How Much Does Video And Film Production Insurance Cost? 2025 Rates

In 2025, U.S. video and film production businesses can expect to pay between $540 and $1,080 annually for business insurance, averaging $45 to $90 per month. The primary cost drivers are location, type of production, length of the shoot, budget of the production, equipment value, crew size, stunts and special effects.

How Much Does Video and Film Production Insurance Cost?

The average video and film production business in the U.S. pays between $540 and $1,080 per year for business insurance. That breaks down to roughly $45 to $90 per month. However, this is just a ballpark range and actual costs can vary widely depending on your specific situation.

Every film or video production comes with its own risks and insurance needs, so there’s no one-size-fits-all price for coverage. A small independent short film with a tiny crew and no stunts will pay much less for insurance than a big-budget action movie with special effects, actors, and a large team.

Things like the type of scenes you’re filming, how long your shoot lasts, where you’re filming, and the value of your equipment can all affect how much you’ll pay.

For example, filming in a busy city where accidents or lawsuits are more likely may raise your liability insurance costs. Similarly, productions with car chases, stunts, or fire effects will probably have higher insurance premiums than a simple interview shoot done in a studio.

Here are some of the biggest cost drivers:

• Crew size (affects workers’ comp and liability)
• Type of production (affects overall risk)
• Stunts and special effects (affects workers comp and liability)
• Property size and value (affects commercial property coverage)
• Past claims history (insurers charge more if you’ve filed claims)
• Business interruption coverage and other add-ons

Understanding these variables can help you better estimate your insurance needs and prepare for the real costs of protecting your video and film production business.

Average Video And Film Production Insurance Costs For Coverage Types

When it comes to protecting your video and film production business, different types of insurance cover different risks. Understanding the average cost, coverage details, and what influences pricing for each policy type can help you build a more effective insurance plan.

Here’s a closer look at the major coverages most video and film production businesses need.

• General liability insurance: $45 per month
• Business owner’s policy: $52 per month
• Workers’ compensation insurance: $56 per month
• Commercial auto insurance: $142 per month
• Equipment insurance: $40 per month

General Liability Insurance

The average cost of general liability insurance for a video and film production business is about $45 per month.

General liability covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injuries. For example, if a bystander trips over a cable on your set and gets hurt, this policy can help pay for their medical bills and cover your legal defense if they sue.

Typical policy limits are $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate.

The cost of general liability insurance depends on factors like how much coverage you want, how big your production is, how many people are involved or around your set, and whether you need to add others (like a venue or client) to your policy as “additional insured“.

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

The average cost of a business owner’s policy (BOP) is about $52 per month for a video and film production business.

A BOP bundles general liability insurance with commercial property insurance. It protects against customer injuries, property damage, and loss to your office, studio space, or production equipment.

For example, if a fire breaks out in your editing suite and damages your computers and furniture, a BOP could help pay for repairs and replacements.

Typical policy limits are $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate for liability, with separate property coverage limits based on the value insured.

The value of your equipment and workspace, along with the kinds of video production services you provide, like editing, special effects, or animation, can affect how much your insurance will cost.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

The average cost of workers’ compensation insurance for a video and film production business is around $56 per month.

Workers’ comp covers medical bills, rehabilitation, and lost wages for employees injured on the job. For example, if a camera operator injures their back while lifting heavy equipment, workers’ comp would help pay for their treatment and a portion of their lost income while they recover.

Policy limits are regulated by each state, but typically include medical costs and a percentage of lost wages without a set cap.

The cost of this insurance depends on things like your total payroll, the type of work your crew does (such as lighting, stunts, or editing), your past claims history, and any safety measures you’ve put in place on set.

Commercial Auto Insurance

The average cost of commercial auto insurance for a video and film production business is about $142 per month.

Commercial auto insurance covers vehicles owned or used by the business for accidents, theft, vandalism, or damage. For example, if a crew van is involved in a car accident while transporting equipment to a filming location, this insurance can help pay for the repairs, medical costs, and any claims made by other drivers or passengers.

The cost of commercial auto insurance for a production company depends on factors like how many vehicles you use, what kind they are (vans, trucks, etc.), and how often they’re driven. It also matters who’s driving them, if your crew has clean driving records, your rates may be lower.

Equipment Insurance

The average cost of equipment insurance for a video and film production business is about $40 per month.

Equipment insurance protects your cameras, lighting, sound gear, editing tools, and other production equipment from loss, theft, or damage. Whether you own or rent your gear, this coverage helps make sure a broken or stolen item doesn’t shut down your entire shoot.

For example, if a crew member accidentally drops a camera during filming, or if your gear is stolen from a van while on location, equipment insurance can help pay for repairs or replacements.

The cost depends on the value of your equipment, how often it’s used, where you film, and the safety measures you have in place.

What Factors Impact Your Video and Film Production Insurance Costs?

Video and film production insurance premiums are carefully calculated by underwriters based on your project’s risk profile. From the type of content you create to the locations you film in and your production history, several factors influence what you’ll pay for coverage.

Type Of Production

The kind of project you’re filming matters a lot. A documentary might cost less to insure than an action movie because it usually involves fewer stunts, special effects, or risky locations.

Length Of The Shoot

If your production takes more days to shoot, your insurance cost goes up. That’s because longer shoots mean more time for something to go wrong (like damage, injury, or delays).

Budget Of The Production

The higher your budget, the more insurance you’ll need. Big-budget films have more expensive equipment, more people involved, and greater risks, so insurance costs more.

Locations Used

Shooting in public places, foreign countries, or high-risk areas (like mountains or water) can increase your insurance. Controlled studio shoots are cheaper to insure because they’re safer and more predictable.

Equipment Value

Insurance covers the value of your gear, like cameras, lights, and sound equipment. If you’re using high-end or rented gear, you’ll pay more to insure it.

Stunts And Special Effects

If your film includes stunts, explosions, or pyrotechnics, the risk of injury or damage increases, so insurance will cost more. The same goes for flying drones or using animals.

How To Lower Your Video And Film Production Insurance Costs

Running a video or film production can get expensive, but your insurance costs don’t have to be overwhelming. While you’ll always need coverage to protect your crew, gear, and locations, there are smart ways to keep your premiums affordable without cutting corners on protection.

Here are some practical tips to help lower your production insurance costs:

1. Bundle Your Policies

One of the easiest ways to save is by bundling multiple policies. Most insurers offer a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) that combines general liability and property insurance at a lower rate than if you bought them separately.

If you also need workers’ compensation, bundling both through the same provider can lead to additional discounts. Not only does this simplify your paperwork, but it also makes your coverage more cost-efficient.

2. Ask About Discounts

Insurance companies often reward businesses that commit to a policy long-term. Ask your provider if they offer multi-year discounts for signing a two- or three-year agreement instead of renewing annually.

You might also qualify for lower rates if you pay your premium in full instead of in monthly installments.

3. Implement Safety Measures

Accidents on set can be costly for both you and your insurance provider. Taking steps to create a safer work environment can help reduce the risk of injuries, and may lead to lower insurance premiums over time.

For example, securing cables and cords, using proper lighting, keeping walkways clear of gear, and regularly checking equipment for safety issues can lower your general liability risk and show insurers you’re serious about safety.

4. Create A Safe Working Environment

A strong safety program can help lower your workers’ compensation insurance costs. In a production setting, this means training your crew on how to safely handle equipment, lift heavy gear properly, follow electrical and fire safety guidelines, and understand emergency procedures on set.

The fewer accidents you have, the fewer insurance claims you’ll make, and that can lead to lower premiums over time.

5. Adjust Your Deductible

Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance coverage kicks in. Choosing a higher deductible can significantly reduce your monthly premiums. Just make sure you can comfortably cover that amount if a claim arises.

By taking these steps, you not only save money but also make your video and film production a safer, more resilient business.