Your gear, your shoots and the venue's certificate.
Equipment coverage wherever you shoot, general liability that venues ask for, and errors and omissions for missed or lost work, for photographers, videographers and studios.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Venues ask before you shoot
Wedding venues, hotels and event spaces often require a certificate of liability insurance naming them before you can work. Your camera bodies, lenses, lights and drones need coverage on location, not just at home.
I set up a business policy around how you work: on location or in a studio, weddings or commercial, with or without a drone, and the certificates your clients ask for.
- EquipmentCameras, lenses, lights and drones, on location.
- General liabilityInjuries and damage at a venue or shoot.
- Errors and omissionsLost files, missed shots and client disputes.
- Studio coverageYour studio space and contents.
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.
- Work: weddings, events, commercial, real estate or studio.
- Equipment: a list with values, including drones.
- Locations: on location, studio, or both.
- Staff: second shooters and assistants.
- Revenue: annual gross receipts.
- Certificates: venues or clients that need to be named.
Photographer insurance, answered
Does homeowners insurance cover my camera gear?
Often not when it's used for business, and rarely on location. Business equipment coverage fills that gap.
Why does a venue need my insurance?
Venues want proof you can pay if someone is hurt or their property is damaged during your shoot. I can issue the certificate they ask for.
Are drones covered?
Drones need their own aviation liability and hull coverage, and commercial flights need an FAA Part 107 certificate.
What if I lose a client's photos?
Errors and omissions can cover claims from lost or missed work, which general liability doesn't.
Do you offer photographer 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.
Tell me how you shoot. I'll shop it.
Your work type and an equipment list 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.
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.