Do You Need Insurance to Hire a Film Studio in the UK?

Do you need insurance to hire a film studio in the UK?

Yes. Insurance is almost always required when hiring a film studio in the United Kingdom. Whether you're filming a corporate project in London or producing a student short in London, studios expect you to have certain policies in place before access is granted.

The most commonly required types of cover include public liability and employers liability insurance. Studios also often ask for proof of equipment insurance. If your production involves drones, stunts, child actors or public distribution, you may need additional cover such as professional indemnity or a full production insurance package.

This guide explains exactly which policies you’ll need, why they're important, and what they typically cost. It’s based on industry expectations from UK studios like Pinewood, Elstree and regional providers listed on platforms such as Scouty and SuperScout.

What insurance is required to rent a film studio in the UK?

Studios request insurance to protect against financial risks and potential legal disputes. Booking forms almost always include a requirement for proof of insurance and a valid certificate of insurance (COI) that names the studio as an additional insured.

If you're unsure which policies apply to your project, the best place to start is understanding each core type and how it fits into your shoot.

What does public liability insurance cover?

Public liability insurance covers injury to members of the public and damage to third-party property caused by your production. For example, if an extra trips over a lighting cable or your grip trolley scrapes the studio floor, this insurance handles any legal and compensation costs.

Studio facilities from MediaCityUK to independent warehouse spaces in Bristol regularly list public liability as a minimum requirement. Councils such as Westminster, Camden and Hackney also require it for street filming permits.

Typical cover limits:

Cover Amount	When It’s Used
£1 million	Low-risk indoor shoots
£5 million	Standard for mid-size commercial projects
£10 million	Required for stunts or public crowd scenes

This type of cover reassures studios that any damage or injury costs are not coming out of their pocket or yours.

Do I need employers liability insurance for my film crew?

Yes. If you hire anyone for your production (even unpaid volunteers) you are legally required under the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 to carry employers liability insurance.

This covers your team if someone suffers an accident or illness while working on set. For instance, if your sound operator is injured lifting a heavy flight case or a production assistant trips on uneven flooring, this policy takes care of compensation and medical fees.

Studios will usually ask to see this certificate during the booking process. It’s also commonly requested by rental houses and council permit departments.

Brokers such as IMS Insurance Group and Performance Film and Media offer this as standalone cover or part of a short-term production policy.

Why is equipment insurance necessary for filming?

Your filming kit is a big investment. Equipment insurance protects your gear (whether owned or hire) from damage, theft, fire, water and loss. It also covers items while in use or in transit, often referred to as inland marine coverage.

Studios across the UK usually won’t allow you to bring gear on site without showing proof that it’s insured. This applies to DSLR kits, RED and ARRI setups, sound mixers, lenses, monitors and even props.

Most insurers also extend cover to international shoots, which is useful if you’re travelling to film festivals or doing location work abroad.

Key policy features to look for:

• Full replacement value, not market value

• Worldwide or UK-wide transit protection

• Accidental damage during use

• Theft from vehicles and locked locations

• Hired-in kit cover from rental houses

Providers like Whinney Insurance, Mode Insurance and Williamson Carson offer flexible short-term and annual cover depending on your project needs.

What does professional indemnity insurance protect against?

Professional indemnity, also known as errors and omissions (E and O) insurance, protects you from claims related to copyright infringement, libel, slander, and privacy violations.

This becomes especially important if your production will be published online, submitted to festivals or streamed on platforms like Netflix or YouTube. If your footage accidentally includes unlicensed music, artwork, or even someone’s face without a release form, you could be liable.

Many broadcasters require this before they accept your content. It’s a common requirement in distribution contracts, festival submissions and licensing deals.

Insurers such as Hiscox UK and Wrapbook often include E and O as part of media production packages or offer it as an optional add-on.

Should I use a production insurance package?

Yes, production insurance packages simplify things by combining all necessary cover into one policy. This usually includes public liability, employers liability, equipment, and sometimes E and O. Additional protections for adverse weather, transport, media stock and travel can also be included.

Production insurance suits short films, music videos, branded content and commercial shoots. Whether you're filming at Mammoth Film Studios or renting a film location via Scouty, this bundled approach covers all standard risks in one place.

Type of Cover	Commonly Included
Public Liability	Yes
Employers Liability	Yes
Equipment Damage/Theft	Yes
Professional Indemnity	Often optional
Adverse Weather	Available on request
Vehicle Use on Set	Optional
Cast Accident Cover	Available on request

Providers like Tysers, Park Insurance and Performance Film and Media tailor packages to match your specific shooting schedule, locations and crew size.

For frequent producers, annual production insurance starts from approximately £500. Single-shoot policies start at around £38 and are available from several UK-based entertainment insurers.

How much does film insurance cost in the UK?

Costs depend on your production size, risk level, location, and the type of cover required. Here’s a general breakdown:

Policy Type	Typical Cost Range
Public Liability	£38 to £150 per project
Employers Liability	£40 to £120 per project
Equipment Insurance	£50 to £300+
Errors and Omissions (E and O)	£150 to £400 per year
Annual Production Package	Starting from £500+

Short-term cover works best for one-off shoots. If you shoot more than four projects per year, an annual policy is usually more cost effective.

Use this production insurance quote tool for a fast estimate based on your shoot type and location.

How to get insured before your shoot

1. Identify what you need

   List your cast and crew numbers, kit inventory, filming dates, and whether you’ll use drones, stunts or animals.

2. Choose your policy type

   Decide between single-shoot or annual cover. Keep in mind future projects and reshoots when budgeting.

3. Contact film insurance brokers

   Reach out to insurers like IMS, Park Insurance, Tysers or Williamson Carson who specialise in UK media and entertainment policies.

4. Request your COI

   Make sure the Certificate of Insurance lists the studio or location owner as an additional insured party.

5. Send paperwork before the shoot

   Studios usually ask for documentation 3 to 5 working days before your booking. Delays may lead to cancellations or extra fees.

For extra clarity on filming regulations, see this guide to filming in public spaces in the UK.

Final word

Before hiring a film studio in the UK, getting the right insurance is just part of working responsibly. Most studios require public and employers liability as standard, and others may request equipment and E and O insurance depending on your shoot.

Getting insured shows that your production is professional, compliant and prepared. It also protects your budget and relationships with studios, insurers and local authorities. Whether you are working on a one-day shoot in Leeds or a multi-location commercial in London, insurance helps you focus on the creative side without worrying about unexpected costs.

Need help putting your cover together? Talk to a specialist broker who understands UK film production. You’ll spend less time sorting admin and more time calling "Action".