I hosted a lighting workshop. A student tipped over a C-stand holding my $3,000 Aperture light. It smashed. I asked the student to pay. He refused. My insurance said: “You invited him to handle the gear. Entrustment exclusion might apply.”
Key Takeaways
- Care, Custody, Control: If you hand gear to a student, you are entrusting it to them. Many policies exclude theft/damage by people you entrust property to.
- Business Invitees: Students are customers. If they get hurt, your Liability pays. If they break your stuff, it’s a business risk.
- Waivers are Critical: Your workshop agreement must state: “Attendees are liable for damage caused to equipment due to negligence.”
- Bailee Coverage: If their gear breaks while in your studio, you need Bailee coverage. But for your gear broken by them, you need an “All Risk” policy that doesn’t strictly enforce Entrustment exclusions for students.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Voluntary Exposure.”
You created a situation where inexperienced people handled expensive gear.
Insurance covers accidents, but they might view this as “Commercial Usage” risk.
However, usually, “Accidental Damage” covers this unless the specific “Entrustment” exclusion is triggered. Policies vary wildly here.
The Investigation (My Analysis of Liability)
I checked the workshop scenario.
PPA (PhotoCare)
- The Verdict: Generally covers accidental damage even if a student did it, provided it wasn’t “Conversion” (theft).
- The Deductible: You pay it ($350).
Liability Waiver
- The Defense: You should have the student sign a waiver. If they break it, you bill them. If they refuse, you sue in Small Claims.
- The Reality: Suing students is bad PR. Usually, the instructor eats the deductible.
Student’s Insurance
- The Hope: If the student has liability insurance (Homeowners), you can file a claim against them. “Your negligence destroyed my property.”
[IMAGE: Photo of a shattered LED panel light on the floor of a studio class]
Comparison Table
| Scenario | Your Gear Insurance | Student’s Liability Ins | Your Liability Ins |
| Student Drops Light | Covered (usually) | Covered (if you sue) | N/A |
| Student Trips on Cord | N/A | N/A | Covered (Bodily Injury) |
| Student Steals Light | Denied (Entrustment) | Denied (Intentional Act) | N/A |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Sandbag Everything: If a student drops it, it’s an accident. If it falls because you didn’t sandbag it, it’s your negligence.
- Use the Waiver: Include a “Break it, Buy it” clause in the workshop sign-up. It makes them careful.
- Claim on Your Policy: Don’t fight the student for $3,000. File the claim, pay the deductible, move on. It’s the cost of doing business.
- Supervise: Don’t leave students alone with the gear.
FAQ
Does my workshop need special insurance?
If you host it at a hotel/venue, they will require a COI. Your standard Business Liability should cover it, but check the “Territory” and “Event” definitions.
Can I hold their driver’s license?
You can, but it doesn’t guarantee payment.
What if a model breaks it?
Same rule. Accidental damage.