Running a successful business means making choices. You have a finite amount of resources, and you need to decide how you are going to deploy them. Unfortunately, not all of those decisions are pleasant—sometimes you need to make grudge purchases that you know are right, but wish you didn’t have to make. One of those grudge purchases is insurance coverage.

If you feel bad about committing resources to insurance, then comfort yourself by thinking about how relieved you will feel, when your accident is covered by good insurance.

Accidents do happen. In the blink of an eye, things can change. A quick Google search will show hundreds of stories about a lens dropped down a flight of stairs or a ladder that toppled over and broke a priceless antique being photographed—that’s just about equipment and objects. It’s even worse if a model gets hurt during a shoot that you planned, especially if it’s a result of your instructions.

As photography blog Fstoppers so eloquently puts it, “If you thought that shiny new lens would be expensive to replace, don't Google how much some liability settlements end up costing the business owner!”

Lack of insurance cover can permanently cripple your photography business and keep you from ever reaching your goals.

PPA is a fantastic resource for photographers in America. We help people connect, we offer great resources and expert advice, and we make sure that clients are getting matched to the best photographers in their area. But one of the aspects of membership that we are most proud of is the insurance coverages that we help provide.

Because PPA is a nonprofit by photographers for photographers to help those who want to take their craft to the next level, it stands to reason that the organization is operating with photographer’s best interests in mind, and is committed to designing insurance options that are tailor-made for the community.

Thinking Like A Professional

With technology being as good as it is these days, almost everyone has tried their hand at photography, with mixed results. But the barrier to entry is lower than it’s ever been and it’s no surprise that more and more people cite photography as a hobby.

So what separates a professional from a hobbyist? More often than not, it’s an attitude and an approach to the work that is the dividing line. And one of the ways that attitude manifests itself is in your attitude to the equipment you use it and how much you value it.

If you’re serious about the work that you’re doing, then you’ll know that protecting the source of your income is non-negotiable. You would never contemplate leaving your gear unlocked overnight, or lending it to someone who doesn’t know what they are doing. So why would you take a chance and not insure it for when things go wrong?

The best kind of insurance for photographers builds on three fundamental pillars.

• Expert Service - from simple application queries to complex questions around claims, PPA has a team of experts who are on hand to answer all of your questions.
• Comprehensive Options: PPA understands the industry deeply, and advocates for a range of insurance options that cover any eventuality for a professional photographer. It’s great to know that, no matter the policy you choose, it will follow you around the world, regardless of where and when you are shooting.
• Fast Turnaround - You can’t afford to waste time on insurance—you just need it done. Hassle-free, straightforward, and quick insurance coverage is the bare minimum that a professional photographer expects.

That’s the kind of insurance service that PPA  offers to all of its members. 

The Biggest Threat To Your Small Business

In today’s competitive business environment, having the right insurance is essential. Photography blog The Modern Tog explains that “For photography business owners, equipment and liability insurance are the most critical insurance policies to secure protection. Even though you may be set up as a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation, there is no limit to the need for business insurance.  State laws may require that your business transactions be covered by a certain form of insurance.”

We understand that insurance is begrudgingly purchased and can eat into your limited resources. However, bear in mind that a lack of insurance is one of the biggest threats that any small business faces, and nothing can replace the peace of mind that comes with having the right kind of coverage that lets you push boundaries on your shoot, knowing that it won’t bankrupt you if something goes wrong. Imagine being faced with paying for someone’s medical bills because of an accident on your set? That could be the end of your career! 

By joining PPA, you not only become part of a dynamic and enormously resourceful community of professional photographers, but you automatically get basic PhotoCare Photography Equipment Insurance, coverage built around your unique photographic needs, and the ability to extend your cover is available at the click of a button.

PPA offers all of its members three basic levels of insurance: PhotoCare, PhotoCare Plus* and PPA General Liability Insurance. Get in touch with us today to find the kind of insurance coverage that is best suited to your needs.

Learn more about PPA's insurance and protection benefits here.

For more insurance specific information, please email us at [email protected]

Sources:

https://insuranceforppa.com/

https://fstoppers.com/business/biggest-threat-working-photographers-lack-insurance-356851

https://www.themoderntog.com/photography-business-insurance/#