$1M Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance for Video Production Companies

For video production companies asked for proof of $1M by a brand or agency: your Professional Liability (E&O) policy should pay up to $1M per claim for covered claims over your work.

What does a $1M requirement mean for video production companies?

Professional Liability (E&O, short for Errors and Omissions) is meant to cover claims from a client or other third parties that your work caused a loss or violated their rights. For video producers, many claims are about what ends up on screen: an unlicensed song, a face without a release, or a damaging statement. Coverage for these content claims is often called media liability. A typical clause:

• Per claim: the most the policy pays for any one claim. Here, $1M.
• Aggregate: the most the policy pays for all claims in one policy year. Here, $2M. A $1M/$1M policy would not meet this sample clause. A $1M/$2M policy would meet the dollar limits, if it also includes the media wording.
• Media wording: if the clause names infringement, defamation or privacy, the policy needs media liability, not just coverage for errors and missed deadlines.
• Claims-made: Professional Liability is almost always written on a claims-made basis, so the claim must be made and reported while the policy is active (or during an extended reporting period, a set time after it ends), for work done on or after the retroactive date (the earliest work date the policy covers).

For more, see Professional Liability limits explained.

Who asks video production companies for $1M?

Video production companies often see a $1M requirement from:

• Ad and creative agencies that hire production companies.
• Brands commissioning commercials and product videos.
• Companies ordering training, internal and event videos.
• Streaming channels, hospitals, universities and nonprofits with set vendor forms.

National campaigns may ask for more (see $2M Professional Liability for video production companies).

How is $1M built?

At $1M, the limit is usually one primary policy (the policy that pays first). Video producers often buy a media liability form, or a Professional Liability policy with a media liability part added. Some forms leave out music or privacy claims, so check the wording. A film or TV project headed for distribution often needs a separate producer's E&O policy. If you also build apps, a Technology E&O form may fit better (see $1M for technology and media firms).

A commercial umbrella almost never covers Professional Liability. Clients usually cannot be added to a Professional Liability policy as an additional insured (a party listed on your policy for its own protection). Some media liability forms can add a client for claims arising from your work, and some cannot. If your contract requires it, confirm the policy offers it before you sign. A certificate of insurance (a one-page proof of coverage) gives the client no rights under the policy.

What will underwriters ask for?

An underwriter is the person at the insurer who decides whether to offer coverage and on what terms. They usually ask about:

• Your mix of work: commercials, corporate, documentary, music videos or live events.
• How you clear content: music licenses, stock footage, releases, and who signs off before delivery.
• Where the content runs: internal use, social media, paid ads, streaming or broadcast.
• Whether you use freelancers or AI tools, and whether their contracts assign rights to you.
• Revenue, largest project, prior claims, takedown letters, and your current policy and retroactive date.

What affects the cost?

• Type of content. Some content types, such as documentary, interview and comparison ad work, may involve more claim exposure than training or event videos, so underwriters may price them differently.
• Distribution. National ads and broadcast can mean bigger losses.
• Clearance practices. Written releases and licenses can help.
• Revenue, project size and claims history. Bigger budgets and past claims can raise price or narrow options.
• Aggregate and retention. $1M/$2M usually costs more than $1M/$1M. A higher retention (what you pay per claim before the policy pays, like a deductible) usually lowers the premium.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need $1M Professional Liability as a video production company?

Often yes, if a client contract or vendor form requires it, but check the exact limits and media wording.

What kinds of claims could a video production company face?

Most claims are about what ends up on screen. Hypothetical cases: a commercial uses a track licensed for web only, then runs on TV, and the rights holder demands payment. A bystander in an ad claims misuse of their image, with no release on file. Coverage depends on the policy wording.

Does General Liability cover a claim over my footage?

Usually not. General Liability covers injury and property damage, like a light stand falling, and often excludes content claims. Claims about the content you deliver belong on Professional Liability with media liability. See Professional vs General Liability.

Is $1M/$1M enough if my contract says $1M/$2M?

No. A $1M/$1M policy does not meet a $1M per claim and $2M aggregate clause. Request new quotes for a $1M/$2M policy. Morrow can shop it and ask carriers to keep your retroactive date and prior acts coverage (coverage for work you did before the new policy starts) where the market allows. Usually, keep your current policy in force until the new one starts. Report any known incident to your current carrier first.

This article is general information, not legal advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on the actual policy wording, carrier underwriting and your contract terms.