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Purchasing Camera Insurance for Upcoming Trip
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Feb 5, 2023 14:04:46   #
awesome14 Loc: UK
 
Car rental outfits deal with that type of insurance: just during a trip. Travel agents can also turn you on to that type of insurance. But zero deductable is a problem, because it invites fraud. Insurance is to share the burden of risk between many individuals. Those who don't file claims pay the claims of those who do.

So, the basis of insurance is assessment of risk, not an absolute guarantee of zero losses no matter what. If that's what you want, you should just put 2500.00 in a bank account, and if you suffer a total loss, there you go. There are ways to minimize the risk. Don't use new bags, or leather bags. Put a tag on the case that reads, "Stool samples" in Italian.

But use something that's well worn, and not specifically a camera bag, like an old suitcase, or well-worn Pelican case. EBay has everything you could want. Italian eBay might have a 'contminated biological waste' label in Italian The symbol is the same in every language. And you can translate the site with Google Translate. You just copy and paste the URL into Google Translate, and from then on eBay.it will be translated into the language you chose.

A skull and crossbones works the same way. But don't label it 'explosives', because that's illegal. You just need to make the next guy a better mark than you are. Convince the thief to move on.

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Feb 5, 2023 14:07:45   #
Urnst Loc: Brownsville, Texas
 
Picture Taker wrote:
Can't live in fear all your life.



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Feb 5, 2023 14:16:13   #
awesome14 Loc: UK
 
Picture Taker wrote:
Can't live in fear all your life.


No, but you also don't need to stumble off the curb in front of a truck!

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Feb 5, 2023 14:21:44   #
Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb
 
We live our lives our own way and look at it, in our own way.
I made it for over 90 years in spite Uncle Sam and the Fire Department.
may not make much longer but did it .

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Feb 5, 2023 14:46:44   #
Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.
 
Picture Taker wrote:
Can't live in fear all your life.



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Feb 5, 2023 17:13:48   #
ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or
 
When I teach travel photography to groups about to take trips especially overseas. I advise them to travel as light as possible. For most people, that’s a Cel phone only. Others it would be a pocketable camera with an equivalent of 24-70, 24-200, or for an Africa Safari a 24-600mm camera.
As for camera bags, I recommend a diaper bag. They are cheap, usually waterproof, padded and have lots of pockets. For extra believability, put a baby bottle in one of the outside pockets. Or a disgustingly warn and dirty baby toy. Also get ones with little ducks or other embarrassing creatures on them. No one bothers diaper bags. They don’t scream “steal me” like a Nikon or Canon labeled bag does.
Remember: you are supposed to be on vacation, not a National Geo. Photo Safari. So enjoy your trip.

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Feb 5, 2023 17:52:12   #
rwoodvira
 
TomFama wrote:
In the fall I will be travelling to Italy. I'll be spending a couple of days in Naples. Based on all that I read, Naples is not a safe place to carry a camera bag. Has anyone experience with purchasing insurance covering an all-perils claim with zero-deduction for 1 month (or one trip)? My homeowners insurance (Progressive) does not offer zero deduction claims. Total value of camera equipment is approximately $2500. Thanks in advance for any helpful advice. Tom Fama


You might want to get an uncuttable strap for your bag and camera - friends that travel more than me advise that in a number of European cities thieves come up behind and cut the strap to steal your camera. I quick search gave me this: https://toomanyadapters.com/secure-camera-straps/

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Feb 6, 2023 06:22:54   #
clemente21
 
DougS wrote:
State Farm (home owners) has 'Replacement' insurance for my gear. Check your policy/agent again.


I have State Farm as well. Not replacement, but what I paid for the item, which in my case is $2,500. No deductible. Covers loss, theft & damage. It is called personal articles policy for $60/yr.

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Feb 6, 2023 15:30:46   #
davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel
 
TomFama wrote:
In the fall I will be travelling to Italy. I'll be spending a couple of days in Naples. Based on all that I read, Naples is not a safe place to carry a camera bag. Has anyone experience with purchasing insurance covering an all-perils claim with zero-deduction for 1 month (or one trip)? My homeowners insurance (Progressive) does not offer zero deduction claims. Total value of camera equipment is approximately $2500. Thanks in advance for any helpful advice. Tom Fama


You may wind up paying more than your gear is worth, if you can find someone to write it.

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Feb 6, 2023 15:42:53   #
toxdoc42
 
I just checked my USAA insurance bill. I have listed camera equipment valued at $2,695 for which my premium is $44. That covers lost property, accidentally broken or damaged, worldwide coverage.

This is how they define replacement cost:
"Replacement cost coverage means you can repair or replace your stolen or damaged property with items similar in quality and worth. The amount we pay is determined at the time of the claim, up to your policy's limit.

We have the option to replace the item or pay to repair or restore it. If you don't want to have the item replaced, repaired or restored, we'll pay the lesser of our cost to replace it, or the cost to repair or restore it.

We'll pay up to your scheduled limit if we determine it's not possible or feasible to replace, repair or restore the item."

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Feb 6, 2023 15:52:15   #
TomFama
 
Thanks to all who replied. Has anyone else experience with USAA?
Tom Fama

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Feb 6, 2023 18:03:09   #
davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel
 
TomFama wrote:
Thanks to all who replied. Has anyone else experience with USAA?
Tom Fama


USAA is the absolute best insurance company in the world. Whatever I have insured with them is covered no matter where in the world it is. Very few companies insure in that manner but USAA insures service people no matter where they are stationed. Something that effects members in the Conus that other insurance companies do not include would be a trip to Mexico. My vehicle is completely covered while I am there. I have never had a claim for photography gear but other claims have been settled quickly without the usual insurance B/S. Payment has always been quick and complete. The best part will be in the mail very soon, my subscriber's saving account refund is coming soon. K-E-H web site beckons!

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Feb 6, 2023 19:32:07   #
C. Loren Loc: MN
 
Do you have homeowners insurance? If so, check with them. It might already be covered, but it’s probably subject to your deductible, whatever that is.

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Feb 6, 2023 19:46:55   #
larryepage Loc: North Texas area
 
C. Loren wrote:
Do you have homeowners insurance? If so, check with them. It might already be covered, but it’s probably subject to your deductible, whatever that is.


Just remember that (depending on what state you are in), any claim filed is probably going to affect your rating and insurability. Rates on the entire policy could go up, or your policy could be cancelled. Talk to your agent. Listen to what he tells you.

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Feb 9, 2023 10:17:24   #
mundy-F2 Loc: Chicago suburban area
 
billnikon wrote:
Most insurance companies offer a RIDER to your homeowners policy or a separate specific policy. Mine is with Allstate.
I worked it through with my agent. It lists all of my equipment, serial numbers and date of purchase, I have the receipts, which I make copies of and the insurance company has a copy as proof of purchase. However, if a piece is stolen, I get the replacement cost. Say I bought a camera in 2018 for $2,000.00, that camera is stolen and the replacement cost is now $2400.00, Allstate will give me $2400.00 to buy a new one.
So, it is a rider or separate policy that only insures my photography equipment.
Trust me, they are very concerned about my Sony 600 f4 lens. But they will now replace it if it is stolen.
Most insurance companies offer a RIDER to your hom... (show quote)


My house was broken into one day while I was at work and they stole one body and 3 lenses. The home owners insurance covered the loss. No extra rider at the time in 1973. Country Company insurance. I would check with your agent.
Mundy

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