlook.
7. Buy Coverage Before You Need It
Some production companies don't think much about insurance until:
a client requests a COI
a rental house asks for proof of coverage
a filming location has insurance requirements
equipment is stolen
a claim occurs
Having the right production insurance in place before those moments keeps your projects moving and helps avoid last-minute surprises.
Final Thoughts
The best production insurance policy isn't simply the cheapest one, it's the one that's built around how your production company actually operates.
Whether you're a filmmaker, videographer, or commercial production company, understanding these seven fundamentals will help you compare production company insurance options with more confidence and choose coverage that supports your business as it grows.