What counts as props, sets and wardrobe and who should be insured, exactly? Here we explain everything you need to know, including some surprising special circumstances.  

First of all, when insurers talk about ‘props, sets and wardrobe’ what do they actually mean? Props, sets and wardrobe can actually include any costumes, scenery and other related property used as part of a production. There’s a common misconception that they are covered by Public Liability but that is NOT in fact the case. To be insured, any props, sets and wardrobe must be specifically noted on your policy up to or exceeding the value of all items you are arranging for a shoot.

Who arranges Props, sets and wardrobe insurance? 

Typically, props, sets and wardrobe are arranged and insured by the stylist on the shoot who often contracts directly with props houses to hire the necessary property for a shoot. However, depending on the specifics of the shoot, this may also be arranged by the production company or even the photographer working on the production. As a general rule, whichever entity who formally hires the property is usually the one who will need insurance, as the props house will hold them responsible in the event of loss or damage.

It is worth noting that you would only be responsible for insuring property that is under your care, custody and control – that’s property you have specifically hired, borrowed or purchased for a production. You would not need to specifically insure every single item at the shoot location. For example, if you were to shoot at a stately home, you would not need to specifically insure the artwork on the walls. Any damage to property that forms part of the location where you are shooting, would be covered by public liability insurance.

Other considerations

Please also be aware that props, sets and wardrobe insurance does not cover the ‘product’ of a shoot. If you are working on a shoot for a clothing company, they are responsible for insuring any wardrobe they are providing. Similarly, if you are doing a shoot for a car company, they should insure the vehicle.

Special circumstances 

If you are arranging props, sets and wardrobe for a shoot, it is very important that you notify your broker if you are arranging any of the following:

• Animals

Animals can be insured as a prop on a shoot in case of injury or death. This is usually subject to approval from insurers who will generally request a vet certificate confirming the animal is in good health prior to shooting.

• Jewellery 

As jewellery is particularly at risk of theft, insurers will often require more in depth security information before approving cover. Please note, if you are doing a shoot for a jeweller, typically they would remain responsible for insuring all jewellery on set. They will typically have specialist jewellers block insurance which covers jewellery whilst away from their premises with sales people, couriers and at events.

• Outdoor Set Builds 

Building sets outdoors is considered to be high risk due to the threat of weather damage. Please note, any set builds should be constructed by specialist contractors with their own liability insurance in place.

• Cars 

Where cars are being used on a public road, the motor insurance for the vehicle should cover any damage or third party liability. However, if you are shooting on private land, you can potentially insure the vehicle as a prop. Insurers will want full details of who is driving the vehicle as well as distances and speeds being driven.