• The Ultimate Movie Pre-Sales Platform - Connecting Film Makers & Fans!

Film Insurance

  • Home
  • Film Insurance

Film Production Insurance Policy

Film production is an intricate and high-risk process. Unexpected events—whether they involve equipment damage, delays caused by talent, or even accidents on set—can lead to major financial losses and setbacks. Film insurance provides a safety net, offering comprehensive coverage against these risks. From protecting your cast and crew to ensuring that your equipment and intellectual property are safeguarded, film insurance is an essential investment in the smooth operation and success of your project. Ensure your investment is protected, so you can focus on creating your masterpiece without worrying about what could go wrong.

Get a free review of your policy today

What is Film Insurance?

Film insurance is a vital safeguard for producers, covering unforeseen events that could lead to financial losses during a film's production. In India, this specialized insurance protects against a variety of risks, from accidents or illnesses that affect cast members, to natural or man-made disasters that damage sets or equipment. Unforeseen circumstances such as these can disrupt filming schedules, leading to significant financial setbacks—something that film insurance aims to mitigate.
Key Coverage Areas of Film Insurance:

  • Cast Protection: Coverage for actor illness or injury that may delay or cancel shoots.
  • Property Damage: Protection against damage to film sets, props, or equipment due to natural calamities or accidents.
  • Production Delays: Insurance compensates for losses resulting from production delays caused by unforeseen events.
  • Liability Coverage: Protection against third-party property damage or injuries, ensuring the production house is financially secure in case of claims.
The need for film insurance became widely recognized after the arrest of actor Sanjay Dutt during the shooting of Khalnayak, which led director Subhash Ghai to insure the cast of Taal. This marked a turning point, highlighting the importance of risk management in film production. Additionally, the film industry gained "industry" status in 2000, allowing production houses to access bank loans—though a prerequisite for these loans was an insurance policy. This further boosted the demand for film insurance.

Film Insurance Image

Film insurance is a vital safeguard for producers, covering unforeseen events that could lead to financial losses during a film's production. In India, this specialized insurance protects against a variety of risks, from accidents or illnesses that affect cast members, to natural or man-made disasters that damage sets or equipment. Unforeseen circumstances such as these can disrupt filming schedules, leading to significant financial setbacks—something that film insurance aims to mitigate.

Coverage for actor illness or injury that may delay or cancel shoots.
Protection against damage to film sets, props, or equipment due to natural calamities or accidents.
Insurance compensates for losses resulting from production delays caused by unforeseen events.
Protection against third-party property damage or injuries, ensuring the production house is financially secure in case of claims. The need for film insurance became widely recognized after the arrest of actor Sanjay Dutt during the shooting of Khalnayak, which led director Subhash Ghai to insure the cast of Taal. This marked a turning point, highlighting the importance of risk management in film production. Additionally, the film industry gained "industry" status in 2000, allowing production houses to access bank loans—though a prerequisite for these loans was an insurance policy. This further boosted the demand for film insurance.
Protect your film from the unexpected—whether it's a key actor's illness or an unpredictable disaster.
Minimize the impact of production delays and damages, keeping your project on track.
Many banks now require an insurance policy for film loans, making insurance a crucial step in the financing process. In India, only a few companies offer comprehensive film insurance packages. The cost of film insurance depends on various factors, such as the sum insured for the cast, crew, equipment, and production delays. Typically, the premium is calculated as a percentage of the total insured amount. Secure your film's future—protect your investment with tailored insurance coverage that ensures you're ready for whatever comes your way.

What Does Film Insurance Cover?

Film production involves significant financial investment and many potential risks, which is why comprehensive insurance coverage is essential. A film insurance policy protects against unforeseen events that could disrupt production, damage equipment, or cause financial losses. Here’s a breakdown of what’s covered under film insurance:

Cast insurance is vital for covering the loss of key talent due to unforeseen circumstances such as death, disability, or serious illness. If any member of the cast—be it actors, directors, or other essential personnel—becomes unable to perform their duties (due to accidents, medical emergencies, or even kidnapping), this coverage ensures that the production isn’t left stranded. It compensates the production house for the remuneration or charges incurred to re-cast or reshoot scenes. Additionally, if a cast member’s immediate family member is severely injured or passes away, preventing them from fulfilling their obligations, this insurance provides compensation for the disruption. This coverage helps mitigate any financial setbacks due to rescheduling and re-shooting costs, with limits outlined in the policy.

Film sets rely on high-end, often specialized equipment to capture the perfect shot. Film Equipment Insurance ensures that if any of this crucial gear—ranging from cameras and lighting to sound systems and mechanical effects equipment—is damaged, lost, or stolen, the production is covered. This insurance extends to equipment during transport, storage, and operation on set. Key risks covered include fire, theft, explosion, natural disasters (such as floods and earthquakes), and even man-made hazards like riots. The compensation is based on the full replacement value of the damaged or lost equipment. Additionally, film equipment rental insurance can be included, ensuring rented gear is also covered under these policies.

A film’s visual appeal relies heavily on its sets, props, and wardrobes. Loss or damage to these items during storage, transport, or on-set could cause delays and added expenses. With Props, Sets, and Wardrobe Insurance, producers are protected from financial setbacks due to the destruction, theft, or damage of these assets. This coverage includes a wide range of risks such as fire, storms, earthquakes, theft, and accidents. It covers not only physical property but also the full cost of replacing damaged items, ensuring that the production can continue without significant delays.

The loss or destruction of valuable film stock—whether it's raw footage, exposed negatives, or final prints—can halt production and cause major delays. This insurance provides protection for original film stock, including videotapes, beta tapes, soundtracks, and other digital or analog materials, whether in storage, during transit, or on set. Covering a range of perils such as fire, flooding, theft, or impact damage, this policy ensures that the costs of recreating or replacing lost content are covered, based on the full replacement value of the lost materials.

Film productions require a wide array of miscellaneous equipment, from mobile dressing rooms and generators to sound and lighting gear, trailers, and mechanical effects tools. This insurance extends coverage to any equipment that is essential to the production process, ensuring that any loss or damage is compensated. Whether the equipment is owned by the production company or rented from a third party, this coverage ensures financial protection against a variety of risks, including theft, accidents, and natural disasters, covering the full cost of replacement.

Accidents on set can result in significant liability for third-party property damage or bodily injuries. Third-Party Property Damage Insurance protects the production company against legal claims for such damages, including the cost of legal defense and any compensation awarded to the third party. Whether the damage is caused by equipment, vehicles, or even a member of the cast or crew, this insurance ensures that all third-party claims are handled swiftly and efficiently, minimizing potential financial exposure.

Unexpected interruptions or cancellations in a production can lead to significant financial losses. Extra Expense Insurance helps mitigate these losses by covering the additional costs incurred due to unforeseen events that delay or halt production. This might include costs related to reshooting, hiring replacement talent, or covering the cost of new equipment. If a natural disaster, accident, or other insured event forces the production to reschedule or stop, this coverage ensures that the additional expenses are compensated, allowing the project to stay within budget.

On set, cash is often required for various expenses, from paying crew members to covering on-site production costs. Money Insurance protects against the loss of cash due to theft, burglary, or break-ins. This includes any damage or loss that occurs to cash stored in safes or other secure locations. The policy specifies a limit for the amount of cash covered, ensuring the production is protected against financial loss from theft or mishandling of funds.

If your film production relies on storing video tapes, raw footage, or other key materials, this insurance ensures that any damage or loss of tapes during storage or transport is covered. If the tapes are lost due to an insured peril, this coverage pays for the cost of recopying or reproducing the content. However, this coverage is limited to materials for which copies exist, ensuring that the loss doesn’t result in the permanent erasure of vital footage.

Film sets can be hazardous, and accidents are sometimes inevitable. Personal Accident Insurance provides financial protection for cast and crew members who suffer from injuries or death while working on the set. This coverage includes compensation for permanent or temporary disability and accidental death, ensuring that those who contribute to the production are financially protected. It guarantees that the cast and crew are supported in case of unforeseen injuries or incidents, covering medical expenses, loss of earnings, or even death benefits.

Exclusions in Film insurance

While film insurance offers a comprehensive safety net for your production, there are specific exclusions to be aware of. These exclusions define the boundaries of coverage and help clarify situations where the insurer will not be liable for claims. Below is a detailed list of the key exclusions in film insurance:
  • Flight Participation (Non-Passenger Activities): Film insurance does not cover any incidents or injuries that occur when an insured individual, such as a cast member or crew, participates in flights for purposes other than being a passenger. This includes activities like piloting an aircraft or engaging in aerial stunts. Such actions are considered high-risk and fall outside the scope of standard film insurance.
  • Pregnancy or Menstrual Cycle-Related Incapacity: If a female cast member becomes unable to perform due to pregnancy, menstruation, or complications related to childbirth, this will not be covered under the policy. The policy excludes claims arising from conditions directly related to pregnancy or menstruation, unless the incapacitation is the result of an unforeseen accident or medical emergency.
  • High-Risk Stunts or Activities Without Approval:Any insured individual who engages in dangerous stunts or activities without prior written approval from the insurance company is not covered. Stunts involving significant risk to health or safety must be explicitly authorized by the insurer to ensure that they are properly assessed for potential hazards.
  • Exclusions for Young Cast Members with Specific Health Conditions:Insurance coverage does not extend to children under the age of 9 who contract conditions such as chickenpox, mumps, measles, German measles, whooping cough, or scarlet fever. Additionally, children under 6 or individuals over the age of 65 are excluded from coverage due to potential increased health risks associated with age.
  • Weather-Related Damage Due to Extreme Temperatures: Damage or loss resulting from atmospheric changes, such as extreme temperatures, humidity, or natural weather events (unless caused by an insured peril) is generally excluded. This includes situations where equipment or property is damaged due to weather conditions that are not part of an insured event (e.g., a storm or flood).
  • Damage or Loss from Insured’s Own Actions: Any destruction or damage to film negatives, tapes, or duplicate prints caused directly by actions of the insured is not covered. This includes intentional damage or mishandling of materials by the production team, cast, or crew.
  • Exposure to Magnetic or Electric Fields Film insurance does not cover any damage to videotapes, tapes, or recordings caused by exposure to electric or magnetic fields, unless such exposure occurs during the regular recording or reproduction process. This exclusion specifically applies to accidental exposure to such fields that occurs outside the normal production environment.
  • Why Understanding Exclusions is Important Knowing the exclusions in your film insurance policy is crucial to avoid misunderstandings and to ensure that your production is fully prepared for any potential risks. While film insurance covers a broad range of incidents, it is important to recognize the boundaries of coverage to mitigate the risk of unexpected costs. By understanding these exclusions, you can take proactive measures to safeguard your production and ensure a smooth and successful project from start to finish.

Future Generali Film Package Insurance

Comprehensive and tailor-made, our Film Package Insurance is designed to protect every aspect of film production. With multiple coverage options, we provide peace of mind so you can focus on creating your cinematic masterpiece.

Protecting your team against unforeseen losses. This coverage indemnifies production houses for compensation paid in the event of a named artist's or technician’s death due to an accident or critical illness during the insured period. Exclusions:
  • Suicide or kidnapping
  • Involvement in criminal activities
  • Pregnancy-related incapacity
  • Death due to illness or sickness
  • Hazardous stunts

Shielding against legal liabilities. This insurance protects against legal obligations and defense expenses arising from property damage or bodily injuries caused by accidents during the insured period. Exclusions:
  • Willful or intentional legal violations
  • Employee injuries covered by employment contracts
  • Libel, slander, and mental injuries
  • Accidents involving motor vehicles, pollution, or product liability

Ensuring financial support in times of need. Provides coverage for accidental death or disability of insured individuals up to the specified sum in the policy schedule. Exclusions:
  • Self-inflicted injuries or intoxication-related incidents
  • Participation in motor races
  • War-related injuries or pre-existing disabilities

Comprehensive medical coverage for accidents. Covers hospitalization expenses due to accidental injuries. Exclusions:
  • Pre-existing diseases, illnesses, or pregnancy-related complications
  • Intentional injuries or accidents under the influence of drugs or alcohol

FAQ's

Film insurance is a specialized type of coverage designed to protect production companies, filmmakers, and related parties from financial losses due to unforeseen events during the production process. This includes coverage for cast, crew, equipment, sets, props, and liabilities.

Film productions involve significant investments, and various risks, such as accidents, equipment damage, or production delays, can result in financial losses. Film insurance provides a safety net, ensuring that such risks are managed effectively.

Film insurance can include a wide range of coverages, such as:
  • Cast insurance (loss due to death or illness of key cast members)
  • Public liability insurance (legal liabilities for property damage or injuries)
  • Personal accident insurance (death or disablement of crew members due to accidents)
  • Coverage for sets, props, wardrobe, and equipment
  • Shooting/event cancellation insurance
  • Cash in transit coverage
  • Film negative and post-production insurance.

Yes, exclusions vary by policy but often include:
  • Losses due to intentional acts or negligence
  • Pre-existing conditions
  • Damage caused by natural wear and tear
  • War, terrorism, or riot-related risks (unless explicitly covered)
  • Pregnancy-related issues

Choosing the right coverage depends on the nature and scope of your production. Consider factors such as:
  • The size of your production
  • Locations where filming will occur
  • Type of equipment and sets used
  • Cast and crew involved
Consulting with an insurance specialist can help you identify the most appropriate policy for your needs.

Yes, most film insurance providers offer customizable packages to suit specific production requirements. You can include or exclude certain coverages based on your project’s unique risks.

Cast insurance covers the financial losses incurred if a key cast member is unable to complete their role due to accidental death, injury, or critical illness. This ensures that the production can either reschedule or recast without significant financial strain.

Shooting/event cancellation insurance covers additional expenses or losses incurred due to unforeseen delays or cancellations caused by insured events such as accidents, illnesses, or natural disasters.

While public liability insurance is not always legally mandatory, it is highly recommended. It covers legal liabilities for third-party property damage or injuries caused during the production process, protecting the production company from potential lawsuits.

Claims typically involve the following steps:
  • Notify the insurance provider immediately after an incident
  • Submit required documentation, including proof of loss and relevant reports (e.g., police, medical, or fire reports)
  • Cooperate with the insurer’s investigation
  • Receive reimbursement based on the terms of your policy

Coverage for international locations depends on the policy. Some insurers offer global coverage, while others may require additional premiums for shoots outside the primary country of insurance.

The cost of film insurance varies based on the scale of production, coverage types, location, and the duration of the shoot. Smaller productions may pay as little as a few thousand dollars, while larger productions could pay tens of thousands.

Equipment insurance covers damages, theft, or loss of production equipment such as cameras, lights, and sound equipment. It ensures that filmmakers can quickly replace or repair their gear without incurring high out-of-pocket costs.

Yes, many insurance providers offer policies for smaller productions, including short films, student projects, and independent films. While the coverage options may differ, these policies can still provide valuable protection against risks.

Coverage for natural disasters (such as earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes) is generally available as part of a comprehensive production policy. However, policies often have exclusions for certain natural events unless they are specifically added to the coverage.

Yes, post-production insurance can cover risks like damage to the film, loss of editing footage, or the failure of post-production equipment. This insurance helps safeguard the final stages of filmmaking.

Film theft insurance covers the loss of physical media, such as film reels, tapes, or hard drives containing your production. It provides financial reimbursement if your footage or equipment is stolen during the production process.

To reduce premiums, consider taking preventive measures such as:
  • Hiring experienced professionals
  • Investing in high-quality equipment and safety protocols
  • Minimizing risks by avoiding hazardous environments
These actions can demonstrate to insurers that your production poses a lower risk.

Film insurance can include coverage for loss of revenue or profits, but this is usually part of a broader business interruption policy. These policies can help offset financial losses resulting from disruptions in the production or distribution process.

Yes, you can insure your film even after production through post-production insurance. This coverage protects the final stages, including editing, distribution, and any issues arising after shooting is complete.

Our Clients