No one likes to think about worst-case scenarios, but every professional photographer should be prepared for them. Accidents can happen during sessions, events, or on-location work—and not just the kind that damage equipment. General liability insurance can help protect your photography business from certain claims involving bodily injury, property damage, and personal or advertising injury. For PPA Full Plus members, this coverage is included with membership. Other eligible PPA members can add general liability insurance for an additional cost through PPA’s insurance partner, Lockton Affinity.

Do photographers need general liability insurance?

Yes, most professional photographers should have general liability insurance. While every photography business is different, general liability insurance is one of the most common forms of protection photographers need because accidents can happen during sessions, events, or on-location work.

For many photographers, general liability insurance is also a business requirement. Event venues, wedding venues, commercial clients, property managers, and event organizers may ask for proof of insurance before allowing a photographer to work on-site. This is especially common for wedding photographers, event photographers, commercial photographers, school photographers, and anyone working in rented venues, client homes, public spaces, or their own studio.

General liability insurance can help protect your photography business if someone claims bodily injury or property damage connected to your work. For example, a client or guest could trip over a light stand, or a piece of equipment could damage a client’s property during a session. Without coverage, those costs could fall directly on the photographer or their business.

Even if you are careful, organized, and experienced, general liability insurance provides an important layer of protection and peace of mind. It helps photographers meet venue and client requirements while protecting the business they have worked hard to build.

What is general liability insurance, and what does it cover?

General liability is coverage that is there to protect you from a range of claims that might be brought against you during the course of your work, including bodily injury, property damage, personal injury, and others. Even if you take the greatest care, this policy can give you peace of mind, just in case.

Why is general liability insurance important for photographers?

First, almost all event organizers and venues require photographers they hire for their event or work on their premises to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in general liability coverage.

Second, it provides protection for you and your business in the event you are sued. general liability insurance covers you for these claims against you and your business. For example, this insurance protects your business if the mother of the bride trips and breaks her ankle during your shoot. It also covers property damage, such as if a light stand tips over at a client’s house and damages an antique painting.

Do all photography specialties require having general liability insurance?

It is less about the specialty and more about where you are conducting your shoot. Event venues, customer’s houses, parks, even your own studio are places where an accident can result in bodily injury or property damage during a shoot. Most locations will require you to show proof of general liability insurance to be allowed to conduct your business on their property.

How much coverage is provided by general liability insurance?

We offer $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, which means you are insured up to $1,000,000 per incident with the allowance of up to two incidents annually.

How much does general liability insurance cost?

Our annual general liability insurance policy starts as low as $227.25 for anyone whose annual gross revenue is $125,000 or less. If you make more than $125,000, then you can check out our quote calculator here.

Is there a deductible for general liability coverage?

No. There is no deductible associated with the general liability coverage.

When should I file a claim?

It is always best practice to file your claim as soon as you are made aware of a suit against you.

How do I file a claim?

When you are ready to file a claim, please call 1-866-418-9675. You will work with the YORK Claims Intake Center. They will review your claim notice upon receipt and assign it to the YORK handling branch office. A claim acknowledgment will then be transmitted to the designated individual advising of the YORK claim number and the adjuster assigned to the claim.

Do you provide liability coverage for drones?

Yes. However, the general liability policy does not provide coverage for drones, but added coverage for your drone can be purchased at an additional cost, depending on your needs. We provide coverage limits of $25,000 or $50,000. If you require a higher limit of liability for your drone, we can assist you with that as well. Learn more about drone liability coverage here.

Why Lockton Affinity?

Lockton Affinity is an industry-recognized firm specializing in insuring small businesses, associations, and groups. Lockton Affinity has been around for 34 years, and it is an affiliate of Lockton Companies, the largest private insurance broker in the world. Lockton Affinity has been administering insurance products for PPA for 10 years. The PPA insurance program was designed by Lockton Affinity, specifically for the PPA and its members. The program is based on an in-depth understanding of the photography industry, what it takes to insure small businesses, and a desire to help you prosper in your career. Our goal is for you to be secure in the knowledge that you are insured for whatever might happen, on or off a shoot, and to give you peace of mind. Learn more about PPA's general liability insurance, administered by Lockton Affinity.

Maximize Your Membership 

Are you getting the most out of your PPA membership? With so many resources, it's easy to overlook one that could have a huge impact on your photography business. For a handy checklist of everything available to you, plus descriptions of each resource, check out the Member Benefits Guide.