Film Industry Producers Insurance in California

If you're a filmmaker looking to film on California state-owned or operated land, then you must provide essential insurance documents when requesting your permit. These include certificates of general liability and automobile coverage, workers' compensation documentation, extra insured endorsements, and waivers that will ensure the safety of all involved in the production.

Beyond the stipulated requirements, film producers in California may want to consider obtaining other types of insurance coverage. This could include comprehensive general liability insurance for products and completed operations, professional liability for errors and omissions, rental property damage, personal injury protection or property damage caused by employees.

Brighton Financial and Insurance Services (BFIS) provides tailored packages of coverage so that producers can get the most comprehensive protection for their production. We work with multiple carriers to provide a wide range of coverage options. Our experienced insurance professionals can help you build an insurance package that meets the specific needs of your film production, ensuring you have the right protection in place.

Contact us today or explore our website to learn more about the various types of commercial insurance we offer and how we can make sure your production is properly protected.

Insurance Solutions for Film Producers in California

Each film production is unique and brings with it a number of potential risks. But by having the right insurance coverage in place, you can mitigate these risks and protect your production from any unexpected costs or damages.

Film Equipment Insurance

California Film Equipment Insurance covers the equipment used for film production, such as cameras, lights, sound equipment, props, costumes, and sets. It protects the equipment owners, operators, and renters from financial losses due to theft, damage, or liability claims.

Different types of film equipment insurance policies are available, depending on the needs and preferences of the production company. Some of the common types are:

a) Short-term production insurance

This is a policy that covers a specific project or period of time, usually up to 60 days. It is suitable for low-budget or one-time productions that do not require long-term coverage. It can be customized to include different types of coverage, such as general liability, property damage, workers' compensation, errors and omissions, and more. The cost of short-term production insurance depends on factors such as the budget, location, duration, and scope of the production.

b) Annual production insurance

This is a policy that covers multiple projects or productions throughout the year. It is suitable for high-budget or frequent productions that require continuous coverage. It can also be customized to include different types of coverage, such as general liability, property damage, workers' compensation, errors and omissions, and more. The cost of annual production insurance depends on factors such as the annual gross receipts, payroll, number of productions, and type of equipment.

c) Equipment rental insurance

This is a policy that covers the equipment rented from a third-party vendor or rental house. It protects the renter from financial losses due to theft, damage, or liability claims involving the rented equipment. It can also cover the loss of use or rental income for the vendor or rental house in case the equipment is damaged or stolen. The cost of equipment rental insurance depends on factors such as the value, type, and duration of the rental.

Workers' Compensation Insurance

California workers’ compensation insurance provides financial benefits and medical care for employees who are injured or become ill due to their work. It is mandatory for all businesses that employ more than one person in California, including film production companies. The cost of workers’ compensation insurance depends on the type of business, number of employees, and payroll.

Liability Insurance

General liability insurance provides protection against financial losses due to third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, or personal and advertising injuries such as libel, slander, and copyright infringement. It is an important type of coverage for film production companies in California that have high potential for legal liabilities associated with the production. The cost of general liability insurance depends on factors such as the budget, location, duration, and scope of the production.

Errors and Omissions Insurance

Errors and omissions insurance (E&O) is specifically designed to provide protection against claims of negligence, errors in judgment, or mistakes in production. It covers the film production company and any affiliated individuals from financial losses due to third-party claims of such nature. The cost of E&O insurance depends on factors such as the production budget, type of film, and scope of coverage.

In addition to these types of insurance policies, there are other specialized coverages for film production companies in California. These include equipment breakdown insurance, terrorism insurance, and product recall insurance. 

Commercial Auto Insurance

Commercial auto insurance provides coverage for vehicles used in film production, including automobiles, trucks and vans. It protects the drivers and passengers of the vehicles as well as third-party property owners from financial losses due to accidents and other incidents involving the vehicle. Commercial auto insurance costs depend on factors such as the type of vehicle, driver’s record, distance traveled, and other variables.

Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance provides additional coverage for a wide range of risks, including property damage, bodily injury liability and other types of damages or losses. It is an important coverage for film production companies that are liable to extensive financial losses due to third-party claims. The cost of umbrella insurance depends on the size of the policy and other factors such as the type of coverage, location, and budget.