Location, Location, Location (Permit)

Finding that perfect setting as a backdrop to your film can feel like the cherry on the cake – but take a breath before booking your permit.

Location filming could impact both your insurance premium and your cover.

Here's three things to consider for your next shoot:

1. Check your level of Public Liability cover
Even if you usually carry a chunky limit, this may not be enough for your dream location. Some local authorities, studios, and Royal Parks may ask for up to £10m of cover. Other locations may need even more!

2. Look out for unusual, or significant features
The level of cover a location requires you to hold reflects what is on their site or property (for example, a studio's water tank, a listed building, an iconic structure), and the perceived risk posed by your project.

3. Does everyone involved need to be there?
Larger projects are usually asked to hold more cover. Can you scale things down at that location? Finally, if you're undertaking an unusual activity, contact your insurance broker who can check whether you're covered. For example, many policies exclude the use of watercraft, aircraft and motor vehicles, and your cover may reduce under certain circumstances, such as filming inside an airport or airside – or you may have no cover at all!

Location filming always requires some planning.

If you'd like more creative headspace by leaving the insurance details to an expert, contact Andrew Leen, Director – Media at PIB Insurance Brokers on 020 7868 4735.

PIB Insurance Brokers is a trading style of PIB Risk Services Limited. PIB Risk Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Firm Reference Number 308333. PIB Risk Services Limited is registered in England and Wales. Company Registration Number 2682789. Registered Office: Rossington's Business Park, West Carr Road, Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 7SW.

www.pib-insurance.com

This article is also available to read in the August edition of Broadcast Film & Video.