What is Public Liability Insurance for Film Production and Why Do You Need It?  

If you’ve ever been in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, or been sick and had to use health insurance, you know the importance of being insured. You also know that sometimes things happen that are out of our control and when they do, insurance can help. No matter how hard we try, how prepared we are, or how much we attempt to avoid an accident…Things happen. If you’re wondering if this means that you should consider obtaining public liability insurance for film production, you’re not alone!

Many filmmakers struggle with figuring out what forms of insurance they really need, and what coverages can be pushed aside for now. But before you move forward with a shoot, you’ve got to figure out what kinds of insurance you’re going to need and why.

What is Public Liability Insurance for Film Production?

Public liability insurance for film production covers the cost of claims. Particularly those made against a filmmaker by members of the general public. While you might not think that you need this type of coverage because you’re not filming in a public location.

Or you’re already protected by a general liability coverage. It’s important for you to carefully consider each insurance option and the potential for accidents. Before they occur!

This coverage is made to protect filmmakers from the general public. Particularly when they are filming on a public roadway or street. Within a city park, inside a store or restaurant, or in another public location.

Public liability insurance offers unique protections for the filmmaker should something happen to someone that is not part of your cast, crew, or other members insured by your liability coverage. 

How Public Liability Insurance Works

Public liability insurance for film production provides coverage for the general public. As well as people that do not deal directly with your film production. For example, let’s say that you are shooting a film in a restaurant.

Someone trips over the cables that you’ve ran through the building and they hurt their leg. Your public liability insurance for film production will cover any claim that the individual makes for their injury and will cover any legal costs associated with the claim.

You may think that you do not need public liability insurance for film production. But if you’re going to be requesting a film permit from a city or from various locations in virtually any state.

They’re going to request to see a copy of your public liability insurance to ensure that any general members of the public that could potentially be injured during the course of production are protected and so that the city, state, or entity themselves cannot be sued.

In Summation

So, what is public liability insurance for film production and is it necessary? Public liability insurance provides protection for the general public and will pay for medical claims.

As well as for legal protections should a claim be brought forth for injury. Or some other problem that occurs while filming in public. And yes, it’s important!