Photo equipment insurance: Thanks to all of you who weighed in regarding a gimbal head. I am currently insured by a company that carries photo equip insurance but it is not their bread...

Ted Evans Loc: Jasper, AL

Thanks to all of you who weighed in
regarding a gimbal head.
I am currently insured by a company that carries photo equip insurance
but it is not their bread and butter. So I'm thinking that there must be
insurance companies that do take photo equip much more seriously
and am sure that many of you serious photographers are insured by
one that you are happy with because to them (company) it is their
main business. I want to know of one or more that you have as your
protector of your photo equip that you cannot financially replace.
Please give some contact info ( phone or email address).
Thanks,
Ted Evans

Keldon Loc: Yukon, B.C.

Is this for a photography business? If not and it's just your hobby equipment then your household insurance should cover any losses or damage.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Ted Evans wrote:

Thanks to all of you who weighed in br regarding a... (show quote)

Need more info. Is this for a business?

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Ted Evans wrote:

Thanks to all of you who weighed in br regarding a... (show quote)

Unlike antique car insurance, I don't think I have ever heard of a company that specializes in insuring photographic gear. My guess is that coverage from such a specialized company would be rather expensive. Most major companies seem to offer riders on their policies that cater to various types of personal gear, including cameras. My advice is to check with several well regarded companies. Not all insurance companies have the same customer satisfaction, obviously. Make sure you fully understand the terms of the policy. Compare deductables, exclusions, reimbursement rates (some will pay based on purchase price, some on current sale price only), etc. Some policies are not good outside the US, or have other such restrictions. Homeowners/renters policies typically only cover damage or loss in your home, although some provide additional coverage. If you can't find a specialized company then find an agent you trust and have a discussion with him or her.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

LFingar wrote:

Unlike antique car insurance, I don't think I have... (show quote)

Unless the OP plans on using the equipment for business purposes. Homeowners won't touch it. Most companies that specialize in photographer's liability insurance, also offer equipment coverage, but the list must be itemized with serial numbers, etc. If you have 20k worth of equipment, and only insure it for $10k. If you have a loss of $5,000, because you only insured 1/2 your equipment, you would only collect $2500.

Very important to have the right insurance, for the right purpose. That's why I asked if this is commercial. Trust me, if you have a loss that results in a few thousand, they will dig to see if you even shot 1 wedding for a few hundred bucks, and refuse to pay.

Before you ask, my wife has sold commercial insurance for 30 years. I also know of at least 2 people who paid for added insurance on their home owners policy, and didn't get reimbursed for the loss.

If you have enough to insure, best bet is to not take chances by trying to "work your way around the system"

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

bkyser wrote:

Unless the OP plans on using the equipment for bus... (show quote)

:thumbup:

Very good advice. At the time of a loss, the last thing he'll be thinking of was the amount of his premium.

bcmink Loc: Monona, WI

Your homeowner's policy will not cover high end photography gear. You'll need a separate rider from your current insurance carrier. I use State Farm. In order to obtain a policy I had to provide a complete list with serial numbers for each item and the original purchase invoice. I'm also required to edit the list if I sell or acquire new items that need to be insured. The rider is a full replacement policy with a reasonable deductible.

The annual premium cost is not inexpensive, but frankly, if I had even a small portion of the gear stolen the annual premium would seem insignificant.

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

for business I use the Hartford, and I do itemize about 30K of photography equipment. I do not provide them the itemized list, but in the event of loss, I would be required to provide those serial numbers, and or receipts. So they along with everything else is backed up off-site.

I would think homeowners insurance would depend on the value of your equipment. I have heard of someone who was running a studio out of their home thinking that homeowners insurance would cover them. A client tripped on one of his light stands, and smashed her face. A claim was filed and homeowners promptly dropped them and they were not covered because they were running a business out of their home. As a result they were on their own for the lawsuit.

However I have never heard of an insurance company that specialized in photography insurance.

SonyBug

OK, after having two losses that were covered 100% let me recommend State Farm. One was for a lens that was scratched and not repairable, and the other for a lens that was repaired. Both were 100% covered. I have 20K of cameras and guns insured for under $250 a year. This is the best insurance deal I have and would never let it lapse.

SonyBug

Capture48 wrote:

for business I use the Hartford, and I do itemize ... (show quote)

The loss described here is exactly why I do not accept money for any photo jobs. If I come to your house or not, my photos are free! Of course, I don't do a portrait shoot unless I really like you. My hobby is just that, a hobby. I don't want to loose my house over a few bucks.

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

nikonbug wrote:

The loss described here is exactly why I do not accept money for any photo jobs. If I come to your house or not, my photos are free! Of course, I don't do a portrait shoot unless I really like you. My hobby is just that, a hobby. I don't want to loose my house over a few bucks.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that charging money is the only criteria an insurance company will use to judge if you have a business or not.

Kobuk Loc: Roseville, CA

All good information Thanks

Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia

Ted Evans wrote:

Thanks to all of you who weighed in br regarding a... (show quote)

Look, most in here are not earning 50% or more from photography. Go to your homeowners or renter insurance and have an addendum/article drawn up to include your photography equipment. Included everything, tripods, polarizes, etc. No most do not require serial numbers but usually a receipt for the item. It is about a few dollars for every thousand of verified value. I am an amateur, enthusiast and have $40,000 of insured equipment with AAA. No deductible. Everything is insured at what I paid for it. I lose it, drop it, have it stolen, I am covered. Yes, my D800E and 24-70 f/2.8 fell into the pacific. I got a check for what I paid for it in a week. No sweat, easy - great peace of mind.

Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia

Capture48 wrote:

for business I use the Hartford, and I do itemize ... (show quote)

I don't think you are insured as you think. Umbrella homeowners coverage is limited by amount and subject to deductible. I have $40,000 insured by AAA and I have made claims. Yes, I do sell some my prints but I don't get 50% of my income from photography. The amount of income is important otherwise according to you even a dollar income would negate your insurance. That is not true.

However, if you are truly running a business, you really need business insurance included but not limited to liability, worksman's compensation, unemployment, should you hire a helper for weddings etc. etc.

edazz Loc: Florida via New York

nikonbug wrote:

OK, after having two losses that were covered 100% let me recommend State Farm. One was for a lens that was scratched and not repairable, and the other for a lens that was repaired. Both were 100% covered. I have 20K of cameras and guns insured for under $250 a year. This is the best insurance deal I have and would never let it lapse.

Are you required to have home insurance with them in order to get the camera and gun coverage, ir can it be purchased separately?