Introduction
If you’re preparing for a film shoot, wedding, corporate production, or brand commercial, one of the first things clients and venues will ask for is insurance documentation. Most creators download references or previous client clips using FastVideoSave, but before filming anything new, you must secure short term production insurance—especially if you need film shoot insurance for 1 day or a COI for a venue.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know: the best short-term providers, how 1-day insurance works, what weddings require, and why venues demand a COI before you step on location.
What Is Short-Term Production Insurance?
Short-term production insurance covers:
- One-day film shoots
- Weekend weddings
- Single-location media shoots
- Corporate content production
- Music videos
- Small-scale commercial projects
It protects your business from:
- Property damage
- Injuries to others
- Gear accidents
- Liability claims at venues
- Damage caused by assistants, crew, or lighting rigs
If you don’t need an annual policy, short-term coverage is the most flexible and affordable option.
Who Needs 1-Day Film Shoot Insurance?
This applies to:
- Videographers
- Wedding filmmakers
- Production crews
- Freelance cinematographers
- YouTubers shooting in rented spaces
- Small agencies producing ads
Many weddings, corporate spaces, hotels, and studios do not allow you to film without proof of insurance.
For drone operations as well, check our Drone Insurance guide.
Best Short-Term Production Insurance Providers (2025)
1. Thimble — Fastest Instant COI (On-Demand)
Why creators use Thimble:
- Buy hourly, daily, or monthly coverage
- COI delivered in 60 seconds
- Covers film shoots, weddings, corporate videos
- Add venues as “Additional Insured” instantly
Best for:
Freelancers who need fast documentation before a shoot.
2. Athos Insurance — Best for High-Value Gear Protection
Why professionals prefer Athos:
- Great for expensive cinema gear (RED, FX6, URSA, etc.)
- Covers theft, drops, travel issues
- Daily, weekly, or monthly policies
- Strong reputation in film & commercial production
Best for:
Creators with high-value equipment who need trustworthy coverage for rentals or travel.
Coverage Breakdown: What Short-Term Production Insurance Includes
| Coverage Type | Included? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Liability | ✔ | Required by venues |
| Damage to Location | ✔ | Example: light falls & breaks wall |
| Wedding Videographer Liability | ✔ | Protects against venue claims |
| Gear Damage | 🔶 Optional | Athos offers strong gear coverage |
| Gear Theft | 🔶 Optional | Varies by provider |
| Crew Liability | ✔ | Assistants, second shooters |
| Drone Liability | 🔶 Some plans | See Drone Insurance guide |
COI Explanation
What Is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a one-page document proving you have active insurance for your film shoot or event.
It includes:
- Policy number
- Liability limits
- Coverage dates
- Your business name
- Venue name as “Additional Insured”
- Type of coverage (production, general liability, gear, etc.)
Why Do Venues Ask for a COI?
Venues require a COI because:
- Film gear can damage floors, walls, stages, or décor
- Lights and stands pose injury risks
- Weddings involve crowds and expensive property
- Corporate offices want legal safety
- Hotels and event halls follow strict insurance policies
Without a COI, most venues will not legally allow filming.
If you’re shooting weddings, offices, rented studios, or commercial spaces → expect to submit a COI 48–72 hours before the event.
Film Shoot Insurance for 1 Day (How It Works)
One-day production insurance typically includes:
✔ Liability coverage (mandatory)
✔ Property damage protection
✔ Venue-added-as-additional-insured
✔ Optional gear coverage
✔ Immediate COI issuance
✔ No annual commitment
This is ideal for:
- One-off interviews
- Micro-budget shoots
- Small brand videos
- Weddings
- B-roll days
- Student film projects
Videographer Insurance for Weddings
Weddings require strict compliance because:
- You are around high-value property
- There are many guests
- Venues are legally liable for incidents unless you carry insurance
- Some venues require $1M+ coverage
Short-term insurance ensures you’re protected from claims such as:
- Tripping hazards from wires
- Damage to furniture or décor
- Gear falling onto guests
- Venue property damage
Most wedding videographers use Thimble due to fast COI turnaround.
How to Get a COI in 3–5 Minutes (Simple Workflow)
Step 1 — Choose Your Provider
Thimble for speed
Athos for expensive gear
Step 2 — Select “1-Day Production Insurance”
Enter:
- Location
- Date
- Crew size
- Coverage limit ($1M recommended)
Step 3 — Add Venue as “Additional Insured”
This ensures the COI is valid for the location.
Step 4 — Pay & Download COI
Most providers issue it instantly.
Step 5 — Send COI to Venue or Client
This is usually required before your scheduled shoot.
Short-Term Production Insurance vs Annual Policy
| Feature | Short-Term | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low | Higher upfront |
| Flexibility | Very high | Commitment |
| For Beginners | ✔ Best option | Not needed |
| Venues Accepted | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Gear Coverage | Optional | Included |
| Who Should Use It | Occasional filmmakers | Agencies, studios |
FAQ
Is 1-day production insurance enough for weddings?
Yes — choose the correct date & venue name on the COI.
How much coverage do venues require?
Most require $1 million liability coverage.
Is gear automatically covered?
No — add gear/inland marine coverage if needed.
Do I need insurance for a small shoot?
If filming at a venue, yes. If shooting outdoors or at home, optional but recommended.
Conclusion
Short-term production insurance is essential for filmmakers, wedding videographers, and anyone shooting at studios, hotels, offices, or event spaces. Whether you need a 1-day film shoot policy, wedding liability coverage, or a COI for a venue, tools like Thimble and Athos Insurance make the process fast and professional.
Pair your shoot workflow with reference videos downloaded using FastVideoSave, and you’ll be fully prepared — creatively and legally — for every project.