Insurance companies commonly ask business owners how many videographers are being insured when they purchase a videographer insurance policy. While the answer might seem straightforward (and is straightforward in some cases), some situations require detailed consideration before providing an answer. Here’s how you might answer the question depending on your business’ particular situation.
When Purchasing Videographer Insurance, Do I Have to Declare Hired Videographers?
Always Answer Honestly and Fully
Most importantly, this question (and all questions that insurers ask when underwriting insurance for videographers) should be answered honestly and in full. Not providing an honest and complete answer may lead to questions later on, and it might even jeopardize coverage if you ever have a claim.
For example, assume your business is sued over an accident that would normally fall under a videographer insurance policy’s general liability coverage. If your insurer learns that two videographers were working at the time of the incident but you said there was only one person who needed to be insured, the general liability claim could possibly be denied.
Of course, sometimes determining who needs to be insured isn’t easy. Even with the information that follows, you may still be unsure how your business should answer this question.
Insurance companies understand that answering questions can be difficult, and that’s why there are knowledgeable insurance agents. If you’re ever unsure how to answer this or another question when purchasing this type of policy, talk with an agent who specializes in insurance for court reporters. They’ll be able to review your business’ situation with you and assist in providing an accurate and complete answer.
Look at How the Videographers Are Paid
One of the most common ways to answer this question is based on how videographers are compensated by your business. Generally speaking, any that are paid employees of your company ought to be included in your business’ insurance policy. Any that are hired as independent contractors or subcontractors technically run their own businesses and therefore, are typically responsible for insuring themselves.
If you’re unsure whether hired videographers qualify as employees or contractors, you can look at the tax document that’s issued by your business at year’s end. Assuming you’ve set up the compensation properly, employee videographers will probably receive a W2 and contractors will likely get a 1099-MISC.
(Specific situations can vary with state law, however, so you should speak with an insurance agent who’s licensed in your state before making any final determination.)
Check What Equipment Videographers Use
In some situations, the equipment videographers use can influence whether they needed to be included in your business’ insurance policy. Videographers who use their own equipment might not need to be insured by your business, instead having to purchase their own insurance for videographers. Those who use your company’s equipment, however, may have to be covered by your company’s policy. Sometimes, this may be true even if they’re independent contractors.
Again, an insurance agent who specializes in insurance for videographers can help you sort through these issues. They’ll know what to check for in a policy’s documents and how the language contained therein could potentially impact your business.
Speak with Videographer Insurance Agents
To speak with agents who know videographer insurance, contact the independent insurance agents at World Insurance Associates. Our agents have worked with many people and businesses in the field, and they know these types of policies. With their expertise, you’ll be able to find a policy that offers the protections you need and answer any questions that the underwriting company has honestly and completely.