Seeking International Public Liability Insurance for My LLC
Hi everyone! I’m a photographer based in Illinois and, over the past year, my business has really taken off. I’ve been thinking about forming an LLC but haven’t made the leap just yet.
I’ve recently booked two weddings, one of which is in Ireland, which adds a new layer of complexity to things.
As a dual citizen of Ireland and the US, I won’t need a work visa to shoot in Ireland. All payments will be handled in the US between myself and my client (an American citizen) two weeks prior to the wedding, so I believe that part is straightforward.
My main concern is insurance. I reached out to the resort where the wedding will take place, and the only requirement they have is proof of public liability insurance. Since I haven’t set up my LLC yet, I don’t currently have any insurance coverage. I’m worried that they might not accept insurance designed for U.S. coverage.
From my research, I’ve found that international public liability insurance exists, or at the very least, some policies cover both the U.S. and Europe. However, I’m not sure how to go about obtaining this type of insurance. Are these policies applicable to LLCs? Any advice on finding an affordable policy that I could potentially cancel later (as I don’t anticipate doing much international work) would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
It sounds like you’re navigating an exciting opportunity! Here are some thoughts to help you with your international public liability insurance and LLC concerns:
Forming an LLC: Since you’re already considering forming an LLC, it might be a good idea to go ahead with that process. An LLC can provide liability protection for your personal assets if something were to go wrong during your shoots, especially when working in unfamiliar environments.
Public Liability Insurance: Public liability insurance is essential for photographers, particularly when working at events like weddings. This insurance protects you against claims made by third parties for injury or damage to property resulting from your work.
International Coverage: Look for insurance providers that offer specific policies for photographers with international coverage. Some companies do provide policies that cover both US and international work. It’s crucial to specify that you’ll be working in Ireland when you apply for a quote.
Finding the Right Provider: Research insurance companies that specialize in coverage tailored for photographers or those that operate internationally. Look for reviews and consider reaching out to groups or forums for photographers that can recommend service providers based on their experiences.
Short-term Policies: Some insurance companies offer short-term or event-specific policies, allowing you to obtain coverage for just the duration of the wedding. This could be a cost-effective option since you don’t anticipate much more overseas work.
Consult a Broker: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider consulting an insurance broker who specializes in liability insurance. They can guide you to policies that meet your specific needs and help ensure you’re covered properly for your upcoming projects.
Ensuring Compliance: Make sure that any policy you choose meets the requirements set by the venue in Ireland. It would be prudent to clarify the insured amount and any specific clauses with them to ensure compliance.
Documentation: When you obtain the right liability insurance, ensure that you receive the appropriate documentation to present to the resort as soon as possible.
By taking these steps, you can confidently pursue your photography work abroad while ensuring you’re adequately protected. Best of luck with your upcoming weddings!