Production insurance covers cast, equipment, props, sets, wardrobe, and third‑party property damage, along with the general liability you need while filming. But it does not automatically include errors and omissions, cyber coverage, or employment‑related protections for crew. Many producers assume their policy is broader than it really is, which can create problems once a claim hits. Below is a clear, producer‑friendly breakdown of what’s covered — and what’s not — so you can avoid surprises on your next project.

KJE Insurance is a bicoastal independent broker serving production companies in New York City and Los Angeles, helping film, TV, podcast, and branded content teams secure the right coverage for every stage of their workflow.

The Core of Production Insurance: What It’s Designed to Cover

Production insurance is built to protect a shoot — the people, the rented gear, the owned gear, the physical items you bring on set, and your liability to the outside world. Whether you’re filming in Manhattan, shooting on location in LA, or producing a branded content campaign inside a studio, these core coverage parts operate the same way.

1. Cast Coverage

Cast coverage protects you financially if a key performer becomes sick, injured, or otherwise unable to perform. If the production has to shut down, reshoot, or make last‑minute changes because of cast unavailability, this coverage reimburses those extra costs.

For independent productions, small films, or tight‑timelines branded shoots, cast coverage can be the difference between absorbing a costly delay and surviving it. Things to remember:

• Medical exams are often required for higher‑value cast.
• Coverage only applies when the loss is tied to the insured cast member’s inability to perform — not general delays.
• Producers must notify the carrier immediately after an incident.

2. Props, Sets, and Wardrobe (PSW)

This coverage protects everything you bring onto a shoot: costumes, furniture, set pieces, rented décor, or anything the camera touches. If an item is stolen, damaged, or destroyed, PSW pays to repair or replace it.

On NYC and LA shoots — where expensive rentals, exposed street locations, and tight schedules are common — PSW claims happen more often than producers expect. Important details to keep in mind:

• Coverage includes both owned and rented items unless otherwise specified.
• Losses during transit can be covered, but only if the policy includes transit extensions.
• High‑value items may require scheduling or individual documentation.

3. Equipment Coverage (Owned and Rented)

Equipment coverage protects cameras, lenses, lighting, grip packages, and sound gear — whether owned or rented. It’s one of the most frequently used sections of a production policy because gear is expensive, sensitive, and constantly moved around.

Common claim scenarios on film, TV, and branded content shoots include:

• Gear stolen from vans or trucks
• Lenses dropped on location
• Damage during travel
• Equipment harmed by weather

Rented equipment is usually the most critical part since rental houses require proof of insurance before release. Cargo coverage (for equipment in transit) and worldwide territory extensions are especially important when shooting abroad or moving gear across multiple locations.

4. General Liability

General liability covers third‑party bodily injury and property damage — essentially, when something happens to a person or property that isn’t part of the production. It’s a must‑have for securing permits, renting studio space, booking city locations, and working with many brands.

Real‑world examples include:

• A pedestrian trips on a cable outside your NYC shoot
• You accidentally damage a location’s flooring or fixtures
• A light stand falls and damages a building lobby
• Someone not on the production is injured by equipment

This is the section most often required by venues, municipalities, and clients — and the one they typically want to see listed on your COI (Certificate of Insurance).

What Production Insurance Doesn’t Cover (And Why It Matters)

While production insurance is broad, it doesn’t automatically protect everything your project touches. Several key areas require separate policies or endorsements, and producers often don’t realize the gaps until it’s too late.

Errors & Omissions (E&O)

E&O coverage protects against claims tied to intellectual property, defamation, unauthorized use of music or likenesses, and other content‑related risks. It is not included in standard production insurance — it’s a separate policy.

You need E&O if your final product will be distributed, streamed, broadcast, or used commercially. Typical triggers include:

• Copyrighted music used without clearance
• Unlicensed logos or artwork visible on camera
• Claims of libel or defamation
• Disputes around releases or likeness rights

Cyber Exposure

Production companies increasingly store footage, scripts, contracts, and client assets digitally. Production insurance does not automatically cover cyber incidents like ransomware, data theft, or lost digital files. Even podcasts and small branded content teams face cyber exposure if they handle contracts or client assets online.

A separate cyber policy protects against:

• Lost footage or corrupted drives
• Ransomware attacks
• Breach of confidential client content
• Phishing scams that misdirect payments

Employment Claims (EPLI)

Production insurance does not cover employment‑related claims such as harassment, wrongful termination, discrimination, wage disputes, or misclassification. These exposures are growing quickly — especially in states like New York and California.

EPLI (Employment Practices Liability Insurance) provides the needed protection, and it's particularly important for production companies that onboard freelancers, recurring crew, and hybrid W‑2/1099 talent.

Workers’ Compensation for Crew

Workers’ compensation is required by law for most productions, but many producers mistakenly assume their production policy includes it. It does not. Crew injuries are among the most frequent production‑related claims, and without workers’ comp, the financial consequences can be severe.

If your project uses:

• Stunt performers
• Grip or G&E teams
• Camera operators
• Production assistants
• Any W‑2 or 1099 crew

— you’ll need a separate workers’ comp policy.

Crew, Vendors, and Certificate Timing

One of the biggest pitfalls producers face isn’t coverage — it’s timing. Many permits, locations, and equipment vendors require certificates before releasing access or gear. Leaving COIs to the last minute can shut down or delay a shoot.

KJE Insurance works closely with producers to turn certificates quickly, but having your policy in place early is the best way to avoid day‑of stress.

Why Bicoastal Producers Choose KJE Insurance

KJE Insurance supports production companies in both New York City and Los Angeles, helping teams navigate carrier requirements, city permitting standards, and vendor expectations. Whether you’re filming a TV pilot, producing a national commercial, or managing a serialized podcast, we help you understand the real‑world risks and choose the right coverage for your workflow.

To learn more about how we support creatives and production teams, visit our page here: Entertainment and Media Insurance. You can also explore how we work with clients on our philosophy page: Our Approach.

FAQ

Does production insurance cover stunts?

Yes, but only if stunts are disclosed and approved in advance. Undisclosed stunts can void coverage.

Are drones covered?

Only if specifically added. Drone coverage involves both aviation liability and equipment considerations.

Does production insurance cover cancellations?

Cancellation coverage is optional — not automatic — and usually requires underwriting review.

Is rented gear covered in transit?

Only if the policy includes transit or worldwide coverage extensions. Otherwise, coverage may be limited.

Do I need E&O for social content?

If the content is branded, monetized, or widely distributed, E&O is strongly recommended.

If you want help reviewing your production coverage or making sure your next shoot runs smoothly, call KJE Insurance at 212‑786‑2018 for a full coverage review.