Most productions insure props under a general property or "props, sets and wardrobe" line within their existing production insurance policy, rather than taking out a standalone policy for prop currency specifically — check with your production insurer whether prop money needs to be itemised separately or falls under an existing props sub-limit.
For a higher face-value order — a bulk pack or a briefcase set carrying a substantial prop face value — itemising it by name and declared replacement cost (your invoice amount, not the printed face value, since that's the actual dollar cost of replacement) gives the clearest paper trail if a claim is ever needed.
Keep the tax invoice and order confirmation on file for the production's insurance records — both state the order reference, exact items, and paid amount, which is exactly what an insurer or loss adjuster will ask for if a claim comes up.
On-set handling matters for the claim as much as for the shoot itself: standard practice for any valuable prop applies here too — a nominated props custodian, a sign-in/sign-out log for handling between departments, and secure storage overnight rather than leaving it in an unlocked vehicle or open set.
None of this changes what the product actually is — every note stays reduced-scale and marked NOT LEGAL TENDER regardless of its insured value on a production's books; insuring it protects the production's budget, not a claim about the note being worth its face value.
Frequently asked
What amount should a prop money order be insured for?
The actual invoice amount paid, not the printed prop face value — that's the real replacement cost if the order is lost or damaged.
Does prop money need a separate insurance policy?
Usually not — it typically falls under an existing "props, sets and wardrobe" line in production insurance. Confirm with your insurer whether it needs to be itemised separately.