Baracuda Loc: Kentucky

Looking for an effective alternative to my State Farm homeowners policy for covering my camera equipment. I travel some, but over the years, I have accumulated a lot of "stuff" and I thought my last premium was way too high. I live in a safe area, low crime and consider myself and situation "low risk". I have security/fire system, etc. For $50,000 of equipment it was $750 or so. Any ideas to save some money or am I getting a good deal?

Dun1 Loc: Atlanta, GA

I would check with Hill & Usher, http://www.packagechoice.com/index.jsp#htwms. Many pros I know use them an seem satisfied, they seem to have coverage that well suited or a better fit for photographers

SonyBug

I would look at what you have covered. Seems high to me. I was going to put an electric bike on my SF policy and found it cost 8% of the bikes value per year. Toooooo much.

Tomcat5133 Loc: Gladwyne PA

A big issue with me I have not solved. I only have about 15k in gear. I had written about my experience with State Farm. I am a 30 year customer with many policies.
When my D800 (which I bought at premium for $3700 was stolen in a pro crime ebay sale with false emails from PayPal they wouldn't honor the insurance.
The deductable even for a pro insurance was high. I usually sell or trade gear up. So if I lost my Sony a7s I would get half back. And I shoot charities and some
paid video, stills so they could argue I am a pro. I am sure they would argue with me my old rep told me. Moved to Florida from PA and still have State Farm
new agency. Generally I found out that insurers just dont want to pay. Had a claim at my last house couple of years ago water leak 2nd floor major damage walls opened
dryout etc. They gave my wife and I such problems and hostility by their rep that we had to fight with them. 2nd claim in over 30 years. Finally my wife got
enough out of them to cover our outlay about 10K after 4 months.
My vintage 2006 Porsche Boxster was hit by a flying truck tire not tied down properly. The TV commercial company Liberty National wouldn't budge and gave me 500 bucks.
I could have sued for endangerment but I dont do stuff like that. I paid the rest of repairs and have legacy stuff going on with this perfect car. They dont want to pay.

fourg1b2006 Loc: Long Island New York

They only like it when the money comes in....they don't like to give it back.

Leigh-a

Yeah, using your Home Owners Insurance can be "dicey". As stated, they may determine to consider you a PRO, & refuse to pay, or pay--then dump you, or raise your rates.

The last time I researched the matter, NANPA members got a "pretty good" deal through Rand & Chubb; or you may be able use those companies direct?
http://www.randinsurance.com/site/581886336/Nanpa.asp

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

Dun1 Loc: Atlanta, GA

I was a PPA member and the membership came with insurance, their insurance is thru a third party provider. I had an accident with a Canon 70-200 mm 2.8 lens attached to a Canon 7D body, after I got the deep sinking feeling from the pit of my stomach. The lens shade was attached as well as the 1A filter. I submitted a claim after I sent the lens back to Canon. The Canon repair facility examined the lens and discovered a ribbon cable that made it possible for auto focus to take place was torn from a cracked lens barrel. I completed a claim for to the PPA provider and I would say almost instantly if not sooner the provider depreciated the lens and denied the claim based on age of the lens. Canon CPS performed a clean and check based on my CPS membership. So I had to pay for a $372 repair out of pocket. I cancelled my PPA membership. During my membership I was able to attend the PPA Imaging USA conf, free as a result being a new member. I will add the the monthly membership fees are $27.95 a month. I would recommend dealing directly with a photo equipment insurance provider.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I have all state insurance, My agent has a list of my photography equipment, and it's a higher list than yours and I pay nothing extra for it. It is on my home owners policy, protected against five finger discounts, fire, etc. If I am traveling it is also insured. You may want to take to an all state insurance company.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I have all state insurance, My agent has a list of my photography equipment, and it's a higher list than yours and I pay nothing extra for it. It is on my home owners policy, protected against five finger discounts, fire, etc. If I am traveling it is also insured. You may want to talk to an all state insurance company.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

We have always had good response from State Farm, and I was disappointed when they pulled out of the homeowners market in Florida, since I had a personal property rider. Never had a claim on that, but when we had roof damage they came through for us.

ejrmaine Loc: South Carolina

I've used USAA for a few years.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

I recently change to NANPA insurance plan but my Barnstable Mutual Insurance covered my loss at replacement cost

billnourse Loc: Bloomfield, NM

In 55 years I have never had an issue with State Farm. Have everything I own insured with them and have made a few claims. Last being the totaling of a 2012 Harley Davidson that they actually gave me more for than it cost for the replacement.

I checked with my agent recently, as I have accumulated quite a bit of photo equipment, and was told that everything was covered by homeowners. They did however, suggest a rider for my guns.

Bill

rmm0605 Loc: Atlanta GA

Thanks for the tip!