Imagine this scenario:
You are filming a Reel for a client. You set up your $3,000 Sony A7SIII on a tripod. A guest walks by, trips over the leg, and your camera smashes onto the concrete.
You think, “It’s okay, I have Homeowners (or Renters) Insurance.”
You call your insurance agent. They ask one question: “Was this camera being used for business?”
You say “Yes.”
They say “Claim Denied.”
Most creators learn this lesson the hard way. In 2025, if you use your gear to make money (even $1), standard insurance will rarely cover it.
As a creator using FastVideoSave to build your content library, your gear is your livelihood. You need specialized protection.
Here is the no-nonsense guide to protecting your gear and your bank account.
The “Business Use” Trap Explained
Standard Homeowners/Renters policies protect “Personal Property.”
Once you accept payment for a video—even if it’s just a free product exchange—your camera becomes “Commercial Equipment.”
If you don’t have a Commercial Inland Marine policy (fancy talk for “Gear Insurance”), you are effectively uninsured.
What about Liability? (The “COI” Problem)
It’s not just about broken cameras. If that tripod trips a guest and they break their nose, you are liable for their medical bills.
- The Fix: Many wedding venues and corporate clients now demand a COI (Certificate of Insurance) proving you have $1 Million in liability coverage before they let you film.
The 3 Best Insurance Options (By Creator Type)
Instead of a random list, choose the “Tier” that fits your current career stage.
Tier 1: The “Side Hustler” (Best Value)
Winner: PPA (Professional Photographers of America)
If you are just starting out, joining the PPA is a “cheat code.” It is technically a membership, not just an insurance company.
- The Deal: You pay roughly $300/year for membership.
- Included: You get $15,000 of gear insurance included for free.
- Why we love it: It covers “Mysterious Disappearance” (if you lose it) and drops.
- Deductible: Flat $350 per claim (very low).
Tier 2: The “Gig Worker” (Best Flexibility)
Winner: Thimble
Do you only film once a month? Do you need a COI for just one day? Thimble is the “Uber” of insurance.
- The Deal: Buy insurance by the hour, day, or month via their app.
- Cost: As low as $5/hour or $12/month.
- Why we love it: You can generate a COI on your phone in the parking lot 5 minutes before a shoot.
Tier 3: The “Production House” (Heavy Duty)
Winner: Hill & Usher (Package Choice)
If you own $50,000+ in RED Komodos, lights, and drones, you need a heavy-duty broker.
- The Deal: A custom package that covers everything—rental gear, data recovery, and even “failure to deliver” (if you lose the footage).
- Cost: Starts around $500/year.
- Why we love it: They understand the industry. They won’t ask “What is a gimbal?” when you file a claim.
Cost Comparison: Is it worth it?
Let’s look at the math. A single repair for a 24-70mm G-Master lens costs about $600.
| Provider | Annual Cost | Gear Coverage | Liability (COI) |
| PPA | ~$320/yr | $15,000 | Add-on ($) |
| Thimble | ~$150/yr | Limited | $1 Million |
| Full Frame | ~$184/yr | Add-on ($) | $2 Million |
| Homeowners | $0 | **$0 (Denied)** | $0 (Denied) |
Pro Tip: Use your Amex Business Gold (reviewed in our Credit Card Guide) to pay your insurance premium. It often codes as a business service, earning you points on your protection.
FAQ: Specific Scenarios
Does insurance cover my drone if I crash it?
Most “General Liability” policies exclude aviation (drones). You usually need to buy a specific “Drone Add-on.” However, PPA membership does include up to $500 for drones, and SkyWatch.ai is a great standalone option for pilots.
What if my gear is stolen from my car?
This is the most common claim.
1) Warning: Many cheap policies have an “Unattended Vehicle Exclusion.” If there are no signs of forced entry (broken glass), they won’t pay.
2) Recommendation: Hill & Usher is famous for covering vehicle theft claims that others deny.
Do I need insurance if I rent gear?
Yes. If you rent a lens from LensRentals.com, you are responsible if it breaks. You can buy their damage waiver, OR use your own “Hired Gear” policy (available from Thimble or Athos) which is often cheaper.
Conclusion
Don’t wait for the sound of shattering glass to think about insurance.
If you are a hobbyist, join the PPA for the free $15k coverage. If you are a pro, get a quote from Hill & Usher. And if you just need to get into a venue today, download Thimble.
Protect your gear so you can keep creating.