Starting a photography business in Pennsylvania comes with a lot of excitement—and a lot of questions. One of the biggest? What insurance do you actually need? The answer isn't as straightforward as you might hope, because Pennsylvania's requirements depend on how you structure your business, whether you have employees, and what kind of work you're doing. Let's break down exactly what's required by law, what's optional but smart to have, and what you need to know to protect yourself and your business.
What Pennsylvania Legally Requires
Here's the good news: if you're a solo photographer without employees, Pennsylvania doesn't mandate much in terms of insurance. The state only requires two types of coverage, and they only apply in specific situations.
Workers' compensation insurance is mandatory if you have even one employee, whether they're full-time, part-time, or seasonal. Pennsylvania doesn't mess around with this—failure to carry workers' comp when required can result in serious penalties, including fines up to $15,000 and even jail time in extreme cases. However, if you're operating as a sole proprietor without any employees, you're exempt from this requirement. That said, it's worth considering coverage for yourself anyway, because your personal health insurance might deny claims for work-related injuries.
Commercial auto insurance is the other legally required coverage, but only if you own vehicles through your business. If you're just using your personal car to haul equipment to shoots, your personal auto policy likely covers you. But if you register a vehicle under your business name, Pennsylvania requires commercial auto insurance with at least $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $5,000 for property damage and $5,000 for medical benefits.
What Clients and Venues Will Demand
Just because Pennsylvania doesn't legally require certain insurance doesn't mean you can skip it. In practice, you'll need general liability insurance to run a viable photography business. Why? Because almost every venue, event coordinator, and commercial client will require proof of coverage before they let you set foot on their property.
General liability insurance protects you if someone gets hurt during a shoot or if you accidentally damage property. Picture this: you're photographing a wedding reception, and a guest trips over your light stand and breaks their ankle. Without general liability coverage, you could be personally liable for their medical bills and any lawsuit they file. With it, your insurance handles the claim. The average cost for Pennsylvania photographers is just $29 per month—a small price to pay for that kind of protection.
If you're shooting in Philadelphia, there's another requirement to know about: you need proof of general liability insurance to obtain media permits for any work on Philadelphia parks and recreation property. So if you're planning outdoor sessions at popular spots like Rittenhouse Square or Fairmount Park, you'll need to show that coverage.
Insurance That's Smart to Have
Beyond what's required by law or contract, there are a few other policies that can save you from financial disaster.
Professional liability insurance, also called errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, covers you if a client sues over your work. Maybe you accidentally deleted files from their wedding and can't deliver the photos they expected. Or a corporate client claims your headshots misrepresented their brand. Professional liability insurance handles your legal defense and any settlement. Pennsylvania photographers pay an average of $74 per month for this coverage, and while it's not mandatory, it's invaluable if your reputation and finances are on the line.
Equipment insurance is another no-brainer for most photographers. Your cameras, lenses, lighting, and other gear represent a massive investment—sometimes tens of thousands of dollars. Standard general liability policies don't cover equipment theft or damage, so you'll need specialized coverage. Whether your gear gets stolen from your car, damaged in a fall, or destroyed in a storm, equipment insurance replaces it so you can keep working. This is often bundled with a business owner's policy (BOP), which combines general liability and property coverage at a discount, averaging around $42 per month.
Business Licensing in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania doesn't issue a statewide business license for photographers. Instead, you'll need to get a business license from your city or county. Requirements vary widely depending on where you're located, so check with your local municipality to find out what's needed. In Philadelphia, for example, you'll need a business privilege license to operate legally. Other areas may have different names and processes, so don't assume—call your local government office or check their website.
Keep in mind that some local licenses may require proof of insurance before they're issued. Even if your city doesn't mandate it, landlords often require general liability coverage before signing a commercial lease for a studio space. And if you're applying for a business loan, lenders typically want to see that you're adequately insured.
How to Get Started with Insurance
Shopping for business insurance can feel overwhelming, but the process is simpler than you think. Start by identifying what coverage you actually need based on your business structure, whether you have employees, and what kinds of clients and venues you work with. If you're a solo photographer shooting weddings and portraits, general liability and equipment coverage are your baseline. If you employ assistants or second shooters, add workers' compensation.
Get quotes from multiple insurers to compare prices and coverage limits. Many insurance companies specialize in small business and creative professional coverage, so you'll find policies tailored to photographers. Look for options that let you bundle policies—like a BOP that combines general liability and property insurance—to save money.
Once you're insured, keep digital and physical copies of your certificates of insurance (COIs) handy. You'll need to provide them to venues, clients, and permit offices regularly, so having them readily available makes your life easier. Most insurers can issue COIs instantly through online portals.
Running a photography business in Pennsylvania means balancing legal requirements with practical needs. While the state doesn't mandate much for solo photographers, the reality is that you'll need general liability coverage to book most gigs, and professional liability and equipment insurance to protect your livelihood. Take the time to get properly insured now, and you'll save yourself headaches—and potentially huge financial losses—down the road. Ready to get covered? Start by requesting quotes and comparing your options today.
