Photographer insurance guide
Venue certificates of insurance
Most venues will not let vendors in without a certificate of insurance. Here is what they ask for.
Common requirements
- General liability of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate
- Venue named as additional insured
- Waiver of subrogation
- Primary and noncontributory wording
- Certificate delivered before the event
Tips
- Ask for the venue's exact legal name and address
- Keep a list of venues you work often
- Consider blanket additional insured endorsements
- Send certificates at booking, not the week of
General liability for photographers.
Frequently asked questions
What is an additional insured?
A party added to your liability policy so it is covered for claims arising from your work.
How fast can I get a certificate?
Agents can usually issue certificates quickly once you provide the venue's exact name and address.
What is a waiver of subrogation?
An endorsement that prevents your insurer from recovering from the venue after paying a claim.
More coverage and guides
- Camera and gear insurance
- General liability for photographers
- Professional liability for photographers
- Wedding photographer insurance
- Commercial photography insurance
- Videographer insurance
- Drone photography insurance
- Venue certificates of insurance
- What affects photographer insurance cost
- Protecting gear from theft
- Photographer insurance application checklist
Last updated October 15, 2026 · How we research