Film insurance is a crucial aspect of any film production, regardless of size or budget. It protects filmmakers from a wide range of financial losses, including liability claims, property damage, and injuries to cast and crew.
In New York, film insurance is required by law for all productions that obtain a filming permit from the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME). The minimum insurance requirement is $1 million in commercial general liability coverage. However, many productions choose to purchase additional coverage, such as property insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and errors and omissions (E&O) insurance.
Types of Film Insurance In New York
Here is a brief overview of the most common types of film insurance:
- Commercial general liability insurance: This covers claims for bodily injury and property damage caused by the production.
- Property insurance: This covers damage to or loss of equipment, sets, and other property used in the production.
- Workers’ compensation insurance: This provides benefits to cast and crew members who are injured on the job.
- Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance: This protects filmmakers from claims of copyright infringement, plagiarism, and other intellectual property violations.
Companies That Offer Film Insurance In New York
| Company | Website | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Film Emporium | https://m.yelp.com/biz/film-emporium-larchmont | 110 Wall Street, Floor 3, New York, NY 10005 | (212) 742-6850 |
| Aon | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aon_%28company%29 | 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10005 | (212) 344-1000 |
| Marsh | https://www.marshmma.com/ | 1166 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036 | (212) 345-5000 |
| Willis Towers Watson | https://www.wtwco.com/en-us | 125 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004 | (212) 522-5200 |
| Gallagher | https://www.ajg.com/ | 599 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10022 | (212) 349-5000 |
| Lockton | https://global.lockton.com/us/en | 123 William Street, New York, NY 10038 | (212) 669-1000 |
| Alliant | https://www.alliant.com/ | 1166 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036 | (212) 930-9300 |
| Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. | https://www.ajg.com/ | 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017 | (212) 916-9000 |
| BMS Catalyst | https://bmsdental.it/prodotti/catalyst-gel/ | 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020 | (212) 474-4700 |
| EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants | https://www.epicbrokers.com/ | 125 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004 | (212) 979-5000 |
| NFP | https://www.nfp.com/ | 110 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022 | (212) 669-0100 |
Relevant Information
- All of the companies listed above are licensed to offer film insurance in New York.
- The companies offer a variety of film insurance products, including commercial general liability, property insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and errors and omissions (E&O) insurance.
- The companies can provide coverage for productions of all sizes and budgets.
- It is important to compare rates and read the policy carefully before purchasing film insurance.
How to Get Film Insurance in New York
There are a number of ways to get film insurance in New York. One option is to contact a specialized film insurance broker. Brokers can help you compare rates from multiple insurers and find the right policy for your needs.
Another option is to purchase film insurance online. A number of insurers now offer online film insurance policies. This can be a convenient way to get coverage, but it is important to compare rates and read the policy carefully before you purchase it.
How Much Does Film Insurance Cost?
The cost of film insurance varies depending on a number of factors, including the size and budget of the production, the types of coverage being purchased, and the claims history of the production company.
In general, however, film insurance can be relatively expensive. For example, a commercial general liability policy with a limit of $1 million can cost several thousand dollars.
How to Save Money on Film Insurance
There are a few things you can do to save money on film insurance:
- Shop around and compare rates from multiple insurers.
- Purchase a package policy that includes multiple types of coverage.
- Increase your deductible.
- Take steps to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries on your set.
Tips for Filing a Film Insurance Claim
If you need to file a film insurance claim, it is important to do so as soon as possible. You should also be prepared to provide the insurer with as much information as possible about the claim, including:
- A description of the incident
- The names of any witnesses
- Any photos or videos of the damage
- Medical records for any injuries
Conclusion
Film insurance is an essential part of any film production. By understanding the different types of coverage available and shopping around for the best rates, you can protect your film from a wide range of financial losses.
Additional Information
In addition to the basic information provided above, here are some additional things to keep in mind about film insurance in New York:
- The City of New York has a number of additional requirements for film insurance. For example, all productions must have a certificate of insurance that names the City of New York as an additional insured.
- Many film insurance policies have exclusions. For example, some policies exclude coverage for certain types of stunts or hazardous activities. It is important to read your policy carefully to understand what is and is not covered.
- Film insurance policies can be complex. If you have any questions about your policy, be sure to contact your insurance broker or insurer. Consider reading another article i wrote about >>> Student Film Insurance to learn more.
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