02Nomad Loc: Catonsville, MD

Well, it finally happened to me..my camera was stolen from my car last Saturday! I was out doing foliage shots and had to make a few stops to pick up some things for home; as I always do, I hit the lock button for my car doors, but they didn't. I went to another location to take some shots and when I went for my camera (it was under a dirty towel on the floor behind the driver's seat) I noticed that everything had been obviously gone through. I filed a police report and called my insurance agent this past Monday to report the theft. I got the obligatory sympathy and a case number and was told that I would be contacted by a claims person. I was feeling a little less violated because I did have a separate policy for my gear and made sure that it was for replacement value. Lesson #2 (#1 was that I should never assume that pushing a button on a remote will have the desired effect) an insurance company's definition of replacement value is not what one would think; I was informed by the claims person that reimbursement would be for the original price of the camera
($2,600 after the tsunami) not what it would cost to "replace" the camera. I explained that I did find a new 5D II and the price was $3,099 (WOW!) and was told that they would only pay what I had paid originally. Thank God the price of the 24-105L has actually dropped in price!

Does anyone know of an insurance company that will actually pay replacement value?? Please, don't make the mistake that I did, ask pointedly what they mean by "replacement" value and get it in writing.

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

Who do you have your insurance with?

crimesc324 Loc: West Palm Beach, Florida

Using a remote to lock your car doors is not always a good idea. Thieves have devices that detect the signal and can use it to unlock the doors after the operator walks out of sight. Your doors may have been locked and then unlocked using that technology. The best way to lock your doors in public areas like parking lots is to manually push the lock button as you exit the car. Same for putting things in the truck. DO NOT do it in the parking lot in plain view of thieves. Put valuables in the trunk BEFORE arriving at your destination. Saves a lot of heartache and form filling later.

02Nomad Loc: Catonsville, MD

State Farm.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

I have Nationwide and found it best not to deal with the agent rather deal with the adjustors. I was leaving early in the morning put the luggage on the porch. That black camera bag was accidently left my camera on my porch. Gone when I got home next day!! Police said since porch had screen and a door it was illegal entry. Insurance considered it theft from home and they paid cost of replacement. At that time the bag contents were about $1200. So from car and from home may be the difference.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

I am with All State. When I went in to do my gear, the wording had to stay "new" replacement value, or something like that. I also had to give them pictures and serial numbers of everything I wanted covered.
The only time I had to use it, I was at a wedding as a second shooter and laid my flash on a table to go out and do some sunset shots. When I came back in the flash was gone. I had to go buy a new flash and then turn in the receipt. I had a check in the mail that week.
I have found through the years, if you insure all of your stuff with one company they seem to treat you better. And I try to go through a small family run agent too. They have everything I need insured through them.
Erv

02Nomad Loc: Catonsville, MD

The irony in all of this is that my agent is my stepson who is running his father's agency. It was the claims agent that was unyielding. We have everything insured through them.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Time to find a new Stepson or a new company.:):):) But I feel your pain. Family and business don't mix to good.:)

I have everything with Allstate too. And they gave me a really good deal on the tools and camera insurance. I carry a lot of tools in my truck and they are the same way. Full coverage.
Erv

JPL

I have never heard of a insurance company that actually pays for your loss or damage 100%, they all rip you off but you will maybe not notice it until you get into a situation where you need them to pay for something.

I decided about 20 years ago to buy no insurance except those I have to by law. And I have saved a lot of money by doing this. Still I have had 8 or 9 thefts of some kind, wrecked one car and had some other damage that insurance may have covered. But I have payed almost nothing for insurance for 20 years and saved a lot of time and disappointment dealing with insurance companies!

Musket Loc: ArtBallin'

They exist, and are special policies usually issued by Inland Marine Insurance companies, that will cover 100% retail off the shelf costs. Its not cheap. Its generally something you look into when you work as a pro because almost all of the renters/property owners/homeowners add-on insurance policies wont cover "working as a pro", just personal gear.

You pay a bit extra for 100% retail replacement.

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

Replacement cost - not a simple thing.
Generally, if your homeowners policy has "Replacement Cost Coverage" then it will pay the cost to replace the item lost with "like kind and quality".

If, however, your equipment is insured by a "Schedule/Personal Article Policy" the settlement is the LESSER of the value shown in the policy or the Actual Cash Value of the item for which claim is made.

Caveat 1 - every insurance company has its own specific wording in its policy - One company's policy may duplicate another company's policy GENERALLY but not SPECIFICALLY

Caveat 2 - if you equipment is used for "business purposes" then you likely have voided your coverage. Business - Exchange of goods or services for compensation

ocbeyer Loc: Baltimore

Allstate. Had my gear stolen a few years ago, they sent me a check for full replacement, police found and returned my gear, Allstate told me to keep the check. Happened in front of my home, so no deductible. Would've had one otherwise, would've been on my auto comprehensive plan. No rate increase, either.

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

I have two bad experiences with State Farm and they are no longer considered for anything. I have not bought insurance yet but, it is on the list so I would like to hear some thoughts on this from the Hog community.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Very good point. I never put something of value in the trunk and then walk away. Put it in the trunk and then drive away.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I always do the same thing - on the floor and covered, but a thief will have enough sense to look through the car.

As for the reimbursement, I'm surprised that they allowed that much. I would have thought they would take the original price and depreciate it. After all, if you wanted to sell the camera, you would not get the purchase price.