Film Production Insurance Cost Guide

Transparent pricing to help you budget accurately. Explore real costs from micro-budgets to big feature films.

How Much Does It Cost?

Quick answers based on your production budget size.

Micro-Budget

Under $10,000

$450 – $2k

Low-Budget

$10k - $100k

$650 – $4k

Indie / Mid

$100k - $999k

$1k – $8k

Feature Film

$1M - $20M+

$3k – $???

**the price depends on a lot of different factors, starting with your actual coverage selection**

8 Major Cost Drivers

Budget Size

Definitely one of the variables in the equation - more to manage, more to protect~

Production Type

The more complex the type of project, the more complex are the insurance needs~

Shoot Length

Price is based on overall policy term, not the # of shoot days (not including workers comp)

Coverage Choices

Biggest Driver - not all productions require the various sections speak to your agent

General Liability Insurance

Protects against third-party bodily injury claims during production.

Special Risks

Stunts (long list) definitely an expense that come at a price - pricing on a case-by-case basis

Crew Size

If electing workers' compensation coverage, the headcount and payroll are the key drivers

Experience

Underwriting does give consideration to established producers with no claims history

Cost Breakdown by Coverage

General Liability

- Small production: $200-$500 | Scales up to $2,000+.
- Affected by: Crew size, location type, public interaction.

Equipment / Inland Marine

- $50K coverage: $175-$350
- $250K coverage: $435-$800
- $500K+ coverage: $1,200-$2,500

Workers' Compensation

- Short-term flat: $500-$800
- Per crew member: $8-$15 per $100 of weekly payroll
- Annual minimum: $500-$2,000/year
- What affects: Crew size, payroll, job classification, union involvement

Cast Insurance (Optional)

- Key talent: $2,000-$8,000+
- Lesser-known: $500-$2,000
- When needed: Studio film with A-list star or when lead actor is critical
- When skip: Indie film with unknown lead or ensemble cast

E&O Insurance

- Independent films: $800-$1,500
- Commercials: $1,500-$5,000
- Larger productions: $2,000-$4,000+
- When required: Netflix/Amazon distribution, festival submission, TV broadcast
- When optional: Not distributing publicly

Why You Can't Cheap Out on Insurance

Legal Requirements

Financial Risk

$50K-$500K+

$10K-$100K+

$5K-$50K+

$50K-$1M+

$1M-$2M+

Practical Barriers

How to Get an Accurate Quote

1. Information You Need Ready

2. Quote Checklist

Call the toll free 888-959-0772

TALK IT THROUGH

Compare what's included

Not just price. Look at limits, deductibles, and exclusions.

Ask about flexibility

Can you easily add a stunt later if needed?

Plan the Effective date

Time the process - permits, pickups, and returns

Get it underwritten and lock it in

Don't wait until the day before to deal with it -

Frequently Ask Questions

Why do two similar productions get different quotes?

Different projects have different underlying risks. Underwriters look at everything; coverage selection, budget, crew size, specific location hazards, equipment value, stunt involvement, and the producer’s track record.

Can I negotiate prices?

Negotiation is limited because rates are filed. However, you can lower costs by coverage selection, adjusting gear values, production windows, headcounts etc.

Can I get insurance same-day?

Yes, but rush fees occasionally apply. It is highly recommended to start the quoting process 2-4 weeks before your shoot to ensure the best rates.

Prefer online application?

Short term production on-line app

Apply Online

Company

Services

Contact

Open hours

Mon – Fri: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Saturday – Sunday: Closed

CA LICENSE #0I32322

We go to great lengths to protect the privacy our clients. We enjoy speaking and interacting with our clients. 99% Paperless.