Do You Need Insurance to Film in China? A Quick Primer

If you’re planning a shoot in China—whether it’s a corporate video, documentary, commercial, or branded content—production insurance is one of the most overlooked, yet essential, parts of pre-production.

Insurance needs depend on the activity, aircraft, crew arrangements, venue and client contract. Establish the required cover for the actual shoot rather than assuming that every filming project has the same legal position.

At Shoot In China, we guide both local and international clients through insurance requirements for filming in China, ensuring compliance, safety, and peace of mind.

When Is Insurance Required for Filming in China?

Confirm insurance requirements with the venue, client and insurer before filming. Requirements can arise from the activity itself as well as access conditions and production contracts.

Filming in Government-Run or Public Locations

• Parks, heritage sites, tourist areas often require:
  • Third-party liability insurance
  • Property damage coverage

Filming on Industrial or Corporate Premises

• Some companies (especially multinationals) will ask production crews to provide:
  • Proof of production insurance
  • Certificate of coverage naming their entity

Using Drones

For mainland China, the national UAV regulation requires liability insurance for commercial drone flights, and for non-commercial flights using small, medium or large aircraft.

Client Requirements

• Global brands or agencies may have internal policies requiring all vendors to carry:
  • Production liability insurance
  • Crew accident/injury protection

What Kind of Insurance Should You Have?

Depending on your shoot type and scale, consider:

• General liability (for third-party injury/property damage)
• Equipment insurance (covers rented or owned gear)
• Drone liability (especially for urban or restricted airspace)
• Crew accident insurance (recommended for multi-day shoots or action scenes)

For large-scale or multi-location productions, we can refer you to China-based or international brokers familiar with local requirements.

What Documents Might Be Requested?

When applying for permits or client access, you may need:

• Insurance certificate (in English and Chinese)
• Scope of coverage and limits
• Name of insured production company
• Validity dates matching shoot schedule
• Chinese registration of insurer (if required by location authorities)

How Shoot In China Supports Your Insurance & Permits

We can help by:

• Advising whether your shoot needs insurance in China
• Connecting you with local insurance brokers or providers
• Managing permit applications that require proof of insurance
• Ensuring safe, legal working practices on set

Common Questions from Our Clients

Can I use an overseas policy in China? Ask the insurer to confirm territorial coverage, the insured activities, exclusions and certificate requirements. Separately confirm whether the client or venue accepts that cover.

What if the shoot is uninsured? Check the applicable legal, client and venue requirements before proceeding. Uninsured loss or a rejected certificate can disrupt a shoot; insurance does not replace permission to film.

Planning a Shoot in China? Let’s Talk Insurance

Whether it’s required or just recommended, we’ll guide you through the ins and outs of filming insurance in China—so you’re protected, permitted, and production-ready.

Contact Shoot In China for insurance guidance, permit support, and turnkey production solutions.

Source: CAAC: national UAV regulation, Article 12 (drone liability insurance). Information reviewed: 21 October 2026.