Production insurance for the permit and the shoot.
Short-term and annual production packages with equipment, third-party property damage, general liability for film permits and workers' comp, for independent films, commercials, music videos and content productions.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
No certificate, no permit
Film permits in Los Angeles, rental houses and locations all ask for a certificate of insurance before you shoot, usually naming them as additional insured. Rented cameras, lenses and grip gear need coverage from pickup to return.
I place productions with carriers that write entertainment risks, either for a single production or on an annual policy for companies that shoot all year.
- General liabilityThe certificate film permits and locations require.
- EquipmentOwned and rented cameras, lenses, lighting and grip.
- Third-party property damageDamage to the locations you shoot in.
- Workers' compCast and crew, including short-term hires.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Production: type, budget and shoot dates.
- Locations: where you're shooting and any permits needed.
- Equipment: owned and rented, with values.
- Risky elements: stunts, vehicles, pyrotechnics, water or drones.
- Crew: how cast and crew are paid.
- Certificates: who needs to be named, such as the city, location owners and rental houses.
Film production insurance, answered
Do I need insurance for a film permit in Los Angeles?
Yes. Film permits in Los Angeles require a certificate of liability insurance naming the city, and locations usually want to be named too.
Short-term or annual policy?
A short-term policy covers one production. If you shoot several times a year, an annual policy is usually simpler and cheaper overall.
Is rented equipment covered?
It can be, with rented equipment coverage. Rental houses require it before releasing gear.
Are stunts and vehicles covered?
They have to be disclosed. Stunts, picture cars, pyrotechnics, water work and drones change what's needed.
Do you offer film production insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Send your production details. I'll shop it.
Production type, dates, budget and certificate requirements are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued. Some policies may be placed with nonadmitted (surplus lines) insurers, which are not members of the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA).
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.