Test Your Entertainment Business Insurance IQ

An Entertainment Business Insurance Update

We don’t expect you to be experts in business insurance, but we thought it might be fun to test you on what you do know about your entertainment insurance. Business insurance is designed to cover unexpected losses. We can offer a wide range of business insurance options, so please call our office today.

Business Insurance Quiz (answers at the end)

1. Your deductible is the amount you are responsible for if a covered loss occurs.
2. Flood and earthquake coverage are always part of your business property coverage.
3. Cyber Insurance is protection against losses caused by hackers from businesses dealing strictly in e-commerce, but it does not exist.
4. Business Interruption covers your lost income no matter what kind of loss closes your business.
5. My employees are prohibited from suing me, as this would be a workers’ compensation claim.

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.

Answers

1.       True-

2.       False- You need to add this coverage under a separate policy

3.       False- Cyber insurance can be purchase by all business

4.       False- Business interruption only applies to covered losses under the policy

5.       False- Your employees have rights under federal and state laws to sue you if they feel they have been wronged.  You would need employment practices liability insurance in order to protect you and your business from employee lawsuits.

Are You Ready To Renew Your Entertainment Insurance?

Business Insurance Renewal

Your entertainment insurance is an important part of your risk management program. It is important to have the right insurance coverage, competitive pricing and the right insurer. We have found at least five factors that are important to manage when renewing your business insurance program.

Entertainment Insurance

An entertainment insurance program can include commercial property, auto, commercial liability, employment liability, workers’ compensation, professional liability and excess liability.

Insurance Renewal Tips

·         Provide complete information about your operation. Paint a picture that describes what you do and how well you do it. You have to sell the underwriter on what is different about your operation and how the insurance company needs to insure your risk, because you are above average.

·         Use an independent agent. We are best equipped to provide you with the best combination of coverage, price and service.

·         Combine your property, auto and liability with one insurer if possible. You will receive package discounts.

·         Have a well-managed safety program.

Putting a little effort into your business insurance renewal can reap rewards in the form of better coverage and lower premiums. John William Hart III Insurance Agency, presents a brief description of the various types of insurance coverages available to the Motion Picture and Television production company. These descriptions are general in nature and are not a complete explanation of the policy terms. 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.

How To Hire Part Time Seasonal Workers

Entertainment Insurance update 

Many entertainment companies may be hiring part time workers to fill production needs. For the most part, you will not need to modify your business insurance, but if you add new classifications or payroll, it may affect your workers’ compensation insurance.  Now might be a good time to have us complete a review of all your business insurance policies.

Here are few tips to help you manage seasonal employees

• Make sure part time employees get the same training as all other employees.
• Conduct background screenings on part time candidates.
• Unless the job requires it, it is not a good idea to give seasonal employees access to computers or other secure information.
• Don’t allow seasonal employees to work alone.
• Remember the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to properly classify workers, pay the legal minimum wage, and pay overtime if applicable.
• Part time employees should also read and sign the employee handbook.
• Your business is legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage, as most fair-employment laws cover seasonal employees. 
• If you notice cliques or bad habits forming, don’t assume that they will self-correct. 
• Employers with 15 or more employees are subject to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other federal and state employment laws. This means your seasonal employees, just like your regular workforce, must receive adequate training on what conduct is illegal, how to report it, and how to request a reasonable accommodation.
• Maintain a detailed account of where each employee works, the kinds of tasks they are assigned, number of hours completed, and their rate of pay.
• When it is time to end the part time employment, follow the same procedures as you would with a full-time or permanent employee.

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.

The Value of Having The Right Kind of Entertainment Insurance

Entertainment companies have very unique risks. John Hart Insurance Agency offers customized insurance products specifically to the entertainment industry. We have years of experience in covering musicians, entertainers, live events, artists, stage productions, motion pictures, and foreign productions.

While each production is different, we have found these entertainment insurance coverages can address many of the risks associated within the entertainment industry.

• Film & Video Production Insurance
• Special Event Production Insurance
• Professional Liability Insurance
• Equipment Floaters
• Case & Crew Insurance
• Copyright infringement Insurance
• Negative Film & Videotape Insurance
• Props, Sets and Wardrobe Coverage
• Theatrical Production Insurance
• Rigging, Lighting Technician And Sound Technician Insurance
• Property Insurance Specifically For Drones
• Animal Mortality Insurance

John William Hart III Insurance Agency, presents a brief description of the various types of insurance coverages available to the Motion Picture and Television production company. These descriptions are general in nature and are not a complete explanation of the policy terms. 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.

Why Special Event Insurance Is Needed

Every promoter or event organizer knows how important to keep the operation running right up to the very end. But bad thing happens, and that is why you need event cancellation insurance. In the event that you have to cancel or postpone your special event due to an unforeseen circumstance, John Hart Insurance can offer event cancellation protection will cover non-refundable deposits and non-reimbursable expenses.

Event Cancellation Insurance/Special Event Insurance from John Hart Insurance protects production companies from unforeseen circumstances that require the show to be canceled. It would provide funds to cover deposits and other costs that may have already been paid. Unforeseen circumstances could be related to any number of things including weather, construction at the venue, or illness of the featured speaker or entertainer. Policies can be created to protect revenues or expenses for those with insurable interests should an event be cancelled.

Event Cancellation Insurance is an important insurance to consider. If a loss occurs, John Hart will work closely with you to file documents quickly and accurately so your event can go on as planned.

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.

How Will the New Minimum Wage Impact The Entertainment Industry

Many states and cities are enacting new minimum wage laws, and all will feel the impact.  Not only will the cost of goods go up, but also every business will see an increase in workers’ compensation costs.  Those business with a high minimum wage work force will see an even higher premium increase.

In California for example, the wage increase affects 43% of the state’s workforce and makes California’s minimum wage the highest in the country.  Oregon Just passed a statewide minimum wage as well.  Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Vermont also increased minimum wages in 2016.

The $15 per hour may not seem like it would have much of an impact the entertainment industry, with its reliance on handsomely paid creative professionals and union presence. Caterers, prop houses, nurseries and numerous other businesses that support Hollywood productions pay many of their worker’s minimum wage or close to it, and an increase in their costs for workers would likely get passed along. (Variety.com)

Increased wages will mean increased payroll, and your workers’ compensation premiums are based on your payroll.  With increased payroll, come increased benefits, which lead to increased overall claims costs and experience mods.

What is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers' compensation insurance is insurance that provides lost income, medical benefits, disability benefits, and rehabilitative services for workers injured on the job or while performing work-related duties.

Why Your Business Needs Workers’ Compensation Insurance

When one of your employees gets hurt on the job or has a work-related illness, only workers’ compensation will cover them.  Health insurance benefits will not provide coverage for on the job injuries.

It is important to use an agent with commercial experience to help your business find the right combination of coverage, price, and service.

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

Commercial Insurance Offers Real Solutions For The Entertainment Industry

Commercial Insurance 101

If you are involved in any entertainment operation, you know how important it is to keep your production running smoothly. There is nothing worse than an interruption in your production that may cause you to under deliver products or services to your producers, studio or networks. One very important parts of running a company, is ensuring that you have proper entertainment insurance coverage.

What Is Commercial Insurance For The Entertainment Industry?

Entertainment insurance is designed to protect your business from unforeseen losses like fire, theft, business income loss, and third party liability claims.

There are many different kinds of coverage that can be included in a commercial insurance policy, and depending on your business, you may need other specialized coverage including:

Property- including coverage for props

Business income- loss of potential income

Inland marine- coverage for drones, cameras, etc

Workers’ compensation- including injury to stunt professionals

General liability-

Professional liability- copyright infringement coverage

Automobile

Director and officers

Employment liability

It is important to use an agent with commercial experience to help your business find the right combination of coverage, price, and service.

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.

Why The Film Industry Needs Independent Insurance Agents

John Hart Insurance is an independent agent, this means we don’t work for any one insurance company. We have access to many markets, giving us the ability to shop your film, production or entertainment Company to many markets, for the best option for you. With captive insurance agents, like the big national companies, you only get the guidance of one company that sells one brand of insurance. With an independent insurance agent, you might get up to eight choices. There are a number of benefits to working with us:

• We will work with you to make sure your claim is processed to your satisfaction
• We provide a number of coverage options
• Are not obligated to any one company
• John Hart and his staff know and understand the entertainment industry
• We search the market for the  best combination of price and coverage
• We are committed to exceeding your expectations
• You are who we answer to, not a board of directors in NY
• We are licensed professionals with strong customer and community ties
• Our staff is qualified and trained to explain coverage in understandable language
• We can review coverage and make necessary changes based on your needs

When you work with us, we will give you unbiased advice.  As an independent insurance agent we are very knowledgeable about all the companies that exist in the marketplace. We know which companies have the best track record when it comes to pleasing their policy holders. We can narrow your options down and help you choose between the best insurance companies in the market. Not all insurance agents are the same! Choosing the right one can make a big difference – in price, service, and value.

We have 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. Call us today for more information.

Film Production Stunt Insurance

Safety of performers is always the number one priority; whether it is maintaining a safe working environment or ensuring the physical safety of actors and stunt professionals. Many productions use stunts while filming their movie, commercial, or short film. Even training films often include stunts as part of the production.  However, many traditional insurance packages don’t automatically cover stunt work.

John Hart Insurance can provide special stunt coverage for any production you are involved in. Directors and production companies can attain coverage for the following... Stunts, aerial scenes, falls, fight scenes, recreational vehicles, water scenes, weapons, precision driving, and animals. 

Here are a few if the stunts that should be insured:

•          Aerial Work
•          Fight Scenes
•          Animals
•          Scripted Falls
•          Special Driving
•          Use of Weapons
•          Underwater Work

SAG-AFTRA established INDUSTRY WIDE LABOR-MANAGEMENT SAFETY COMMITTEE

 SAFETY BULLETIN #4 that provides guidelines for safe stunt sequences.

Call us today for more information.

The Value of an Independent Agent

John Hart Insurance is an independent agency. This means we don’t answer to any insurance company. We have access to dozens of markets, which gives us the ability to shop your account. Our job is to find the best possible combination of premium, coverage, and service. Your overall satisfaction is most important to us. We are the entertainment insurance expert.

• As your agent, we help you through the claim process. We look out after your interests
• We can offer you a number of insurance options
• Our team works for you not the insurance company
• We are experts in your industry
• We can explain the coverage differences and hard to understand terms
• We can review coverage and make necessary changes based on your needs

If you want truly unbiased advice, work with us. As an independent insurance agent we are very knowledgeable about your industry and the different companies that exist in the marketplace. We have worked with customers like you in the past and have a good idea of which companies have the best track record when it comes to pleasing their policy holders. We can narrow your options down and help you choose between the best insurance companies in the market.