Whether you are producing a feature film, television ad, documentary or corporate video, every production carries risk. From high-value equipment and drones to cast, crew and filming locations, unexpected events can result in significant costs. Film insurance is specialist cover designed to protect production companies, filmmakers, videographers and content creators from the financial impact of unforeseen events during production. Unlike a standard business insurance policy, it is tailored to the specific risks associated with film, television and media production. So, what does film insurance cover in Ireland? The answer will depend on the nature of your production, but film insurance can include protection for your production budget, equipment, crew, liabilities, drones and key personnel. If you’re wondering what does film insurance cover in Ireland, the most common types of cover are outlined below.
What Does Film Insurance Cover?
Film Production Insurance
Film Production Insurance is designed to protect your production budget against the financial consequences of delays, interruptions, postponements or project abandonment. Cover can be arranged throughout the production lifecycle, from pre-production and principal photography through to post-production and final delivery.
Public Liability Insurance
Public liability insurance protects against claims from third parties for injury or property damage arising from filming activities. Many venues, local authorities and filming locations require evidence of this cover before permission to film is granted.
Employers Liability Insurance
If you employ crew members, even temporarily, employers liability insurance may be required. This cover protects against claims arising from workplace injury or illness.
Film Equipment Insurance
Modern productions often depend on high-value equipment worth tens, and sometimes hundreds, of thousands of euro. Film equipment insurance helps protect key production assets against theft, loss or accidental damage. Cover can often include:
- Cameras and lenses
- Lighting equipment
- Audio equipment
- Drones
- Monitors, tripods, stabilisers and accessories
Protection can often be arranged for both owned and hired equipment.
Hired-In Equipment Cover
Many productions rent specialist equipment for short-term projects. If hired equipment is damaged, lost or stolen while in your care, you may be responsible for the replacement cost. Hired-in equipment cover helps protect against this financial exposure.
Drone Insurance
Drone technology has transformed modern filmmaking, allowing productions to capture cinematic aerial footage efficiently and cost-effectively. Drone insurance can provide protection for both the drone itself and liability arising from its operation.
Cover may include:
- Public liability
- Accidental damage
- Theft
- Fire damage
- Loss in transit
- Worldwide use, subject to policy terms
Cast and Key Personnel Protection
Production schedules can be disrupted if key personnel become unavailable due to illness, injury or other unforeseen circumstances. Depending on the nature of the production, specialist cast and key personnel insurance may be available to help protect the production schedule.
Who Needs Film Insurance?
Film insurance may be suitable for:
- Production companies
- Independent filmmakers
- Videographers
- Documentary producers
- Television production companies
- Commercial production agencies
- Content creators
- Event filming teams
Protect Your Production
Every production is different. The insurance required for a wedding videographer will differ significantly from that needed for a television show or feature film. Send us an email to get your film insurance underway.Â
