When you’re building out a film production — whether it’s a short branded piece or a full-scale feature — there’s always a list of things to worry about. Locations. Talent. Equipment. Permits. Crew. But there’s one element that often doesn’t get the attention it deserves until something goes wrong: insurance.
In the Los Angeles film scene, it’s easy to get swept up in the creative side of things. But behind every successful production is a solid plan for what happens if — or when — something doesn’t go as expected.
At Frankel & Associates, we’ve worked with productions of every size across California. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that a well-designed insurance policy doesn’t just protect you from disaster — it protects your momentum, your budget, and your ability to keep the cameras rolling.
Do You Really Need Film Production Insurance?
When you’re building a production from the ground up, a lot of energy goes into hiring the right crew, booking equipment, and locking in your locations — but insurance often gets overlooked until something goes wrong. The truth is, whether you’re producing a feature, a short-form commercial, or a branded video project, the financial risks are always present.
That’s why many filmmakers in Los Angeles work with dedicated teams like Frankel & Associates, who understand the ins and outs of entertainment insurance, short-term production coverage, and even more specialized policies like errors and omissions insurance or professional liability protection.
If you’ve been wondering whether your current coverage matches the scale of your work, it might be time to take a closer look — even a short conversation can reveal gaps you didn’t know were there. Contact us if you’d like to explore how your next shoot could be better protected.
Let’s break down five key reasons why film production insurance is more than just a checkbox — it’s a lifeline.
5 Situations That Prove Film Production Insurance Is Non-Negotiable in Los Angeles
1. Financial Protection When Things Go Off Script
Even the smoothest production can hit a bump. A lead actor twists an ankle. A rented crane clips a fence. A light shorts out and damages a historic location’s hardwood floor.
These moments don’t just cause delays — they can cause financial strain. Production insurance is built to help absorb those costs, from medical bills and property damage to lawsuits and reshoots.
For producers working in a high-cost city like Los Angeles, where every minute on set has a price tag, it’s not just helpful — it’s essential. Many of our clients don’t realize how quickly costs can snowball from a single mishap until they’ve seen it firsthand.
If you’re juggling a production budget, it may be worth asking: what would one bad day cost you? A brief conversation with our team can help you stress-test your coverage before you’re in the thick of it. Contact us any time to talk through it.
2. Most Locations, Rentals, and Funders Require It
It’s not just about protecting yourself — insurance is often the key to unlocking doors during production.
Whether you’re shooting in a city park or leasing gear from a rental house, you’ll likely be asked to show a Certificate of Insurance (COI). Even certain financiers won’t release funds unless proof of insurance is in place. It’s baked into the logistics of modern filmmaking.
And if you’re trying to secure film permits in Los Angeles, expect to provide documentation for general liability, workers’ compensation, and equipment insurance, at a minimum.
That’s why many of our clients now build insurance into their budgeting and pre-production from day one. It’s no longer just a precaution — it’s a baseline requirement for doing business in the industry.
3. Liability Protection for Third-Party Injuries or Damage
You might be filming the quietest scene in the most controlled setting, and still — something can go wrong. A bystander trips over a cable. A crew vehicle dents a neighbor’s car. A prop accidentally causes damage to a location wall.
These incidents can quickly turn into legal claims or out-of-pocket repairs, especially when filming in busy urban environments like Los Angeles. That’s where general liability coverage and third-party insurance come in.
We’ve helped clients navigate exactly these kinds of situations — and most would agree, it’s much easier to handle with coverage already in place than scrambling after the fact.
4. Equipment Isn’t Cheap — and It’s Always at Risk
Even if you’re bringing your own camera package or borrowing gear from a colleague, the value adds up fast. From cinema lenses and lighting kits to sound gear and grip equipment, protecting your gear is non-negotiable.
Equipment coverage (sometimes called “inland marine insurance”) protects against loss, theft, or damage — whether you’re storing it on set, in transit, or between shoots.
In one case we saw, a client’s camera rig was stolen during lunch break in a downtown parking lot — a single lapse that could’ve wiped out their entire budget. But with the right coverage, they were back up and running within days.
If your production uses specialized gear — drones, steadicams, high-end audio setups — you may also need additional protection for payloads and ground equipment. We’re happy to walk you through what’s typically included, and what needs to be added as a rider.
5. Errors & Omissions: Protecting the Final Product
Most producers are laser-focused on the production phase — but legal risks don’t end when you wrap the shoot.
Once your film or video is ready for distribution, Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance becomes critical. It protects against claims like copyright infringement, unauthorized likeness use, defamation, or accidental plagiarism — all of which can derail your ability to release or monetize your project.
Many platforms, distributors, and broadcasters won’t touch your content without E&O coverage in place. And unlike general production insurance, E&O is often reviewed by legal counsel and subject to clearance procedures, so it’s smart to plan early.
If you’re not sure whether your project qualifies for this type of coverage, or how it fits into your post-production process, our team at Frankel & Associates can help you navigate the legal side of insuring your work. It’s not just about protecting the production — it’s about protecting the future of your content.
Insurance as a Creative Enabler
No one gets into a film to talk about insurance. But the truth is, coverage isn’t just about safety — it’s about freedom. The freedom to take creative risks. The freedom to shoot that stunt, rent that location, or cast that actor without second-guessing what happens if something goes wrong.
And in a city like Los Angeles, where productions move fast and expectations are high, having a solid insurance plan can be the difference between a great idea and a finished project.
Whether you’re producing a short-form series or launching a feature, Frankel & Associates can help you tailor your coverage to the realities of your production — not just a one-size-fits-all policy.
If you’re mapping out your next project, let’s talk early. The right coverage can give you more than just peace of mind — it can give your production room to breathe. Reach out to us here to start the conversation.
Why Work With an Experienced Entertainment Insurance Team in Los Angeles?
A lot is riding on your production — from schedules and budgets to talent and locations — and a misstep in coverage can derail more than just a shoot day. Working with a team that understands the unique demands of the entertainment industry isn’t just a convenience, it’s a safeguard.
At Frankel & Associates, we’ve spent years helping producers, coordinators, and content creators across Los Angeles secure the right protection — whether it’s short-term production insurance, workers’ compensation, errors & omissions insurance, or broader business liability coverage tailored to the needs of creative professionals.
Every production comes with its own moving parts. That’s why we don’t just sell policies — we work closely with you to understand your shoot, your team, and your risk tolerance.
If you’re not sure where to begin, or if you want to compare your current policy against what’s really needed on set, reach out to us here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Film Production Insurance
Do I really need insurance for a small film shoot?
Even smaller productions carry risks — from rented equipment to location damage or on-set injuries. Whether you’re filming a short promo, a student project, or a low-budget indie, insurance protects you from unexpected costs that could otherwise derail your project. Many of our clients at Frankel & Associates start with modest productions, and a tailored short-term production insurance plan often makes all the difference.
What kind of insurance is required to secure filming permits?
Most locations — especially in Los Angeles — require proof of general liability coverage at a minimum before they issue a film permit. Depending on where you’re shooting, additional policies may be required, including workers’ compensation or even drone liability insurance if you’re filming aerial footage. If you’re unsure what coverage you’ll need for your shoot, feel free to contact us — we’ll help you make sense of the requirements.
Is production insurance expensive?
It depends on the scope of your project. But here’s a rule of thumb: insurance typically costs around 2–3% of your total production budget. For many projects, that could mean a few hundred dollars — a small price to pay for peace of mind. Frankel & Associates can help you find a policy that fits both your needs and your budget.
What’s the difference between short-term and annual production insurance?
Short-term production insurance covers a single shoot — whether it’s one day or a few weeks. It’s ideal for commercials, music videos, or single film projects. Annual policies cover all your shoots throughout the year, which is more cost-effective for production companies with multiple projects in the pipeline. We often help clients compare both options before choosing what works best.
Does my policy need Errors and Omissions coverage?
If you’re planning to distribute your film — online, at festivals, or through a platform — Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance helps protect against legal claims tied to your film’s content. This could include copyright issues, defamation, or unauthorized use of likenesses. If you’re not sure whether your project needs it yet, we’re happy to walk you through what E&O covers and when it becomes critical in your distribution process.