Film productions can happen anywhere, and some of the most interesting backdrops can be found in remote areas of the world. If you are considering taking advantage of a natural vista, understand that your insurance requirements can change as a result. This is especially true of filming at sea, but rest assured: DICE insurance can protect your production from many risks, even in niche situations such as offshore filming.
However, even a policy as versatile as DICE coverage will not provide blanket protection for anything your production might encounter. As a decision-maker, you must understand how DICE policies work and what you can expect when establishing your film’s financial protections.
Essential Takeaways
- DICE insurance is a multi-purpose form of protection that can help studios address numerous common needs at once.
- Filming offshore adds complexity that is not typically covered by most standard insurance policies.
- DICE insurance can cover films shot at sea, but it may not cover issues such as saltwater corrosion or losing equipment overboard unless the studio specifically adds further coverage.
- Always secure film insurance from professionals who service the industry, as they are distinctly familiar with the risks specific to filming.
How DICE Insurance Works With Sea Shoots
DICE insurance (Documentary, Industrial, Commercial & Educational) is an insurance product that typically covers numerous vulnerabilities film studios frequently experience, all within a single package. While every DICE insurance mixture is different, some of the most common protections that are often included are:
- General liability insurance
- Equipment insurance
- Workers’ compensation insurance
However, studios can expand DICE coverage to include other protections that suit their needs, such as business interruption protection or cast and crew insurance. Doing so is best approached with the assistance of an insurance professional versed in the film industry specifically, as they can provide personalized recommendations based on the risks they see most often.
The Fundamental Differences of Filming on the Water
While DICE insurance is a versatile product that can cover many of your production’s financial bases, studios that choose to film at sea must keep additional considerations in mind. The marine environment is uncontrolled, and conditions can change rapidly. In addition, should someone be injured, access to emergency services is not as simple as it may be in the middle of a sprawling city.
Few productions experience as much equipment loss as those conducted on the water, which is another primary consideration. In addition, productions may need to contend with jurisdictional confusion, such as the differences between maritime and land law.
Insurance Claims Considerations at Sea
What should insurance policies be customized for when a production moves offshore and into the sea? Be prepared to encounter:
- Weather: Sudden storms, high winds, swells affecting stability and safety, weather-related delays
- Vessel issues: Mechanical failure, running aground, crew errors
- Equipment problems: Saltwater corrosion, equipment falling overboard, moisture damage, difficulty securing gear
- Personnel risks: Unstable surfaces, slips and falls, man overboard, use of marine stunts
These are just a few of the risks your team may experience at sea, and in some instances, your DICE insurance policy must be customized to include these perils. Always read your policy documentation carefully before production begins to understand any riders you may need.
What a DICE Insurance Policy May Not Cover
While DICE insurance is a versatile product, it does not necessarily cover every potential risk a production is likely to confront. Common exclusions that need riders or additional protection as an add-on include:
- Equipment damage caused solely by salt, such as corrosion
- Loss of equipment dropped overboard
- Gaps in coverage of licensed vessels
- Most stunts and marine activities
- Pollution or environmental damage
- Production delays due to legal vessel issues (e.g., failed inspection)
- Failure to disclose offshore filming
While it is possible to cover these perils, doing so typically requires purchasing additional coverage to add to the DICE insurance policy.
Support Your Film’s Finances With DICE Insurance Protection
Filming at sea is not impossible, but it does require thorough preparation. That goes not just for the team, equipment, and logistics, but also for the insurance protection your studio chooses. Because many of the most expensive potential perils are not covered by most basic insurance policies, consider customized DICE insurance as a more complete offering.
The professionals at MFE Insurance have years of experience servicing the film industry, and we understand the complications that filming at sea can add to your financial strategy. Contact MFE Insurance today to receive personalized guidance about the risks you may encounter at sea and how to address them with insurance coverage. We can provide both DICE insurance and any additional protections you may need to complement your policy.