In the film industry, on-set accidents are a when, not an if. Even when all preparations are made with care and the studio employs a highly trained team, humans make mistakes, items can break unexpectedly, and people can get hurt. Film studios must prepare for the potential financial consequences of such events, and DICE insurance is a simple and effective way to do so.
DICE insurance, which stands for documentary, industrial, commercial, and educational films, can apply to many films outside of the blockbuster studio sector. Encapsulating multiple varieties of insurance in one product, DICE insurance can provide financial protection from many accidents and damage on set.
Does DICE Insurance Cover Injuries?
Every DICE policy will be exclusive, so it is essential to read the contract carefully. However, in general, DICE insurance will cover on-set injuries and accidents. It supports both cast and crew during the course of their work. While many types of incidents will be covered, it is important to read the details of the policy; not all accidents or events may be covered, leaving the studio on the hook for the costs of addressing some injuries on its own.
What Types of Injuries Are Covered?
While every studio typically does its best to mitigate harm to its crew or actors, some injuries are linked closely to the film business. Back and spinal injuries are more common than other types due to the heavy equipment being hauled around and the increased risk of trips or falls from heights, thanks to rigging, cords, and more. Burns are also frequent; many films rely on pyrotechnics for certain shots.
Generally, basic injuries directly resulting from film production should be covered. These may include:
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- Muscular injuries (e.g., tears, strains)
- Skeletal injuries (e.g., broken bones, dislocations)
- Loss of fingers
- Burns
Head trauma
However, each DICE policy will include its stipulations. If your studio is concerned about a specific type of injury or harm not included in the base DICE policy, ask your insurer about a rider or addition that can address this gap.
What Might Be Excluded?
While most film-adjacent injuries may be included in a DICE policy, it is not a catch-all for anything that might happen on set. Some behaviors or accidents that result in the need for medical care may fall on either the studio or the individual to pay for. Common exclusions from DICE coverage include:
- Injuries resulting from the improper use of equipment
- Intentional injury
- Accidents occurring during personal hours
- Harm caused by stunts (which were not explicitly covered)
Stunts are one of the most commonly overlooked areas. Many types of DICE insurance will not automatically include protection from stunts, as these aspects of film production are inherently risky. If your film relies on stunts, adding a rider for additional protection is common.
Other Things DICE Can Cover
DICE insurance is a powerful tool for film studios, not just because it provides broad and effective coverage for on-set injuries and accidents, but because its protection extends to numerous other areas, too. DICE insurance usually includes:
- General liability insurance – To protect a studio from the financial consequences of injury or damage to third parties and their property
- Equipment insurance – To help studios pay for new equipment or repairs if their existing equipment is damaged, lost, or stolen
- Errors & omissions insurance – To mitigate the financial consequences of mistakes, such as the accidental inclusion of trademarked material or litigation arising from claims of copyright infringement
- Auto insurance – To limit the expenses related to accidents when vehicles are transporting crew, actors, or film equipment to venues or film sites
DICE insurance is a highly customizable product that can be crafted to suit any studio’s specific needs. Before purchasing DICE coverage, think carefully about the risks your production may be facing given the nature of the film and the people participating. From there, you can decide on your DICE insurance and which inclusions are non-negotiable.
Secure Your Production With DICE Insurance
Many film studios use DICE insurance to streamline their coverage into a single, easy-to-manage product. However, the best DICE insurance isn’t just boilerplate protection; it is carefully customized by industry professionals working with films for years. The team at MFE Insurance can help you create DICE coverage that leaves nothing to chance. Contact MFE Insurance today to secure your policy in time for filming to begin!