Why Every Professional Photographer Needs Both Equipment and Liability Insurance

…and a story about what happens when you don’t have it

by Laura Meyer

As photographers, we invest so much more than just time—we pour our hearts, energy, and savings into our craft. We plan our sessions meticulously, invest in quality gear, and do everything we can to give our clients an unforgettable experience. But sometimes, even when we do everything “right,” life throws us a curveball.

If you’re running a photography business, having both equipment insurance and liability insurance isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential.

I learned that the hard way.

My Story: The Day I Almost Gave It All Up 

It was my second official year in business, and I was finally gaining traction. After a session, I valet parked my car to meet up with another photographer for what I thought would be a great networking opportunity. But when I returned to my car, my heart sank: my entire camera bag had been stolen from the trunk. My car windows were smashed, and though my gear wasn’t fancy at the time it was everything I had.

I didn’t have insurance.

I remember sitting in my car, stunned. Not only was my gear gone, but so were the memory cards holding all the images from that day’s engagement session. I felt sick. I thought about quitting—walking away from photography and going back to my day job.

Thankfully, my family stepped in and lent me enough money to buy a new bag, a camera body, a mid-range 24-70 lens, and a speedlight. I rented what I couldn’t afford to replace, just to keep going. And the couple—bless them—they were kind, understanding, and agreed to reshoot. Miraculously, the second session turned out even better than the first.

But I will never forget that feeling of powerlessness, embarrassment, and fear. And I never want to feel it again. That was the moment I promised myself I would never go uninsured again.

Why You Need Equipment Insurance

Camera bodies, lenses, lights, and accessories add up quickly—and most homeowners or renters insurance won’t cover them if they’re used for business.

Equipment insurance:

·  Covers theft (like what happened to me)

·  Helps with accidental damage during sessions

·  Can cover loss during travel or natural disasters

Whether your gear gets knocked into a lake or disappears during a wedding, this coverage can help you recover without going into debt or pausing your business.

Why You Need Liability Insurance

Even when we do everything right, accidents happen. A client trips over your light stand. A child gets hurt on a prop. A venue requires proof of insurance to let you shoot there.

Liability insurance:

·  Covers injuries or property damage that happen during a session

·  Pays for legal and medical expenses if needed

·  Helps protect your reputation and keep you working confidently

Some policies also offer Errors & Omissions Insurance, which can help in situations where client expectations aren’t met or files are lost. (That kind of coverage might have helped with those stolen images.)

Don’t Learn the Hard Way

Whether you're just starting or several years in, I cannot stress enough how important it is to be protected. That one experience could have ended my career—but instead, it became the push I needed to run my business like a business.

Having insurance doesn’t just protect your gear. It protects your peace of mind, your clients, and your future. It tells the world—and yourself—that you're serious about what you do.

And trust me, if you're in this for the long haul, insurance is one investment you will never regret.