The Risks of Drone Ownership

More and more businesses are purchasing and using drones for number of reasons.  Drones have been used in the entertainment business for a number of years.  Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV's), affectionately referred to as "Drones", are revolutionizing the industry as we know it. Drone insurance is a vital component in protecting the "Owner/operator" of the aircraft. Drones are a quickly evolving technology, and the implications and regulations for owning one may change in the near future. Current sales of drones are running about 200,000 for 2015.

Liability Issues with Drones

• Here are a few issues that have not yet been worked out through the courts:
• Who owns the airspace?
• What constitutes an invasion of personal space?
• What are my privacy rights?
•  Who is liable for damage?

Drone Insurance Concern

Most business insurance excludes liability related to an aircraft of any kind. Drone owners should talk to their insurance agent to see if they have coverage and, if not; consider what coverage options might be available. We have the ability to write drone insurance, call us today.

The staff at John Hart Insurance has over 60 years combined experience in the field of entertainment insurance.  We focus exclusively on understanding the unique needs of motion picture, television, video, music and theatrical companies.  This knowledge base allows us to structure an insurance program specifically for each client that will be a balance of the best coverage and most economical solutions to help them manage the risks inherent to their unique businesses.

Does Your Production Company Sign Contracts?

Contracts are signed in the entertainment business every day.  Contracts can include property lease agreements, equipment lease agreements, service agreements, and employment contracts.  It is an important part of your entertainment insurance and risk management program to review all contracts prior to signing.  We always recommend that you have an attorney review contracts to make sure that they comply with all state regulations.

Contract Hot Spots

• .         Hold harmless -- A hold harmless agreement requires you to hold another party harmless for your actions.  While this may be appropriate in some situations, we recommend you review this against your business insurance.  Your business insurance may have coverage limitations depending on the hold harmless language.  If you must indemnify the other party, limit the indemnification as much as possible. Negotiate the same indemnification for yourself.  An attorney can also help you understand unintended consequences that might arise from using, or agreeing to, a particular clause.
• .         Disputes provisions are often part of all contracts.  Make sure that the provisions state that any dispute will be managed and settled in your state of operation.
• .         Confidentiality agreement.  Many times you may be providing confidential information about your business or customers.  Consider including a provision requiring them to keep the information confidential and to secure the information in a manner consistent with applicable federal and state laws.

4.       Commercial or business insurance requirements should be included in every contract. If there is going to be any on-site work completed, make sure the agreement includes workers’ compensation insurance as well.

The staff at John Hart Insurance has over 60 years combined experience in the field of entertainment insurance.  We focus exclusively on understanding the unique needs of motion picture, television, video, music and theatrical companies.  This knowledge base allows us to structure an insurance program specifically for each client that will be a balance of the best coverage and most economical solutions to help them manage the risks inherent to their unique businesses.