I have been teaching workshops for over ten years. However, I have always done so under the umbrella of an organization. I have had numerous request to start my own workshop series. So my question to all you guys (and gals) who run your own workshops is, what type of liabilty insurance do you have? What agency do you use and if you don't mind me asking...what are the average rates? In a perfect world, I would like to be able to purchase the insurance for only the dates of the workshops, instead of a yearly plan. I have heard of insurance for commercial photographers that covers location shoots, just in case an assistant or model gets hurt and once read that they also cover workshops.
I have an annual policy through State Farm for $1M liability. Since I have multiple policies through State Farm, I get a multiple policy discount. Your location will also likely make a difference to "average rates".
The other thing you may want to check into are insurance requirements for the locations you plan to run workshops at. This will give you a baseline for your minimum liability coverages and help determine your needs. If most locations require $1 million, but one needs $5 million, you need to be sure you are covered for that last one before you show up. Whether this would be a $5 million dollar policy, or $1 million with special coverage for this particular event, you'll have some options to look at.
By the way, I don't do events like this, so I can't be more specific for your needs.
I have a $1M liability policy as well through Marsh Insurance that I get at an incredible low rate through PPA membership. It covers any mishaps during my workshops, exhibits, and shows with the exception of any claims made against me for "not teaching". I used to use Shahanian Isurance for single events and I asked them for a quote on an annual policy and it was almost three times the cost of the PPA membership and Marsh premium combined. Hope that helps.
Discussion
3 repliesI have been teaching workshops for over ten years. However, I have always done so under the umbrella of an organization. I have had numerous request to start my own workshop series. So my question to all you guys (and gals) who run your own workshops is, what type of liabilty insurance do you have? What agency do you use and if you don't mind me asking...what are the average rates? In a perfect world, I would like to be able to purchase the insurance for only the dates of the workshops, instead of a yearly plan. I have heard of insurance for commercial photographers that covers location shoots, just in case an assistant or model gets hurt and once read that they also cover workshops.
Thank you for any and all advice
Carl
By the way, I don't do events like this, so I can't be more specific for your needs.
I have a $1M liability policy as well through Marsh Insurance that I get at an incredible low rate through PPA membership. It covers any mishaps during my workshops, exhibits, and shows with the exception of any claims made against me for "not teaching". I used to use Shahanian Isurance for single events and I asked them for a quote on an annual policy and it was almost three times the cost of the PPA membership and Marsh premium combined. Hope that helps.