Richie 34 Loc: Boston Ma.

can anyone set me in the right direction for getting some insurance on my equipment,I have some fear of it getting stolen.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

If you are a homeowner check with your agent, your gear is covered up to $2500 and you can add a rider to extend that coverage.

Frapha Loc: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Speaking from point of view of an Insurance professional with 43+ years in the industry, It's automatically covered under your Homeowners Policy (or renters policy), subject to whatever deductible you have on your homeowners policy. It's covered for theft from the premises or away from premises, fire, vandalism, etc. However, if you drop it or knock it off the table, the Homeowners policy will NOT provide coverage.

For that, you need a "camera floater" or "personal articles floater" (also referred to as Inland Marine Coverage) and they are cheap (assuming you're not a professional), -- talk with your homeowners agent. If you're a professional (income producing with camera), you can still get the coverage, it's just a little more expensive but still affordable considering the option of having nothing when your equipment is damaged.

You’re much better off with a separate policy, rather than attaching this coverage to your homeowners coverage for a couple reasons. First, if attached to your homeowners insurance, you’ll generally have a much higher deductible. Second, if attached to your homeowners insurance and you happen to have a theft claim on your camera equipment, it could result in a surcharge on your entire homeowners premium. By having on a separate policy, you can get a much lower deductible and avoid any potential surcharges on your homeowners policy if you have claim activity. In addition, the separate "Inland Marine" policy provides a much broader form of coverage that you get under your homeowners policy.

Rates vary widely from state to state. Check with the agent who writes your homeowners insurance about a separate policy. Your homeowners company/agent undoubtedly has ability to provide a separate policy covering your camera equipment with broader coverage (and cheaper) than the homeowners policy, and with much lower deductible (or no deductible). No need to find a different company unless you just don't like the company you already have.

UtahBob Loc: Southern NJ

Thanks for the advice.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Thanks for that.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

I hate to rain on Frapha's parade, but while your equipment may be insured for theft in your house, it is not insured once you leave your house. At least not by State Farm Insurance, which I have. Through a rider to my policy I was able to insure $5000 worth of equipment for $60/yr., and adding additional equipment was very inexpensive. The coverage is quite comprehensive, covering theft, damage (for any reason), and loss, at home and away from home. It will give you peace of mind.

BigBear Loc: Northern CT

I have a rider on my homeowners policy that covers full replacement cost with no deductible.

Frapha Loc: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Homeowners coverages on & away from premises varies by state, and often by company based on the type of HO policy one has. Another reason to have that separate policy. As with any other commodity, Homeowner policies come in a wide variety of coverage forms and many of the coverages vary by state, and often vary widely. Best advice for anyone is to have a conversation with your agent BEFORE you need the coverage (have a claim) -- make an informed decision, don't just assume your policy does or doesn't cover something.

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

I ran into that very same situation, about homeowners insurance. My agent explained how a claim would effect our homeowners insurance. I went with a company call "Worth Ave Group" You insure your camera, and all your electronics in one blanket policy based on the total replacement cost. I bought a policy for $30,000, it covers camera equipment, Smart TV, Cell Phones, computers, etc. There is one catch though you have to have proof of ownership or receipts of purchase. For cameras, it cover dropping them, water damage, recovered or not, thief, with police report. I've never had to file a claim yet, and hope I never do. Oh yes, you may have to provide a list of equipment you want to cover.

PVR8 Loc: Raleigh, NC

Do you know of any company that will insure my equipment without my trying to get coverage through my lousy home owners insurance company? I live in North Carolina (Raleigh). I'd like to get some blanket coverage if it isn't too costly. I don't own a huge amount of equipment or very expensive equipment but I'd like to feel covered for what I do own.

Frapha Loc: Tulsa, Oklahoma

My suggestion would be to contact a local agent - perhaps an independent agent who represents several different companies. Not all companies operate in all states, and coverages offered by any company varies from state to state. Another option is a Google search for camera insurance in your city/state, but you may well end up dealing with someone via a 1-800 number or online rather than face-to-face with that method. Some of the photography magazines also carry several ads for various insurance outlets for both professional and hobbyist.

PVR8 Loc: Raleigh, NC

I will do that on Monday. Thanks!

UtahBob Loc: Southern NJ

Since you are being kind answering these questions how does reimbursement of a damage claim work? Is it current value or replacement cost. In a replacement cost scenario, I can see the potential for drowned equipment every time I might need to upgrade?

I will say that you need to read the policy carefully. Every policy I have ever had has a lot of fine points that even the broker is confused on and I'd imagine a camera policy would have a lot of critical language.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

A separate camera policy would cover specific items, so every time I bought or sold, I'd have to contact the company. Just a thought.

Frapha Loc: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Most such policies are Replacement Cost -- i.e., no depreciation -- but again this can vary by company & state. Also, some companies offer an "inflation" coverage that automatically increases you coverage amount annually -- some offer as a standard part of the policy, some offer for a slight additional premium charge, and some don't offer. You're correct in that it can be an incentive for a "moral risk" but on the other hand, too many strange claims and you're likely to get a letter from the company that will make you a member of their "alumni association". :D Also remember that "consumables" such as lens cleaner, lens tissues, non-rechargeable batteries, etc are generally considered to be uninsurable because they're eventually consumed.