When providing gear, Are you expected to have insurance?

[Jordan-Rhys Jeans]

Hey,

Over the past year or two I have start to buy equipment that I have required for jobs, such as BarTech Focus Unit, On-Camera monitor, redheads, kinos, etc.

My question is, Am I expected to insurance the equipment myself, or is it realistic for the production to have some form of insurance that would cover damage and loss to the equipment?

Thanks.

[Eric Fletcher S.O.C.]

Production should always have a certificate of insurance for you naming you as loss payee for your gear. You will need to provide production with a itemized inventory of your package.

 

You should also carry insurance for when you are not working but during work you should be covered by production

[Andre Trudel]

Always ask for an insurance certificate from production. That would cover your equipment while on the job. I know that most operators have their own insurance policies as extra protection incase something happens that’s not job related. I’m actually looking into purchasing a policy myself.

 

Another reason insurance is a good idea, especially when you are first starting out is because in some markets (low/no budgets) they will not always have insurance or maybe just liability. I know there are people on here who will advise you against going out on a job without an insurance certificate. I myself have personally lost gigs because of this reason but, this is the real world and sometimes it’s the deference between getting the gig and staying home. Always use your best judgment. I feel Insurance will give you peace of mind.

Edited February 24, 2014 by Andre Trudel

[Shawn Wang]

I lost 7k worth of gear on a job. realized my boss didn't register my gear. and he won't pay me a penny.

 

and I didn't have home insurance (which was the only insurance that covers stolen stuff up to 2k, I mean WTF)

 

and I realized big insurance companies didn't have plans for guys like us , WTF. only insurance companies that dedicated doing film production insurance are accepting guys like us.

 

after that happened, I quit my full time Videographer, and started freelancing ever since.

 

Now Im paying 1300 per year on all my gears for insurance. with 2500 deductatble (WTF again? 2500 ? )

 

question : anyone has a better deal on their plans ? what company are you guys using ? please PM me details !~~

Edited February 24, 2014 by Shawn Wang