Whether you're planning a short film, commercial, documentary, or feature-length movie, one of the most important (and often overlooked) steps in pre-production is securing your film permit and insurance. These aren't just bureaucratic hurdles—they're essential for protecting your team, meeting legal requirements, and ensuring your production runs smoothly.
In this blog, we'll explore what you need to know about film permits and insurance, including key requirements in major film hubs like Los Angeles, New York, Georgia, Miami, and Texas. We’ll also explain how Akker, LLC can help you meet those requirements quickly and affordably.
Why Film Permits and Insurance Matter
A film permit is an official authorization from a city or state that allows you to shoot legally in public spaces or regulated locations. These permits often come with strict guidelines about safety, traffic control, noise levels, and environmental protection.
Equally important is insurance. Film insurance protects your crew, cast, equipment, and even the general public from potential liabilities. Without it, you're not only risking financial loss but also facing the possibility of permit denial.
Insurance Requirements by Location
1. Los Angeles (California)
Los Angeles, the heart of the film industry, has one of the most rigorous permitting processes, overseen by FilmLA.
Insurance Required:
General Liability: Minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence
Workers' Compensation: Required if you have any employees
Automobile Liability: Required if using production vehicles
Additional Insured: FilmLA and the City of Los Angeles must be listed
2. New York City
Permits are issued by the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. NYC is accommodating but still strict about safety and logistics.
Insurance Required:
General Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate
Workers' Compensation: Required
Auto Liability: If any vehicles are involved
Additional Insured: City of New York and all agencies involved
Special Note: Filming involving drones, stunts, or large equipment requires additional approvals and possibly higher insurance limits.
3. Georgia (Atlanta)
Georgia offers a 30% tax credit for film productions, which has turned Atlanta into a booming production hub.
Insurance Required:
General Liability: Minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence
Workers' Compensation: If applicable
Auto Liability: Required if using vehicles
4. Miami (Florida)
The City of Miami and Miami-Dade County both have film permitting offices that are friendly to productions but require proper documentation.
Insurance Required:
General Liability: $1,000,000 minimum
Workers' Compensation: As needed
Auto Liability: For vehicle use
Additional Insured: City of Miami and/or Miami-Dade County
5. Texas (Dallas, Austin, Houston)
Texas cities have become attractive alternatives due to their cost-efficiency and fewer restrictions.
Insurance Required:
General Liability: $1,000,000+ depending on the city
Workers' Compensation: May be required
Auto Liability: If using production vehicles
Types of Insurance Coverage You Need
Regardless of the city, most film productions require a combination of the following coverages:
General Liability: Protects against third-party bodily injury and property damage.
Workers' Compensation: Covers medical expenses and lost wages for crew injuries.
Auto Liability: Required for all production vehicles, rented or owned.
Equipment Insurance (Inland Marine): Covers damage or theft of gear.
Third-Party Property Damage: Specifically required when filming on location.
Excess Liability/Umbrella: Provides additional limits on top of existing policies.
How Akker, LLC Makes It Easy
At Akker, LLC, we understand the urgency and complexity involved in film permitting and insurance. That’s why we’ve streamlined our process to deliver fast, affordable coverage tailored to your production’s specific needs.
Fast Turnaround Times
Short-Term Productions: Get a quote within 1 hour
Annual Policies: Turnaround in 1 business day
Whether you're shooting a two-day commercial or an ongoing documentary series, our team can issue a Certificate of Insurance (COI) that meets city requirements almost immediately after binding. Our team also understands how to work with various film permitting office submission guidelines. Helping you and your production make the permitting process quick and easy. Our team members have prior location management experience so we completely understand how complex film permitting can get in bigger cities.
Tips for a Smooth Permitting Process
Apply Early: Most offices require at least 3–5 business days to process permits.
Have Your COI Ready: This is usually the first document they'll ask for along with additional insured endorsements depending on the city permitting office.
List All Activities: Be honest about drone use, stunts, or street closures.
Name the Right Additional Insured: Permits can be denied if the wrong entity is listed.
Work With an Insurance Partner: Like Akker, LLC—who knows the ropes. Let our team help deliver your COIs and additional insured endorsement quick and on time.
Conclusion
Securing film permits and insurance might feel like a hassle, but it's a crucial part of running a responsible, legal, and professional production. The good news is, you're not alone.
Akker, LLC specializes in helping productions get the coverage they need—fast. With our deep industry knowledge and rapid turnaround times, we make it easier than ever to keep your production on schedule and in compliance.
Ready to roll? Contact Akker, LLC today for a fast, affordable film insurance quote that meets your city's permitting requirements.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE - https://www.akkerins.com/filminsurance
APPLY FOR QUOTE - https://www.akkerins.com/film-quote-app
EMAIL - info@akkerins.com
Call - 912-247-3075
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