Do I Really need Liability Insurance?
So, you're eager to rent Studio Borealis, but unfortunately, you don’t have Business Liability Insurance. Do you really need it for Studio Borealis?
The answer, my friends, is a resounding yes.
For those new to the business game, Business Liability Insurance is akin to a safety net for your company. It's there to cover you if someone tries to sue your business for something going wrong, whether it's an accident, damage, or mistake.
Essentially, it helps keep your business out of hot water and shields you from pesky legal fees and payouts.
The truth is, no matter how meticulously we plan our shoots, sometimes, things happen.
Perhaps your client trips over one of your cables and sustains a minor injury. In an ideal world, this would be the end of the story - but the client decides to sue you instead. Without liability insurance, you would be responsible for all the legal fees.
Or, maybe you have a super lively photoshoot - think dance aerobics but more spastic. Oops, your client accidentally put a hole in Cyclorama while busting their killer moves. It’s costly to repair, and you would be responsible for covering the expenses out of pocket.
Here at Studio Borealis, we require Business Liability Insurance for any photographer utilizing the studio. This requirement serves to protect both us, the studio owner, and you, the photographer. In the event of accidents, property damage, or injuries that occur during your time using the space, it ensures financial coverage for legal expenses and potential damages. This policy offers peace of mind to both parties and mitigates risks associated with unforeseen incidents.
Okay, so do I need to talk to an insurance agent?
There are several ways you can obtain Business Liability Insurance, and you have a few options on the type you can get too.
Ongoing Business Liability Insurance
We would encourage any photographer, from newbie to seasoned, to obtain ongoing Business Liability Insurance for the reasons stated above. Aside from protecting you against accidents and other unforeseen incidents, it also gives you an air of legitimacy, making your clients feel safe and good for hiring you.
You can obtain business liability insurance by contacting your insurance provider, providing details about your business, and selecting a policy that fits your needs and budget. Typically, this can be done online or by reaching out to insurance agents specializing in small business coverage. Locally, we recommend our pals at Choice Bank. You can contact Blake Nemecek by giving him a call at 701-356-9869 or by clicking the button below to send him an email.
Short Term Business Liability Insurance
Okay. You’re willing to take risks in your everyday photographer life but want to rent the studio. It is possible to get short-term liability insurance.
As with ongoing insurance, you can talk to a local agent to see if this is something they offer, or simply find a plan right online. Several online companies are offering this type of insurance, including Thimble or Full Frame.
So, now I have insurance. How do I show you proof so I can rent the studio?
Once you gain business liability insurance, ask your agent to send you a form called “proof of liability insurance.” During the booking process, we’ll ask for this document, and once you have it, you can simply send it over via email. Once we have it on file, you don’t need to send it again until it expires.
Just a friendly reminder that Proof of Business Liability Insurance is required for space usage. If we haven't received the document before your rental, your reservation may be canceled, and you risk forfeiting your deposit.
We fully understand the frustration of having to jump through this hoop, and we recognize that many rentable venues in the area do not require Proof of Business Liability Insurance.
Unlike other venues that may not have as much equipment or potential risks associated with photography sessions, our studio houses expensive equipment and may be more susceptible to accidents.
The extra pad of protection allows us to feel comfortable with whom we rent the space, making the studio a safe and welcoming environment for professional photographers serious about their craft.
