Every film set needs insurance. Making a movie is a big investment, and the right coverage helps protect you, your crew, and your gear from unexpected costs or lawsuits. Without it, you could face huge payouts or even have your shoot shut down.
There are several types of film production insurance, but don’t worry — it doesn’t have to break your budget. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what it is, why you need it, and how to find the right coverage for your project.
What Is Film Production Insurance?
Film production insurance gives you financial protection if something goes wrong during your shoot. It can cover everything from accidents on set to damaged equipment or property. Essentially, it helps keep your production running smoothly even when things don’t go as planned.
Depending on your project, you may need more than one policy. Each production is unique — a short film shot locally might only need basic coverage, while a feature with stunts or overseas shoots will require more specialized insurance.
When putting together your film budget, always include insurance. Professional productions usually spend around 2–3% of their total budget on coverage. Even if you’re making a small independent film, basic insurance is a must.
Why Do You Need It?
Let’s be real — things can and will go wrong on set. Gear breaks, props get damaged, and sometimes people get hurt. Without insurance, you’d be responsible for covering all those costs yourself, and that can add up fast.
The producer is typically responsible for any claims made against a production. So if you’re producing, you need to protect yourself in case of an accident or legal dispute.
If you’re a student filmmaker, your school might already provide basic insurance. Still, it’s good practice to double-check and make sure you have all the right production documents in order before filming.
Types of Film Production Insurance
To get insurance, you’ll usually work with a broker who specializes in film and media coverage. They’ll ask about your project, assess the risks, and customize a plan that fits your needs. Below is a breakdown of the most common types of production insurance.
| Insurance Type | What It Covers | Who Needs It | Typical Coverage Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Liability | Injury or property damage caused to the public or clients during filming. | Anyone filming in public spaces or on location. | Starts around $1,000,000 in liability coverage. |
| Professional Indemnity | Claims from clients for mistakes, missed deadlines, or financial losses due to your work. | Freelancers, production companies, and contractors. | $250,000–$1,000,000 depending on project scale. |
| Film Equipment Insurance | Damage, theft, or loss of cameras, lighting, and other film gear. | Anyone who owns or rents film equipment. | Value based on the full replacement cost of your gear. |
| Short-Term Insurance | Coverage for specific shoots, including crew injury and property protection. | Producers or filmmakers working on single projects. | Varies per project; often $1–2 million per project. |
| Annual Insurance | Year-round coverage for ongoing projects and all owned equipment. | Production companies or filmmakers with frequent shoots. | Custom policies — typically multi-million coverage. |
| Specialty Insurance | High-risk shoots: drones, stunts, animals, pyrotechnics, underwater filming. | Any filmmaker working with special effects or risky setups. | Custom coverage depending on risk factors. |
💡 Tip: Always compare at least three insurance quotes before signing. Policies and prices can vary widely, and the cheapest option isn’t always the best fit for your production.
Summary
Insurance might not be the most exciting part of filmmaking, but it’s one of the most important. Having the right coverage protects your team, your equipment, and your reputation if anything goes wrong on set.
Work with brokers who understand the film industry — they’ll know exactly what you need and can help you get the best deal. With insurance sorted, you can focus on creating your film with confidence.
