We caught up with Williamson Carson Director Matt Whinney to hear his insights on industry trends and pitfalls, and a very unusual request.
How long has Williamson Carson been serving the photography industry?
Just 37 years now – and counting.
The industry has evolved dramatically during that time, how do you ensure you keep up with the ever changing landscape?
Talking is key. We talk to our clients constantly, and stay immersed in the industry itself. We have some clients who have been with us since 1986 would you believe. We listen to our clients, attend trade events and communicate frequently with industry bodies such as the Association of Photographers (AOP).
What question do you always get asked by photographers?
‘The agency is asking me if I have professional indemnity insurance in place. What is this and do I have it?’
There is often a misuse of terms, and complications between the two insurance products; public liability & professional indemnity. It’s important we explain and help clients to understand that those products are very different.
What trends are you seeing with your photography clients?
The price of photographic equipment is increasing rapidly (fuelled by worldwide inflationary pressure). Many clients are requiring higher sums insured on their policy to insure the same equipment.
What pitfalls or risks should we be aware of at the moment?
A lot of the biggest claims we have seen recently involve thefts from vehicles left in public car parks overnight. Photographers should avoid leaving high value equipment in vehicles overnight to mitigate this risk. We have seen trends of organised criminals targeting NCP car parks located near studios across London. Be vigilant. The police do not sadly have the resources to investigate these crimes to the level they once did.
What’s the most unusual request or claim you’ve had?
A few years ago, a photographer tried to claim on his Personal Accident policy for his foot because he trod on a hedgehog.
What do Williamson Carson do differently from other insurance companies?
We are proud to not have hold music, or telephone queues, or a long-winded menu of numbers to dial for different departments, or “your call is in a queue and will be answered in 25 minutes”, or “our lines are busy please try again later”.
We take pride that our offices are always well resourced, so that any client can always get direct access to the team during our working hours
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thank you for your insights, Matt. Williamson Carson are experts in insurance and passionate about supporting the creative industries. Discover how we can help protect you from risk, with bespoke cover for your industry. Contact us now. Read more insights and interviews by Williamson Carson.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
