Sports Photography Business Insurance
Getting insurance for your sports photography business is essential.
This is because sports photography businesses need to protect themselves against a variety of different risks, such as those that relate to copyright infringements and contract disputes.
You will also need to protect your photography equipment and other commercial property against potential damage or theft
We’ll help you find the most personalized and affordable coverage for your unique business.
Recommended: Next Insurance is dedicated to matching small businesses with the right policy at the best price.
Best Insurance for a Sports Photography Business
General liability insurance is — generally speaking — one of the most important insurance policies for sports photography businesses.
Some of the risks general liability insurance covers are:
- Bodily injury
- Property damage
- Medical payments
- Legal defense and judgment
- Personal and advertising injury
Having said that, it is important to note that not all of your risks will be covered by a general liability policy.
This means that it may be a good idea to purchase additional coverage, such as:
- Workers’ compensation insurance: Protects you against employment law related costs and disputes.
- Commercial property insurance: Covers your photography equipment in the event that it gets damaged or stolen.
- Intellectual property insurance: Protects you from copyright and trademark infringement allegations.
You will also need to decide what business insurer you will go with. There are two options available as of 2023:
- Traditional brick-and-mortar insurers: Popular examples for small businesses include The Hartford and CNA.
- Online insurers: Popular examples for small business owners include Tivly and Next Insurance.
Find the Right Policy at the Best Rate
We’ve reviewed and tested the major business insurance providers. Let us help you find the best match for your business.
Cost of General Liability Insurance
On average, sports photographers in America spend between $400 - $1,100 per year for $1 million in general liability coverage.
Compare the average cost of general liability insurance for a sports photography business to other professional industries using the graph below:
Several factors will determine the price of your policy. These include your:
- Location
- Deductible
- Number of employees
- Per-occurrence limit
- General aggregate limit
You may be able to acquire general liability insurance at a discounted rate by purchasing it as part of a business owner’s policy (BOP) rather than as a standalone policy.
A BOP is a more comprehensive solution that includes multiple forms of coverage, such as business interruption and property insurance.
Start an Online Quote for Insurance
Finding the most affordable premium starts with getting accurate quotes from highly rated providers.
Common Situations That General Liability Insurance May Cover for a Sports Photography Business
Example 1: While trying to get a shot, you accidentally step on a client’s laptop bag and crush his laptop. General liability insurance would pay to replace your client’s damaged property.
Example 2: A competing sports photography company files a libel lawsuit against your business. General liability insurance would cover your legal defense costs.
Example 3: During a meeting at your place of business, a client slips on wet flooring in the restroom and decides to sue you for damages. General liability insurance would pay for your legal defense and any required settlement.
Check out our review of the Best Small Business Insurance Companies.
Other Types of Coverage Sports Photography Businesses Need
While general liability is the most important type of insurance to have, there are several other forms of coverage you should be aware of. Below are some other types of insurance all sports photographers should obtain:
Professional Liability Insurance
While you strive to provide quality photography services, there’s always a chance someone might decide you made a mistake or failed to perform. If a client sues your business for negligence, professional liability insurance would cover your legal fees and any required settlement.
Commercial Property Insurance
You made a major investment in the equipment and supplies required to operate your sports photography business. In the event of a fire, theft, or natural disaster, commercial property insurance would cover the cost of repairing or replacing your business-related property.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Any vehicle you use primarily for your sports photography business requires commercial auto insurance to protect the vehicle, driver, and others on the road in the event of an accident. Be sure to select a policy that covers not only accident-related vehicle repair costs and medical treatment for anyone injured but also sufficient protection for any business equipment you carry in your vehicle.
Commercial Umbrella Insurance
While your general liability insurance policy covers most claims, some accidents or lawsuits may be so catastrophic that they threaten to exhaust the limits of your primary coverage. Commercial umbrella insurance protects you from paying out-of-pocket for any legal fees and awarded damages that exceed your primary policy.
Additional Steps To Protect Your Business
Although it’s easy (and essential) to invest in business insurance, it shouldn’t be your only defense.
Here are several things you can do to better protect your sports photography business:
- Use legally robust contracts and other business documents. (We offer free templates for some of the most common legal forms.)
- Set up an LLC or corporation to protect your personal assets. (Visit our step-by-step guides to learn how to form an LLC or corporation in your state.)
- Stay up to date with business licensing.
- Maintain your corporate veil.
Business Insurance Is the Best Way to Protect Your Business
If you're starting a new business, then you need business insurance. It's as simple as that. The protection offered by an LLC will protect your personal assets, but your business's assets are still open to liability in the case of a lawsuit or other loss.
Be sure that everything you've built is safe by getting business insurance.
Sports Photography Business Insurance FAQ
Can I buy business insurance online for my sports photography business?
Yes, absolutely. You will need to first get a quote from an online business insurance provider like Next Insurance. Next allows you to then purchase a policy immediately and your coverage will be active within 48 hours.
What is included in a business owner’s policy?
A typical business owner’s policy includes general liability, business interruption, and commercial property insurance. However, BOPs are often customizable, so your agent may recommend adding professional liability, commercial auto, or other types of coverage to your package depending on your company’s needs.
What is the difference between business insurance and general liability insurance?
"Business insurance" is a generic term used to describe many different types of coverage a business may need. General liability insurance, on the other hand, is a specific type of coverage that business owners need to protect their assets.
Do I need insurance before I start a sports photography business?
Yes you do. Getting business insurance before you begin operating is a pivotal part of protecting your assets and ensuring that you will be able to continue operating successfully in the long term.
This is because you will want to protect your business against a variety of different risks, such as:
- Intellectual property disputes
- Property damage claims
- Employment law disputes
Will insurance protect my sports photography business from everything?
Not necessarily. Certain exceptions may be written directly into your sports photography business insurance policy, and some perils may be entirely uninsurable.
Do I need business insurance if I already have an LLC?
Yes, an LLC is meant to create a legal barrier between your business and your personal assets and credit. If you haven’t formed an LLC yet, use our Form an LLC guide to get started.
An LLC doesn’t protect your business assets from lawsuits and liability– that’s where business insurance comes in. Business insurance helps protect your business from liability and risk.