Thread: Photographers - where to get Eqpt insurance & public liability

Hey Guys and Dolls

Well as most of you know I've just graduated university and got a 1st class in my photography degree. Bolstered by this I have decided to take the plunge and set myself up as a self employed photographer.

Now although I know my stuff regarding cameras and lighting, I am little more than clueless when it comes to the practical business side of things.

My first hurdle, photographers eqpt insurance and public liability insurance, can peoples give me some advice on this. How much cover do I need, what should I be paying, where should I get it from, are there any trick words these people use to charge you more (I firmly believe all insurance companies are charlatons!)

Be greatful if the wealth of photographers on here could share their personal experiences with me, and give me any advice on problems that may not have occurred to me. The first good bit of advice I was given "dont accept cheques" thanks deb!

WARNING

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You always need more public liability insurance than you expect! I'm contracting in a pharmacutical company at the mo and effectively self employed and I needed something in the order of 3 and 5 million public and professional liability insurance If your really clueless though it's probably worth finding a good accountant and talking to them first.

Problem is accountants know about business in general not specialised things like photography, it seems to be a very specialist thing.

might be worth having a look in some of the pro photo mags out there, I'm sure they will have a few adverts in for insurers, or just do a search on the web for photography insurance, there's lots out there so do your research because the premiums will vary enormously, I don't do photography professionally but I used to be a keen amature with a lot of kit, I had one quote for nearly 10% of the value p/a for UK cover only and just at set value whilst another came in at 0.75% of the value for all risks world wide cover on a new for old basis, that was actually with my household insurer so I ended up going with them. If you already insure something it is often worth checking out your insurer to see if they will offer cover on a new area, many proper insurers do and often at less than you might think.

Before asking for quotes though tot up the value of your equipment first, it may be more than you think and always value at new prices because in general that's what you will want to replace it with if it gets damaged or stolen.

Also work out what cover you want, if you plan to travel outside the UK go with worldwide cover and personally I'd advocate all risk, then it doesn't matter if you drop it, if it gets stolen or pretty much anything, but check the exact details of the cover first, always read the small print as there's often several clauses in there that ,may effect a claim

hey wifey,

Try looking here

Winsover Howden

DD x

Ohhhh over the years I have learn lots of valuable lessons...

First a well know saying by Ingrid Bergman:

You must train your intuition -- you must trust the small voice inside you which tells you exactly what to say, what to decide.

Now business stuff:

By far, the best place I have found for insurance is
www.insurance-for-business.co.uk

They check a panel of insurance companies and match your specific requirements. I would advise you to take out up to 2million public liability and legal advice cover.

You wont need fixed equipment cover but you will need to make sure that your equipment is covered on location and in transit - again be careful not to select international travel too - this bumps your premiums up.

Make sure you dont put down underwater photography - again this bumps your premium right up.

You can either pay by credit card, debit card (in a one off payment) or by monthly direct debit. We pay as a one off amount as its cheaper.

Non insurance stuff
As I have said before... dont accept cheques or if you do - make sure you receive them well in advance to clear - there is nothing worse than doing a job, putting the cheque in the bank and finding out is made of rubber!

Set up a business bank account - shop around there are some good deals to be had at the monent.

Keep accurate records of your financial activity - keep receipts etc. You will need to register with the the tax peeps to make sure you are legal and above board - there is always ready to shop you in for receiving money and not paying tax in it. You dont need an accountant to do this - you can download some good free accountancy software from the net or simply go and buy an accounts book and fill it in. As long as you keep records you will be fine and dandy.

PAYE, VAT, business taxes are not as bad as they sound - read up on them get ahead before you start.

As silly as it sounds - always keep a roll of gaffer tape in your kit bag - tape down wires/cable etc when out and about - people are always on the hunt for a reason to make a claim for one reason or another - tape avoids them tripping on your lighting wire!

Network...get out and about as much as you can.

Visit www.businesslink.gov.uk they are the people you need to talk too about setting up a small business - they can help you with lots of things from grants to marketing to projecting your profit and loss etc.

Another good site is Small Business UK | Guides & tips for small business start ups and small companies

Get a list of suppliers together - speak to the people you know... but check out people you have heard about but dont know. A lot of good deals for things can be found on the net but sometimes talking to someone face to face is much more beneficial both for cost and advice.

Plan....decide on a suite of your main products/services and go with those to start with. Work out your target audience and market specifically to them.

Advertise, you dont have to pay to advertise. We only pay for advertising in one place..... www.yell.com the rest we do free of charge. There are many many forums for you to join out there - get your name out there and people will soon start to recognise your work and soon your work is via word of mouth. Its not always about attracting new customers you need to learn how to keep the ones you gain!

A website is a must (if you dont already have one)

There are a lots of free courses being offered at the moment by local councils about planning your business, setting up a small business and maintaining your small business...they give you useful information but also provide a great source of network contacts.


Hmmmmm thats all been given in a very random way! I just typed as I thought about it.

You've got my number, if you want to ask any questions....just shout x :love:

Ohhh...one final piece of advice.....dont trust anyone or if you do, make sure you would trust them with you life.