Making a film of any kind often means some form of on-location shooting. Whether you’re filming a documentary, drama or infomercial, you might use someone else’s property to help set the scene.
Whenever you film on location, you have the potential to damage someone else’s property. When you harm someone else’s property, you might have to pay them back for your mistakes. Carrying third-party property damage insurance can often help you get the help you might need to cover property damage.
Filmmakers Carrying Property Damage Liability Insurance
Let’s say you plan to film a documentary in a historic mansion. One day, while filming, your camera tracks severely damage the irreplaceable, antebellum carpet in the home. By filming on location, you usually have a responsibility for that space and any damage you might cause. It may cost large amounts of money for the home’s owners to repair and restore this property.
Third-party property damage coverage can help film crews pay for damage they make to other people’s property over which they have custody, care or control. It may help the film company pay the property owner for the damage it cause. This money might help the property owner repair or replace damaged items.
Keep in mind, some general liability policies may not cover property damage. Therefore, ensure you ask your agent to include this protection on your policy. Make sure you know what damage the policy will and will not cover.
Preventing Property Damage on Film Sets
On-site filming will likely present various opportunities for crews to cause inadvertent property damage. Film crews should make a conscious effort to prevent property damage risks on location.
· Obtain filming permits or written permission to film from both the local government and the property owner.
· Familiarize yourself with the property. Its owner might be able to show you around and point out any areas that need special care.
· Make high-risk areas off-limits to crew and cast. For example, unless necessary, don’t film in the cellars of homes or in private family areas.
· Ask the property owners to remove particularly sensitive items from the property. For example, the owner might want to roll up and store priceless carpet.
· Think about ways different actions might damage the property. For example, will using lots of lighting and electronics damage the property’s electricity setup?
Throughout the course of filming, frequently check around the property for signs of stress or property damage. If you notice problems, immediately bring them to the attention of the property owner. Make sure the owner knows you have third-party property damage insurance. By working with the owner, you might be able to reduce the chances of damage occurring.
If your need more information on entertainment or liability insurance, call one of our agents at 844.926.0860 or get more info here.
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