Public Liability insurance

Helping protect you against third party claims

PUBLIC LIABILITY FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

What is Public Liability insurance?

Whether you're roaming the countryside capturing incredible landscapes, or set up in the studio taking family portraits, there is always the possibility that something could go wrong. It's unfortunate and no photographer wants it to happen to them. However, you can put measures in place to help once the damage has been done.

It's hard to predict the unpredictable, so why take a chance? By taking out Public Liability insurance with us today, you can make sure that you're covered against the kind of risks that can arise when out in public.

Why is Public Liability insurance important?

If you're out working or whether you're taking pictures in your spare time, the last thing you want is for something to go wrong. Unfortunately, when you're out in public there's always a chance that something will. If someone was to fall over one of your tripods or you were to accidentally drop your bag and damage someone's belongings, then you could be liable for compensation costs.

Public Liability insurance aims to help protect you against the potential fall-out from legal claims of injury or property damage made by third parties. So, if a member of the public was to hurt themselves as an indirect result of your photography or filming activity, then we automatically provide up to £1million to protect you against the legal costs from liability claims as standard and you can extend your cover to include up to £10million in liability costs.

What does Public Liability insurance cover me for?

If you're planning on using your camera and gear in public, you'll want to know that you can shoot without any worry about what might go wrong. Our cover options will cover potentially extensive legal costs that are a result of legal action being taken against you for photography or filming related incidents where there is a third party injury or property damage. Cover does not apply in North America.

We have the following options when it comes to Public Liability:

Public Liability cover with cover for your kit and equipment: You will receive £1million of Public Liability cover as standard, along with £10,000 Personal Accident cover when you insure any equipment. You can also choose to extend your Public Liability cover to £5million or £10million and then, at no extra cost, include up to four photography assistants who work alongside you.

Public Liability only: You can choose to take £5million or £10million Public Liability as a standalone policy, without insuring any of your equipment if you prefer. Again, this option allows you to include up to four photography assistants who work alongside you.

It's also important to understand that our Public Liability and Personal Accident cover does not cover:

  • Any liability or accident caused as a result of your use of, or ownership of, a drone/UAV.
  • Any liability or accident where the incident has arisen or is being held liable in North America.
  • Any liability or accident that has not been caused through your use or ownership of photography or filming equipment.

Frequently asked questions about Public Liability

Want to find out more about our Public Liability cover?

If you’re wondering what our Public Liability insurance includes, then we’ve answered a few questions here!

  • Cover
  • Security
  • Travel
  • Do you insure studios?

    No, this policy is designed to cover equipment only and we are unable to provide any cover for premises. You can insure equipment and also benefit from essential liability cover. Please note, photoGuard only covers the equipment you have and we do not provide business insurance or premises cover. But if you are looking for business insurance, our sister company PIB Insurance Broker can help: 0345 450 7171

  • What is Public Liability cover?

    Public Liability, also referred to as Personal Liability or Third Party Liability, provides cover for any photo or filming-related legal liability that results in an injury to someone or damage to their property.

    For more information on our Public Liability cover for photographers and what Public Liability cover can protect you against, you can consult our policy wording here. Public Liability cover does not apply to any claim or incident in North America.

  • If I choose the Mechanical Breakdown option, is all of my equipment covered?

    Our Mechanical Breakdown provides cover for electrical photography and filming equipment purchased from new, up to five years old and outside of any other warranty. Unfortunately, we are unable to cover any technology items or drones (UAVs) for Mechanical Breakdown.

  • Can you cover drones/UAVs?

    Yes, so long as they are used as part of your photographic or filming activity. There are some important requirements and exclusions to be aware of:

    • Cover will only apply if you have complied with the legal requirements for drone/UAV operation and any Civil Aviation Authority guidelines.
    • Commercial or business use is not covered.
    • Drones/UAVs are not covered under the Lend to a Friend, Public Liability, Personal Accident or Mechanical Breakdown sections of cover.
    • Drones/UAVs are not covered for any accidental damage that occurs within the first 21 days of the drone/UAV being added to your insurance schedule as an insured item.
    • The minimum sum insured for drones is £200.
    • We cannot cover any loss related to drone flyaway and where the drone cannot be recovered.
  • Do you cover computers, laptops and software?

    Yes, computers and laptops can be covered if their primary purpose is for photographic or filming purposes.

    Laptops and computers aren’t covered under Lend to a Friend or Mechanical Breakdown cover.

  • Do you cover mobiles and smartphones?

    Unfortunately, we are unable to cover any mobile or smart phones.

  • What value should I insure my photography equipment for?

    You should always insure your kit for the current new replacement cost, excluding any discounts, including VAT. However, for pre-owned camera bodies, lenses, and video/filming equipment, you can choose to insure them at their current, new replacement value or at the pre-owned price you purchased them at.

    For vintage and rare equipment you need a specific valuation from a reputable source, that is not more than 12 months old. You will then need to obtain a new valuation every three years, to take into account any market changes in value during the period of insurance.

  • How do you determine a like-for-like basis?

    Any offer we make to you will be determined by the features and specification of the insured item claimed for. This is based on the current market equivalent for products of a similar quality and specification and not the original cost of the item.

  • Do you only cover UK residents?

    Yes. You must be a UK resident and domiciled in the UK.

  • Is there an excess on this policy?

    All claims are subject to the following excess unless otherwise stated on your insurance schedule:

    Property claim amount:

    • Under £10,000 and claim does NOT include a drone (UAV) - Excess payable: £100
    • Under £10,000 and claim does include a drone (UAV) - Excess payable: £200
    • £10,000 plus and claim does NOT include a drone (UAV) - Excess payable: £200
    • £10,000 plus and claim does include a drone (UAV) - Excess payable: £300

    Public Liability (PL) claim:

    • Property PL claims - Excess payable £500
    • Injury PL claims - Excess payable Nil
  • Can I add or make changes to my policy?

    Yes, you can make changes to your policy by simply logging in to your online account here, by calling us on: 0333 004 6555, or you can email us at: support@guardcover.co.uk

    You can add or delete insured items and change some aspects of your policy. Note that additions will incur additional costs. Additional premiums are charged on a pro rata basis from the date of change. Any cover options that you choose can only be added or removed when you first buy the policy or at renewal.

  • Can you cover two addresses on one policy?

    If you need to cover your camera and equipment at more than one address, then you can call our friendly, UK-based team on: 0333 004 6555 and we can discuss your specific requirements.

  • Can I set up a policy on behalf of someone else?

    As the insurance policy is a legal agreement between us and the policyholder, we can only set up a policy with the person who will be named as the policyholder.

  • I have previously made a claim. Will this affect my cover?

    You need to tell us about any photography related losses or claims you have had within the last three years whether insured or not. It is important that you make an honest disclosure of any previous claims or losses, as if not this could invalidate your cover.

  • How can I pay for my policy?

    You can choose to pay in full by credit or debit card. Alternatively, you can take advantage of our interest free monthly payment option and simply spread the payments out, without any additional cost.

  • Are there any security requirements for my vehicle or where my camera is kept?

    At your insured location (where your equipment is usually kept, which should also be your main place of residence). For cover to apply whilst your items are at your insured location, please be aware that your items must be kept within the main structure of your insured location.

    Cover in an unattended vehicle

    Theft or attempted theft from a vehicle will only be covered if your insured item is stored out of sight, in an enclosed storage compartment, boot or luggage space. All vehicle doors and windows must be closed and securely locked, and all vehicle security systems activated.

    All insured items need to be removed and stored when your vehicle is at your insured location. In-Vehicle Cover does not apply when the vehicle is at your insured location.

    Accidental damage that occurs in a vehicle is only covered if the insured item is in a purpose-designed equipment case. If your equipment is in transit with an airline transport provider, see here for more information relating to airline cover.

    For any theft claims, whether at your insured location, storage location or from a vehicle, you need to report the incident to the police and there must be evidence of forcible and/or violent entry or evidence of unauthorised access.

  • Can I get camera cover for travel abroad?

    This depends on the options you choose. Included as standard with your policy, you are covered to take your camera anywhere in the UK and up to 30 days worldwide in total during your period of insurance. If you need more extensive cover, you can choose our Global Travel option, which will extend your worldwide cover for the full policy period.

    Accidental damage to your photography equipment is only covered if your camera is in a purpose designed case during your journey overseas.

  • I am travelling on an airline with my camera am I covered?

    Provided your camera is in a purpose designed equipment case, it is covered for Accidental Damage. We regret that loss of baggage containing your equipment or theft of an insured item whilst under the responsibility of a transport provider is not covered with photoGuard.

Your policy document explorer

For customers whose policy started before 1st January 2021, you can access your policy documents here.

Existing customers: If you have an existing policy before September 23rd 2019, then you can contact our team for information on your policy.

You can email us at: support@guardcover.co.uk or call us on: 0333 004 6555

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