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Equipment & Techniques => Digital Cameras & Shooting Techniques => Topic started by: dwdallam on May 25, 2008, 03:17:54 am

Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: dwdallam on May 25, 2008, 03:17:54 am
I posted a similar question months ago, but now I REALLY need commercial insurance. It's time.

Photo.net has a special package for subscribers, which cost 25.00 per year. The cost of the insurance is 410US and includes coverage for up to one assistant. Total cost is 435.00US This is the original email I got from the agent:

"We offer $1,000,000 of per occurrence Liability coverage for $175 for the first professional for the year.  Each additional professional or assistant is $60 for the year.  Your assistant would need to be covered .  Total cost to you would be 175(liability for you)+60(liability for assistant)+150(15,000 of equipment coverage)= $410.  If you have any other questions please let me know."

I asked a lot of questions and here are some of the answers:
Theft: From a secure location, such as a car or house or other area that a "break in" would be needed to steal the equipment. If you are on location, set you camera down, and someone packs off with it--it's not covered.
Damage: Full replacement cost for a new unit or cash out minus depreciation. Includes droppage, but not wear and tear. Earthquakes and other natural disasters are NOT covered, nor is "governmental action" which I have no idea what that means. I suppose if you are shaking up a government protest and the feds take your camera, you're out of luck.

Anyway, any suggestions?
Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: jecxz on May 25, 2008, 10:46:16 am
Quote
I posted a similar question months ago, but now I REALLY need commercial insurance. It's time.

Photo.net has a special package for subscribers, which cost 25.00 per year. The cost of the insurance is 410US and includes coverage for up to one assistant. Total cost is 435.00US This is the original email I got from the agent:

"We offer $1,000,000 of per occurrence Liability coverage for $175 for the first professional for the year.  Each additional professional or assistant is $60 for the year.  Your assistant would need to be covered .  Total cost to you would be 175(liability for you)+60(liability for assistant)+150(15,000 of equipment coverage)= $410.  If you have any other questions please let me know."

I asked a lot of questions and here are some of the answers:
Theft: From a secure location, such as a car or house or other area that a "break in" would be needed to steal the equipment. If you are on location, set you camera down, and someone packs off with it--it's not covered.
Damage: Full replacement cost for a new unit or cash out minus depreciation. Includes droppage, but not wear and tear. Earthquakes and other natural disasters are NOT covered, nor is "governmental action" which I have no idea what that means. I suppose if you are shaking up a government protest and the feds take your camera, you're out of luck.

Anyway, any suggestions?
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Get a professional, a broker, to get you the correct coverage. Don't waste your time and money with photo.net - talk to the broker, tell them your concerns (i.e. theft, accident, liability, etc...) and listen. You can even call companies directly, I am with The Hartford. Good luck.

I'll also add that if you are not concerned with liability and simply looking for equipment coverage, if you don't have a lot of expensive gear (i.e. Canon is less expensive than a Phase back or H3D oreven a MF lens), check if you can add it as a rider to your home owners policy, if you own a home, obviously.
Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: Hank on May 25, 2008, 10:49:02 am
We get our coverage through PPA (http://www.ppa.com/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3).   PPA membership is steap and required at $300/year for access to their policies, but well worth it.   Been with them 18 years now and never had the slightest beef on claims.  

Our coverage is quite a bit more extensive than what you're talking, so a comparison with the rate you cite isn't possible.

We're packing liability at $2mil US per person per incident onsite and off including employees, plus coverage on our studio.  Gear insurance is all-loss, onsite and off and even covers damage from drops.  The way it's set up, you assign the value of each piece of gear and premiums are based on a percentage of your listing.  If you want to list and cover at new prices, go for it.  If you prefer used prices, go for it.  We start out with new prices, then drop them to used after a couple of years.  

We had one notable shoot (groan) in which we dropped two Mamiaya MF's, damaging both lenses and bodies.  When we filed a claim we submitted the subsequent letter from the Mamiya shop saying they were beyond repair.  Got a nice fat check back within a week.  Lost a tripod in an airport, and that netted a prompt check, too.

Access to all that makes the $300 PPA entry fee worthwhile, even if you don't avail yourself of their other varied and useful services.
Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: lightstand on May 25, 2008, 11:04:34 am
I would second Hank's response in looking at the various photographer's associations for insurance benefits. NPPA, ASMP, APA all have some type of policy you can join with your membership. I've also heard of photographers using State Farm and of course see if your auto insurance company also has a business insurance policy.

To me one of the benefits of a company like www.tcpinsurance.com is that they understand our process - ie understand faxing the correct documentation to a site at the last minute to show proof of the insurance. jeff

p.s. if you're just looking for equipment coverage you can add a rider to renter's insurance if you don't own a home you just can't break the equipment on a professional job
Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: Jay Kaplan on May 25, 2008, 01:48:14 pm
Any competent independent insurance agent can write a commercial general liability insurance policy that covers you and your business [would also include your employees]. For your equipment, either a commercial inland marine policy or a "flex" or business owners' policy that also has the general liability coverage will work.

Companies that write these types of policies include The Hartford, The Travelers, Erie and many others.
Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: ericstaud on May 25, 2008, 01:53:48 pm
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I'll also add that if you are not concerned with liability and simply looking for equipment coverage....
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=197867\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Liability insurance is not optional for a working photographer in California.  Also, if your strobe head drops off the boom onto the models head, I would rather have that liability insurance.  dwdallam has a photography business, so his needs are different than if it was a hobby.

It is important to look out for the welfare of other's included in your shoots, even bystanders.  Your assistant can fall off a ladder, get in a car accident on the way to the camera store, a strobe tube can explode, a boom can fall over, or the model can sprain their ankle walking onto the set.  Wether or not you have insurance, you are still legally responsible as the business owner and employer.  I think questions about liability coverage are more important than the equipment coverage.  You can get a loan to get new gear if you're not covered.  It will be harder to come up with the million dollars if someone really gets hurt though.
Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: Chris_Brown on May 25, 2008, 03:11:37 pm
According to my insurance rep, there are four basic areas that need to be addressed:I suggest you call around and talk with several sales people. Make sure you insure for replacement cost on all items covered. You'll be very surprised at the differences in rates, and what some companies will and won't cover. For example, I had one policy that did not cover, in any way, jewelry to be photographed in my studio. I had to take out separate, daily coverage at a per-day fee to bring jewelry into my studio. What a joke that was.
Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: jecxz on May 25, 2008, 06:49:20 pm
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...dwdallam has a photography business, so his needs are different than if it was a hobby.[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=197891\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Then it is good I advised him to seek professional broker help and not get insurance from photo.net!!!!

Stuad is correct, liability insurance is very important. I carry a $1m liability policy. Have your broker explain it to you and your options. Or, the professional websites mentioned in this thread have good documention that explain things.

And congrads on your photography business!  Good luck to you.
Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: dwdallam on May 29, 2008, 02:31:11 am
Yep. I'm running into all those concerns you all point out.

TCP insurance looks like the fast way to go as long as you all think it's the coverage that is needed.


The other thing I would like if it's not too expensive is personal liability for ME. The reason, even though I carry health insurance for myself, is that some industrial locations where I want to photograph--for my personal experience or portfolio, are very cautious about allowing people to run around in an industrial environment, which I understand. One local industrial outfit was leery, although the owner knows me, and I asked if I had liability on myself if that would help. She said it would very much. I also said I'd sign a waiver statement also.

Does anyone have any knowledge of TCP photography coverage? I really like the idea that they know how to fax the documents quickly when you need them.

Incidentally, for 15K of photography equipment, the quote on the website was 510 dollars.
Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: canmiya on May 30, 2008, 08:57:45 am
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Yep. I'm running into all those concerns you all point out.

TCP insurance looks like the fast way to go as long as you all think it's the coverage that is needed.
The other thing I would like if it's not too expensive is personal liability for ME. The reason, even though I carry health insurance for myself, is that some industrial locations where I want to photograph--for my personal experience or portfolio, are very cautious about allowing people to run around in an industrial environment, which I understand. One local industrial outfit was leery, although the owner knows me, and I asked if I had liability on myself if that would help. She said it would very much. I also said I'd sign a waiver statement also.

Does anyone have any knowledge of TCP photography coverage? I really like the idea that they know how to fax the documents quickly when you need them.

Incidentally, for 15K of photography equipment, the quote on the website was 510 dollars.
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the $ vary from company to company so you need to do your research carefully.  the insurance program offered through ppa for example for equipment is $2.40 per $100 of value  for the first $15000 of equipment, and $1.75 per $100 of value for equipment over $15,000.  i would recommend that you go to the ppa site and click on inusrance as there may be some useful information there to help you evaluate options. (www.ppa.com   click on benefits-i think)  there is also hill & usher out of phoenix...they work with most of the national insurance companies and have discounts for wppi and napp members (http://www.packagechoice.com/ )
the hill and usher site may be of value to you as it also has information on insurance types, and specific programs...
regards
Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: SecondFocus on May 30, 2008, 03:08:03 pm
TCP is excellent. They know exactly what they are doing, work specifically with photographers and have excellent service. When I need certificates for permits etc they go right out, same day.

And I have had friends who have had very substantial claims where TCP really went out of their way to get the claims paid and fully. Good choice!

http://groupinsure.com (http://groupinsure.com)
Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: jjj on May 30, 2008, 06:54:20 pm
Any UK photographers have any views on UK insurance companies?
Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: jonstewart on May 31, 2008, 04:10:50 pm
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Any UK photographers have any views on UK insurance companies?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=199033\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Yep, Glover and Howe are great, and their prices are very good too.

I was interested to see our US colleagues with $2m public liability insurance. Generally here it's £2m ($4m), and if you want to work in certain places like airports, you might well need £5m cover.

Had a look at Photoguard, but wasn't impressed, and they were much more expensive.

Hope this helps
Jon
Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: Hank on May 31, 2008, 04:38:55 pm
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I was interested to see our US colleagues with $2m public liability insurance. Generally here it's £2m ($4m), and if you want to work in certain places like airports, you might well need £5m cover.
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I'm expecting it to go up, but that's the level our attorneys recommended.  As for extra coverage for specific shoots requiring it, we arrange that with our carrier prior to the shoot.  For any and all, it's a good idea to have a copy of your policy immediately available for use as "proof of insurance" in bidding jobs, especially those for public agencies or large corporations.
Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: dwdallam on May 31, 2008, 10:28:50 pm
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I'm expecting it to go up, but that's the level our attorneys recommended.  As for extra coverage for specific shoots requiring it, we arrange that with our carrier prior to the shoot.  For any and all, it's a good idea to have a copy of your policy immediately available for use as "proof of insurance" in bidding jobs, especially those for public agencies or large corporations.
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Maybe I'm not understanding liability correctly, but isn't liability that which covers others from damage you might do to them? If so, how could you ever do 5 million in damages in an airport, or any other place?

One other question too: Is there a way to get insurance on YOU the photographer as well as liability? In some situations, such as industrial settings, where I'm doing photography for me, the owners/managers want YOU to be covered in case you get hurt on their property--or they deny you access.
Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: Hank on June 01, 2008, 02:20:29 am
That's two different policies.  A client may want to make sure you're covered in case you injure yourself through no fault of theirs, but they also will cover themselves with liability insurance in case it's their fault.  We have both.  We have medical coverage on ourselves and our employees, while also carrying liability insurance (currently $2mil US per person, per incident, but probably increasing it to $4mil US) should we hurt someone via a falling light, or if they trip on a cord, or if I knock someone off a ladder, or if they trip and fall in our parking lot, or if they slip on the ice, or if they even think it's a good idea to sue us for pain and suffering after they rip a hangnail while washing their hands in our bathroom.  Nothing can prevent you being sued, but the insurance is there in case even the most frivilous suit prevails.
Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: jonstewart on June 01, 2008, 05:45:27 am
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Maybe I'm not understanding liability correctly, but isn't liability that which covers others from damage you might do to them? If so, how could you ever do 5 million in damages in an airport, or any other place?

One other question too: Is there a way to get insurance on YOU the photographer as well as liability? In some situations, such as industrial settings, where I'm doing photography for me, the owners/managers want YOU to be covered in case you get hurt on their property--or they deny you access.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=199197\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Hank's quite right.

Public Liability covers damage you or your equipment does to them.

I also have a combination of professional indemnity, and cover against loss of earning due to interruption of business because of a light falling on my head and giving me concussion etc. Can't actually remember what the term for this is!!

Airports and other may require such high liability, simply because the number of people floating about. So it may end up with multiple claims. Remember it's x million per 'incident' max. So if 3 people were injured in one incident and the total of their claims exceeded x million, somebody'd be stuffed.

May work different in the US.
Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: dwdallam on June 01, 2008, 06:39:04 am
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Hank's quite right.

Public Liability covers damage you or your equipment does to them.

I also have a combination of professional indemnity, and cover against loss of earning due to interruption of business because of a light falling on my head and giving me concussion etc. Can't actually remember what the term for this is!!

Airports and other may require such high liability, simply because the number of people floating about. So it may end up with multiple claims. Remember it's x million per 'incident' max. So if 3 people were injured in one incident and the total of their claims exceeded x million, somebody'd be stuffed.

May work different in the US.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=199220\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]


OK I understand. I actually have health on myself 100% after a 3500 deductible. So I guess producing that may help when needed.
Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: Hank on June 01, 2008, 09:09:00 am
The liability insurance is good to have for shooting in general, and in fact required for commercial shooting in some public places in addition to industrial sites.  As our agent explained it, the corporations and agencies want to make sure that if you injure someone on their property, claims will be filed and covered by your policy before the claimant can get around to suing them too, or if they sue both of you, your pocket will get hit first and deepest.  Without the policy, you're asking them to assume all liability for your actions, even though they may have minimal control on you.  We had our insurance carrier produce a proof of insurance card for our liability coverage, just like the card they issue for auto and health coverage.  It's handy to have one of each in your pocket when applying for permits to shoot in parks or signing contracts with corporations.


BTW- For loss to "government action," also think about security forces seizing your camera for shooting pics of bridges, sky scrapers, etc.  I had a near miss recently on a contract to shoot a moving train at multiple locations through the mountains.  I was pretty proud of myself for mad dashes to get ahead of the train for the first shots, but then railroad security and state troopers rather disrupted my progress.  Word had not filtered down from RR headquarters that I would be out and about, and I was stopped.  A few phone calls sorted it out, but by then I was too far from the train to get ahead again.  Ended up shooting the whole thing over again on a subsequent day, but with phone #'s for the relevant officials in my pocket along with a letter and a copy of my contract.
Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: Jay Kaplan on June 01, 2008, 09:23:26 am
To satisfy proof on insurance, your agent will produce, at no cost, a Certificate of Liability or Property Insurance. This is generated, in the US, with an ACCORD form and it lists the agent, insured, the insurer, type and amount so coverage and the policy numbereffective dates. It will also list the additional insured, if required, as well as the interested party [the individual or company] requesting the proof of insurance and is signed by the agent.

The form is generated by the agency's computer and IS NOT HAND WRITTEN. These can either be faxed to the requester or sent via email as a pdf. We do them every day in the office I work at and they generally take about 5 - 10 minutes to generate depending on the complexity of the coverage.

Also, you, as the insured, can request that your insurer generate and send a proof of insurance to the requesing party. Merely showing your insurance policy is not proof of insurance since it does not indicate whether or not the premiums are current.

As to polices, The Hartford, with their Spectrum policy offers a very complete package including liability and property coverage. But they are not alone in offering this type of coverage. A good BOP [business owner's policy] will cover about 95% of your needs and additional riders can take care of the rest. These policies can be industry specific and are good value for your premium dollars.

Jay
Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: dwdallam on June 02, 2008, 05:33:33 am
Thanks for all of the information.

The railroad episode was interesting. I think, since the last time I read up on National Security, in California you cannot be stopped from photographing any publically available  from public land structure, unless it says so first hand, such as military installation or some things like that. You can get questioned, but you don't have to say anything nor do you have to produce any ID or other identification.

The reason I know this is because I was at a marina last year photographing boats. There happened to be a Coast Guard cruiser docked nearby. One of the hands came off of the boat and asked me what I was shooting? I said, "Boats." Then he said, "Why are you shooting boats." I said, "Who wants to know?" He said, "Well, with national security and all it's my duty to ask you." I said, "Do you think if I were a terrorist I would tell you I was photographing boats in order to blow them up?" He said, "No, of course not?" I said, "Well, since you can't arrest me nor do I have to answer your question, what's the efficacy of this conversation?" He then proceeded to ask if I had a business card, which I thought even more silly--terrorists don't have cards for situations like this I guess. I told him I did but he didn't need to see it for the same reason I just gave. Then he asked if I lived around the area. I told him it was none of his business and if he didn't leave me alone I was calling the local police. He stopped after that.
Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: canmiya on June 02, 2008, 10:17:16 am
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To satisfy proof on insurance, your agent will produce, at no cost, a Certificate of Liability or Property Insurance. This is generated, in the US, with an ACCORD form and it lists the agent, insured, the insurer, type and amount so coverage and the policy numbereffective dates. It will also list the additional insured, if required, as well as the interested party [the individual or company] requesting the proof of insurance and is signed by the agent.

The form is generated by the agency's computer and IS NOT HAND WRITTEN. These can either be faxed to the requester or sent via email as a pdf. We do them every day in the office I work at and they generally take about 5 - 10 minutes to generate depending on the complexity of the coverage.

Also, you, as the insured, can request that your insurer generate and send a proof of insurance to the requesing party. Merely showing your insurance policy is not proof of insurance since it does not indicate whether or not the premiums are current.

As to polices, The Hartford, with their Spectrum policy offers a very complete package including liability and property coverage. But they are not alone in offering this type of coverage. A good BOP [business owner's policy] will cover about 95% of your needs and additional riders can take care of the rest. These policies can be industry specific and are good value for your premium dollars.

Jay
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jay,
i agree with everything you have said...but wanted to add/underscore  a few things:
different entities, city and state for example , may have very different insurance reqirements:  i recently did two shoots- one  on NYC property and the other on NY State property.  the city department responsible for the property only ask for an insurance certificate: the state department  required that they be named as an additional insured.
i'm not sure if this is true of all carriers, but with the company that underwrote my policy, the additional insured remains on your policy for the term of the policy.  so even though you may be working at a location for a day or two, the additional insured remains on your policy  until your renewal date.  you may need to check when your renewal documents come to make sure that any additionally insured entities that you have requested over the past 12 months, that you do not want carried forward are removed as their inclusion may be reflected in your premium.
Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: Jay Kaplan on June 02, 2008, 10:38:59 am
Nearly everything about insurance varies by state and company. Coverage, policy provisions and premiums to name but a few. Also, believe it or not, the size and style of the type on the application can vary.

Property and Casualty insurance is fairly well standarized as to applications but some policy provisons vary from state to state and company to company.

It is always in your own best interest to find a good independent insurance agent from whom to purchase your coverage. As for referrals from your peers. If they are satisfied with the service from their agent he or she should also be able to do the same job for you and your needs. Association insurance is fine, but it may or may not fully satisfy your needs or special situation and it may or may not comply with your state's insurance regulations.

Price alone should not be the determining factor and your agent can explain the differences in policies and types of coverage.

The only thing consistent with property and casualty insurance is recurring claims as opposed to life insurance which has no recurring claims.
Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: Hank on June 02, 2008, 11:06:50 am
Quote
Thanks for all of the information.

The railroad episode was interesting. I think, since the last time I read up on National Security, in California you cannot be stopped from photographing any publically available  from public land structure, unless it says so first hand, such as military installation or some things like that. You can get questioned, but you don't have to say anything nor do you have to produce any ID or other identification.

The reason I know this is because I was at a marina last year photographing boats. There happened to be a Coast Guard cruiser docked nearby. One of the hands came off of the boat and asked me what I was shooting? I said, "Boats." Then he said, "Why are you shooting boats." I said, "Who wants to know?" He said, "Well, with national security and all it's my duty to ask you." I said, "Do you think if I were a terrorist I would tell you I was photographing boats in order to blow them up?" He said, "No, of course not?" I said, "Well, since you can't arrest me nor do I have to answer your question, what's the efficacy of this conversation?" He then proceeded to ask if I had a business card, which I thought even more silly--terrorists don't have cards for situations like this I guess. I told him I did but he didn't need to see it for the same reason I just gave. Then he asked if I lived around the area. I told him it was none of his business and if he didn't leave me alone I was calling the local police. He stopped after that.
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I handled it in a lot more friendly and forthright manner than the incident you describe and it really wasn't a problem since the train was a charter.  Since it was an unusual circumstance in the first place, my claim that I was on contract was believed.  And in fact I was happy to pass on business cards in a friendly manner to potential future customers or their friends and relatives.  The problem for me was that I was hopscotching in front of the train to pre-selected locations for scenics featuring the train while my wife was on board shooting the festivities and ceremonies there.  The 10 minute or so delay put me too far behind to catch up and get the last two scheduled locations before it moved into terrain not accessible by road.

On the variabilities from state to state and client to client, that's what prior contact is all about.  In our experience, the more experience a client has had with insurance claims, the more specific they become in the requirements for your own coverage.  And the higher up the chain of command you have go, the more likely it's going to take weeks or months to negotiate terms.  Make your contacts early, and pray that the person you're talking to has clear instructions and authority for on-the-spot decisions.
Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: dwdallam on June 02, 2008, 08:55:03 pm
Quote
jay,
i agree with everything you have said...but wanted to add/underscore  a few things:
different entities, city and state for example , may have very different insurance reqirements:  i recently did two shoots- one  on NYC property and the other on NY State property.  the city department responsible for the property only ask for an insurance certificate: the state department  required that they be named as an additional insured.
i'm not sure if this is true of all carriers, but with the company that underwrote my policy, the additional insured remains on your policy for the term of the policy.  so even though you may be working at a location for a day or two, the additional insured remains on your policy  until your renewal date.  you may need to check when your renewal documents come to make sure that any additionally insured entities that you have requested over the past 12 months, that you do not want carried forward are removed as their inclusion may be reflected in your premium.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=199366\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]


That's exactly what Cathy at TCP told me this morning. It's also 25.00 to add an entity like the state also. Pretty cool.
Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: dwdallam on June 02, 2008, 09:14:38 pm
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I handled it in a lot more friendly and forthright manner than the incident you describe and it really wasn't a problem since the train was a charter.  Since it was an unusual circumstance in the first place, my claim that I was on contract was believed.  And in fact I was happy to pass on business cards in a friendly manner to potential future customers or their friends and relatives.  The problem for me was that I was hopscotching in front of the train to pre-selected locations for scenics featuring the train while my wife was on board shooting the festivities and ceremonies there.  The 10 minute or so delay put me too far behind to catch up and get the last two scheduled locations before it moved into terrain not accessible by road.

On the variabilities from state to state and client to client, that's what prior contact is all about.  In our experience, the more experience a client has had with insurance claims, the more specific they become in the requirements for your own coverage.  And the higher up the chain of command you have go, the more likely it's going to take weeks or months to negotiate terms.  Make your contacts early, and pray that the person you're talking to has clear instructions and authority for on-the-spot decisions.
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Indeed, and I wasn't in anyway meaning that you did anything wrong in dealing with the RR security personnel.

It's just been my experience that security people can't afford my prices anyway, and really they are happy with their point and shoots for recording family events, or Sears for snap and stop type images that are good quality.

In your instance, I would have been far too concerned with my big client and missing the shots, than the security personnel giving me business. For instance, I've probably gotten one or two calls from the average person from cards, and then they want to talk to you for a month before they commit to 150.00 for a short basic shoot. I understand that too because 150.00 when you make 25, 000US a year is a lot of bread.  But I put those jobs way on the back burner because they are time consumers and low payers. Most of my business has come by word of mouth from those who have some money to spend and understand the process of art or photography and it's expense.

I was just perturbed at the moronic and completely non efficacious questions being leveled at me from a fear based political system that encourages and rewards idiot thinking by fearing people into submission. It's just a principle thing with me.

Another example is when I was in Santa Monica a year ago. I was on the pier at night and pulled up to the ferries wheel on the outside of the amusement park. It was closed and I started setting up my tripod and got ready to shoot when a security guard appeared across the fence. He said, "You can't photography anything in here." I asked why and he said that everything i see was their trademark. I know a little about the laws of photography in California and trademarks, and you can;t trademark wooden slats on a floor. So I I asked to see the Trademark application for all the things in the park. He just said the same thing over again. So I I said I'm standing on public property and I can photograph anything I want. He said that the company owned the whole pier--being a real smart ass. So I said that was unfortunate because I was going to photograph the entire park and if he didn't like it he could call the police.

Now I know the laws regarding trespass and I also know the most I could get cited for is criminal trespass. I also know that no security person or employee or citizen can confiscate your gear. I also knew I'd be done hours before any LA police showed.

I've never been treated with anything but contempt in situations like these. People get from me exactly what they give, especially when I know the laws and they are ignorant.
Title: Commercial Insurance
Post by: dwdallam on June 03, 2008, 03:36:47 am
I had a couple of quotes from independent agents using SafeCo as their source. Has anyone any experience with SafeCo?

I had three quotes. One from my local agent from SafeCo at 457 per year, about the same coverage as TCP.

TCP at 510 per year, but they can get you form and other stuff the other agents probably have no clue about.

And then from Allen Insurance out of Arizona for 250 per year. I just need the minimum liability that gets me legal and in the door of private and governmental location, such as airports--done. Then I need to cover my equipment for 15K including theft on location--done. But then there is the same print like 2 MILLION per incident, except that we only pay a total of 10, 000 for a broken toe, but only if it is smashed, not caught in a door. Geeze!

Anyway, this was a low quote from Allen Insurance from Arizona, and I would have not paid too much attention to it, except that it is HALF what the others are offering. It is also from SafeCo. It's so much lower than my local agent por TCP that it makes me leery about the coverage.