Frequently Asked Questions

Our photographers policies are offered on a program basis that is renewed annually with the insurance company Chubb Canada. Chubb has required revised terms in order to continue offering the program. The increase in premiums is largely due to the high number and cost of claims paid out under this program.

Premiums are collected and kept in reserve in order to pay out claims as they arise. The insurance company must anticipate how much premium they will need to collect in order to have the funds available to pay out losses when they occur. In layman’s terms, they have to make an educated guess. The changes in premiums this year are a reflection of the loss ratio on the photographers program (total losses : total premiums). In order for an insurance program to remain viable, the amount paid out in losses cannot exceed the amount collected in premiums.

If you would like to discuss the changes to your renewal premium further, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Video: What is a premium?

FREE eBook: PHOTOGRAPHY INSURANCE 101: HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CAMERA GEAR

We do not have monthly payment options for our online policies.

Once you have purchased coverage, you will have access to Front Row Backstage, our self-service online portal. From Backstage, you can issue certificates to the parties that are asking to be added as loss payee and/or additional insured.

A certificate of insurance can do a few things: it can prove to someone that you have insurance. It can add a party to your insurance contract as an “additional insured”, so that your policy will also afford them coverage with respect to your activities. Or it can add them as a “loss payee”, so that if there is a loss covered under your policy that effects them, the policy will pay them directly, rather than you (e.g. you damage equipment rented from a rental house).

You can issue certificates to the following types of parties:

1. Municipalities/Cities for the purpose of granting permits for photography operations.

2. Lessors of premises Rented/Leased to the Insured for occupancy for photography  operations (except for long term leases).

3. Equipment rental companies, but only with respect to the maintenance, operation or use of the equipment by the Named Insured.

Under no circumstances should a certificate be issued with respect to a special effects company, pyrotechnics company, stunt coordinators or similar types of organizations involving hazardous activities without prior written approval from our office.

His Majesty the King needs a certificate of insurance, which you can provide him yourself!  Once you have purchased coverage, you will have access to Front Row Backstage, our self-service online portal. From Backstage, you can issue certificates to interested parties (such as His Majesty) as additional insureds and loss payees to your policy. If you need to add someone to your policy as an additional insured, you just add the name and address of the interested part, as per their insurance requirements, give them a copy.

Check out this video on additional insured to your policy:

What does it mean to add an additional insured to my policy?

Note: the person or entity who is listed as the Applicant (Named Insured) will become the Named Insured on the policy. The Named Insured should match the name under which you enter rental contracts, location agreements etc. The Named Insured has special rights and duties. These rights and duties are explained in General Rules of the policy wording.

Video: Steve Beatty explains the "Named Insured"

Individual - If you are applying as an individual, please list your full legal name in the Applicant (Named Insured) box.

Partnership or Joint Venture - If you are applying as a Partnership or Joint Venture, please list you and partners or co-venturers full legal names in the Applicant (Named Insured) box.

Trade Name/Unincorporated Company  - If you are applying as a company that is not incorporated please list your full legal name and your unincorporated company name by including the acronym dba (doing business as) in the Applicant (Named Insured) box.  An example of how to correctly list your name in this scenario is below:

Jane Doe dba ABC Production Company

Corporation - If you are applying as an incorporated entity, please list the full legal name of your incorporated entity including the company’s designation (i.e. Inc. Ltd, Corp.) in the Applicant (Named Insured) box.

Note: if you need to list vendors (i.e., rental houses) or locations as an additional insured or loss payee, they should not be listed as the Applicant/Named Insured. When you purchase the policy, you will be supplied with a blank certificate of insurance. This certificate of insurance will allow you to add loss payees and additional insureds to your policy as needed per the terms and conditions of the policy.

We cannot currently provide insurance through this system for individuals or companies outside of Canada.

For assistance in the USA, please contact our office in Los Angeles.

Your policy automatically includes the following coverage, at no additional cost.

Earthquake & Flood -  included up to the full Equipment limit purchased.

$10,000 Office Contents Coverage - Office furniture, fixtures, photocopiers, office supplies, including tenant improvements done to the office space. This would be for a home office/studio or small rented office/studio space. Please contact us if higher limits are needed.

$10,000 Office Contents - Additional Expenses - Covers additional expenses incurred due to a covered loss on office contents, such as the rental of temporary equipment.

$5,000 Laptops Coverage

$10,000 Newly Acquired Equipment (up to 30-days) - Automatic coverage for equipment that is newly purchased or acquired automatically, even if those items have not yet been added to the policy.

$7,500 Library Stock (Portfolio) - Covers costs to recreate a lost portfolio of existing materials from a duplicate source.

$15,000 Money & Securities - Covers against loss by theft, or destruction of money and securities inside your premises.

The online photography program provides coverage for still photography but allows for videography using hybrid cameras intended for both stills and video. If you are a photographer who shoots video on a cinema camera or video-only capable cameras, please contact us to discuss. Coverages are available for your operations but not online.

If your operations involve video production, click here to learn about annual DICE production policies.

Please note, cellular phones are not covered under this policy, either as equipment or office equipment, regardless of whether they are used as part of your photography practice. Coverage for your cellular phone may be available through other insurance or product warranties.

Once a policy is purchased, policy changes can be made HERE, or by contacting our office. Please note, a $25 fee will apply to changes that result in additional premium owing. 

This coverage is designed to protect against claims of bodily injury or property damage to third parties caused by your operations as a photographer. It includes the cost of a lawyer to defend you.

The commercial general liability also includes coverage for tenant legal liability (coverage for your professionally used rented premises) equal to limits chosen, and Employers Liability (Canadian employees only) and Non-Owned Auto Liability (SPF No.6) up to a maximum of $1,000,000. The commercial general liability / tenant legal liability coverage would not apply to a personal residence or any activities other than as a photographer. The maximum payable for third-party property damage would be $2,000,000 or the limit chosen, whichever is lower.

This policy includes the following exclusions: Stunts, Pyrotechnics; Abuse Exclusion, Field of Entertainment Exclusion.

Please note: Commercial General Liability does not extend to cover photography classes or workshops. If you intend to instruct a photography class or workshop, please contact our office directly.

The above coverage would be subject to a $500 deductible (subject to change) per insured loss.

Equipment deductible: $350 per occurrence

Photographer’s Enhancement Pack deductible: $500 per occurrence

Theft from an Unattended Vehicle deductible: $2,500 per occurrence

Outside Canada and United States of America (“Out of Country”) deductible: $750

General Liability deductible: $500 per occurrence

The deductible applies to any one incident, not per item. Only one deductible, whichever is highest, would apply per claim.

A deductible is the amount of a covered loss that you are responsible for covering before the policy will respond.

Example: you drop your camera, but it only costs $200 to fix. Although it is the kind of damage that would be covered under the policy, you are responsible for the first $350 of the loss. In this case, the insurer would not have any responsibility to pay the claim, because the expense was not more than $350. If it cost $500 to repair, you would be responsible for paying the first $350 of the repairs, and the insurer would cover the extra $150.

Video: What is a deductible?

Please note that the coverage for photo booth or photo wall/stations under this program is limited.

Photo walls/stations:

• Cannot be a permanent physical self-contained room - the station must be made of temporary walls

• the station is never left unattended for guests to use themselves

The photo booth / station, including the backdrop and props are not covered under the Equipment section. If you would like coverage for these items, you will need to purchase the Photographers Enhancement Package which covers up to $15,000 in Props/Sets/Wardrobe.  Please note we do not offer alternative/higher limits for Props/Sets/Wardrobe at this time

We do not cover any and all photo booths – they have to be a certain kind of photo booth. Read more in this blog post about photo booth insurance.

If you choose to purchase your policy on the same day you want the policy to go into effect, the policy begins at the time your confirmation email is received with the policy documents.  

If you purchase a policy for a future date, the policy will begin at 12:01am on the date chosen.

Please note that the policy cannot be backdated.

All equipment is full replacement/ repair cost coverage for: theft, damage, breakage, and fire. This includes damage caused by Earthquake and Flood.

The coverage is included while in your studio/office/home for storage, while in transit to and from your shoots, and while being used away from your premises anywhere subject to the territorial limit you select (either Canada/USA only or Worldwide *).

Note that there is no coverage for property while rented, leased or loaned to others.

This policy does not provide coverage for any wear and tear or deterioration of the camera. These items would not be considered insurable under any insurance policy.

Inherent vice and latent defects are also not insurable risks. As these are manufacturing faults, they would need to be covered under a product warranty, not an insurance policy. It is the manufacturer’s responsibility to ensure that all products are in working condition.

Theft from Unattended Vehicle: This Insurance does not apply to loss or damage caused by or resulting from theft from an unattended vehicle owned, operated or leased by you. However, this Theft from Unattended Vehicle exclusion does not apply to loss or damage caused by or resulting from hold-up, or when there is visible evidence of forcible entry to such vehicles. When a claim for Theft from an Unattended Vehicle is eligible for coverage, it would be subject to a $2500 deductible. 

Coverage Territory: The basic policy provides coverage within Canada and the United States of America only. For additional premium, coverage may be purchased on a Worldwide basis – meaning the insurance applies anywhere in the world, except where the insurance carrier (Chubb Canada) is legally prohibited from providing insurance.  If you purchase a Standard Worldwide policy you will have coverage outside of Canada/USA for less than 90 days during your policy period. If you purchase an Extended Worldwide Policy you will have coverage outside of Canada/USA between 90 days and less than 360 days during your policy period. Out of Country claims (outside Canada/USA) are subject to a $750 deductible.

Coverage does not extend to any country that has an active sanction imposed by the US or Canadian government. You can reference this Canadian government website to find a list of current sanctions in place. Please visit a US government approved website for more details on countries with active trade sanctions.

We do not require a schedule/list of equipment to be on file to bind coverage under the program. It would be the insured's responsibility to maintain proof of ownership for your records. In the event of a claim, the claims adjuster would require the proof of ownership.

Some recommendations for keeping a schedule would be:

• Keep a log of your items, including the make, model, serial number and replacement value

• Have photos of your items saved online, including serial numbers

• Keep copies of any receipts, boxes, and manuals

Cameras and  Equipment are valued on a Replacement Cost basis -  this is the cost to repair or replace the property/equipment with the same or other similar property of comparable material and quality used for the same purpose without deduction for depreciation.

Because replacement costs can vary, we recommend that you round up the value you choose for your equipment limit (e.g. if you estimate the replacement cost of all your gear as $12,756 CAD, select $13,000 as your equipment limit).

Please note that mid-term changes to your policy limits are subject to a $25 change fee. If you know that you will be acquiring new equipment during your policy term, you may wish to include the value of this equipment in your limit total. Generally, the equipment limit represents the maximum amount that the insurance company will pay for any one claim. It limits the amount that you could receive from a paid claim. It should be adequate to cover the replacement costs of every item insured under the policy.  

If you have any questions regarding how your equipment  will be valued, please contact our office.

You might not expect to hear this from an insurance broker, but if you’re wondering whether you need insurance – maybe you don’t!

Many photographers, and most professional photographers, don’t need to wonder: they know, because they are told they must carry insurance. If you apply for a permit to shoot at a Provincial Park or rent gear from a rental house, they won’t issue your permit or release the gear until you provide proof of insurance. In these instances, insurance is a necessity.

Read more in this blog post.

Agency and Talent Re-Shoots Costs: $10,000 – In the event of an insured loss, this coverage would cover additional costs incurred to pay talent required for a re-shoot or additional talent costs incurred by an advertising agency or advertiser.

Rented Equipment: $15,000 – The enhancement pack includes coverage for direct physical loss or damage to rented photography equipment, subject to the same terms, conditions, and exclusions as owned equipment. Note that coverage for rented equipment may be purchased separately on its own, or in addition to the $15,000 included in the enhancement pack. If both the Enhancement Pack and Rented Equipment Coverage are purchased, the limit for rented equipment will be the total of both (e.g. $15,0000 + $15,000 = total $30,000).

Production Media/Media Peril: $10,000 – This coverage would provide additional costs incurred for a required re-shoot due to the direct physical loss, damage, or destruction of raw film or tape stock, exposed film (developed or undeveloped), including other forms of digital drives, image capture, processing and storage.  This also includes loss, damage or destruction to raw film or tape stock, exposed film (developed or undeveloped), recorded video tape, including other forms of digital drives, image capture, processing and storage caused by or resulting from  the use of faulty cameras, video tape recorders, faulty sound equipment, faulty developing and faulty editing equipment.

NOTE: The insurer will not pay for any production loss if you have not fully tested the equipment for soundness prior to the commencement of Principal Photography. The sworn proof of loss required pursuant to the Loss Payment condition of this policy shall include evidence of testing. You shall bear the burden of proof with respect to any dispute over your compliance with this requirement.

Seizure or Quarantine: $5,000 - Covers loss incurred due to the actual or potential impairment of an insured photo shoot caused by or resulting from the seizure or quarantine of property by order of government or military authority.

 Props/Sets/Wardrobe: $15,000 - Provides coverage on props, sets, scenery, costumes, wardrobe and similar property against all risks of direct physical loss, damage, or destruction during a photo shoot.

Impairment of Computer Services: Not covered

The above coverage would be subject to a $500 Deductible inside Canada/US or $750 outside Canada/US per insured loss, except for Theft from an Unattended Vehicle, which is subject to a $2,500 Deductible.

If you have had more than $10,000 in claims paid in the past five years, we will not be able to process your application online. Please contact our office and we would be happy to discuss options for placing coverage. You must disclose all prior photography and videography-related losses that were indemnified by an insurance company. It is your responsibility to acknowledge these claim payments. Failure to do so would be grounds for denying any coverage. If you purchase or renew online without disclosing your loss history, the Insurer will flat cancel your policy effective inception and you will be required to acknowledge this cancellation on all future insurance applications, which may increase your premium or deny you coverage. If you are cancelled under this program as described, note that Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. will not provide alternative terms for you.

There is NO coverage under this policy for equipment while loaned, rented or leased to others. It is the responsibility of the insured to make sure the third party provides their own insurance for the equipment while in their care, custody and control. We recommend that you always have a rental agreement in place and request a certificate of insurance from the renter/borrower naming you as a loss payee up to the full replacement value of the equipment they are renting or borrowing.

This option provides coverage for direct physical loss or damage to rented photography equipment up to the selected limit, subject to the same terms, conditions, and exclusions as owned equipment. Please note that the Photographer’s Enhancement Pack includes a limit of $15,000 for rented equipment. If you purchase the Photographer’s Enhancement Pack, any limits selected for Rented Equipment will be in addition to the $15,000 included (e.g. $15,000 from Enhancement Pack + $15,000 rented equipment = $30,000 total).

There is NO coverage under this policy for equipment being used for pyrotechnic activities or stunts, while attached to an aircraft or watercraft unless declared and approved by underwriting. This includes the use of UAV/Drones.

Related blog post: UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY / IN-WATER PHOTOGRAPHY CAMERA PROTECTION TIPS

NOTE: All three options include coverage within Canada/USA.

Canada & USA only: choose this option if you only need coverage within Canada/USA.

Standard Worldwide: choose this option if you will need coverage outside of Canada/USA for less than 90 days during your policy period.

Extended Worldwide: choose this option if you will need coverage outside of Canada/USA between 90 days and less than 360 days during your policy period.

Please note, if you will be outside Canada/USA for more than 360 days, you are not eligible for this insurance, regardless of when, during your policy period, you leave Canada. You must principally reside within Canada to be eligible for this insurance. If you plan to move out of country during your policy period, please contact our office to cancel your insurance, as the policy will no longer be valid.

If you plan to travel outside of Canada/USA, you must choose the correct option to cover the number of days you intend to travel. Failure to do so would be considered misrepresenting a material fact, and would be grounds for denying coverage or cancelling your policy. If you do not yet know how long you will be travelling, or your plans change during the year, you can contact our office to add additional days’ coverage to your policy.

Territorial Restriction Endorsement

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this policy or any attached endorsement, including but not limited to any Global Extension endorsement, this insurance does not apply to any:

• loss, damages, costs, or expenses incurred;

• wrongful act committed;

• claim, occurrence, suit, injury or damage that takes place; or

• property situated in Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba and Sudan. To the extent any such terms are defined in this policy, such definition applies to this endorsement.

Other Important Information about Coverage Territory

This insurance does not apply to the extent that economic or trade sanctions or other laws or regulations prohibit the insurance company from providing insurance.

Commercial General liability coverage does not apply to occurrences that take place outside Canada and the United States of America (including its possessions and territories), unless a suit on the merits (to determine the insured’s responsibility to pay damages to which this insurance applies) is brought in Canada or the United States of America (including its possessions and territories).

The non-owned automobile liability applies only to the use or operation of automobiles within Canada or the United States of America or upon a vessel plying between ports of those countries. Coverage is excess only.

We often get the question, “Where do I upload my photos/list of my insured equipment?” …actually, we do not require an equipment list for our files, but it is a requirement that photography insurance clients have an equipment list that can be supplied to the insurer in the event of a claim.

How should this photography equipment list be assembled? There is no one “official” or “proper” way of doing it. Simply create a spreadsheet and document all the information you feel necessary to keep track of your photography gear.

Read more: Organizing Your Camera Gear / Keeping Track of Your Photography Gear

The insurance company is Chubb Insurance Company of Canada. Chubb Insurance Company of Canada is a member of the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies. For over 85 years, we have been delivering exceptional property and casualty insurance products to businesses and individuals in Canada.

View the Chubb website.