Filming in LA? Don’t let insurance approval keep you from getting your job done.
Flying drones in California has become increasingly popular over the years. As the commercial drone jobs pick up, so do the state’s regulations. Each municipality has its own requirements and as we continue to work with pilots throughout the state, we see more and more specific insurance requests coming in.
With that being said, perhaps the most notorious and common request pertains to that of the City of Los Angeles and Film LA. If you are planning to operate commercially in LA, make sure to consider these requirements and plan your schedule accordingly.
The City of Los Angeles has a self-service online insurance compliance system, known as KwikComply, that approves insurance instantaneously. However, it does require that your insurance broker submit the documents on your behalf. Additionally, they ask that drone pilots submit additional insured endorsements for both the city of LA and Film LA.
By listing the City of LA and Film LA as an additionally insured, and providing such endorsements, you are proving that your policy will also cover both entities.
** The city does not process any insurance manually, meaning if you simply email your certificates, they will not be processed or accepted.
That’s where SkyWatch.AI comes in. We know that getting your certificates approved in a timely manner is of the utmost importance. If you are working in LA and need to get your coverage processed, not to worry - we’ve got you covered.
SkyWatch.AI’s policies (for all plans) are fully compliant with the City’s requirements. Most LA-based operations require liability coverage between $2,000,000 and $5,000,000 liability.
Follow these 4 steps to get your policy activated and approved:
1. Visit the SkyWatch.AI portal and set up your profile
2. Customize your policy according to your certain operation’s requirements. At this point, add both the city of LA and Film LA as your additional insured with the following information:
Name: the City of Los Angeles and all of its Agencies, Boards and Departments | Address: 200 N Main Street, City Hall East, Room 1240, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Name: FilmLA, Inc. and it’s directors, officers, agents, and employees | Address: 6255 W. Sunset Blvd. 12th floor, Hollywood, CA 90023
**Additional insured addresses subject to change given your requirements.
3. Activated your policy and download the policy document and certificate of insurance.
4. Email support@skywatch.ai and request to have your documents submitted. We do the rest. Our brokers will submit the documents on your behalf and have your insurance approved within 24 hours.
Here’s what our pilots have to say:
"Excellent support in meeting the insurance requirements of FilmLA!"
Alexander Quel, Photographer
"Wow! We all know every job has different insurance requirements and permitting requires lots of paper with very specific verbiage. I needed a quick turnaround the team really took initiative and jumped in to get me what I needed. Professionalism and expediency were unmatched and greatly appreciated. Thank you!"
Tarik Benbrahim
"Everything from being able to immediately reach someone over the phone to the quick email replies and hustle on the part of the SkyWatch team to get all the paperwork done in time for proper permitting was excellent. I'm dropping the other company I was using and switching to SkyWatch."
Dan Coplan, Sky Bandit Pictures
"Getting UAS approval through Film LA can be difficult, especially with some production companies scheduling a shoot at the last minute. It can be frustrating and confusing. SkyWatch.AI proves to be extremely helpful in this whole process by answering questions, helping with additions or changes to a policy, and providing the necessary documentation needed to secure a permit, all in a timely manner. Highly recommended!"
Derek Whipple, Drone Pilot
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