Gear Insurance
Need help to find out where to get affordable gear insurance. If anyone can share how much are you paying and are you insured for events or just the gear. Any other suggestions/info is greatly apreciated.
I have no idea, except that I learned that with homeowner's or renter's insurance policies, you better keep your receipts, appraisals, and photos of your stuff if you ever need to make a claim if something gets stolen.
Even better to give your insurance guy a copy of the above info.
I recently added rider policy for my equip to my home owners insurance. The cost was approx. $1 per month for each $1000 of equip. This is a non professional rate so I do not know the rate for professionals. I did have to supply them with a list of equip. and serial #'s for the items that have a SN.
I called my insurance company and setup a standalone policy for my gear, I have a minimal amount <$2500 worth of equipment and it came to $36 for the year as a hobby photographer. If you are looking for business insurance I have read here that someone was paying the thousands, but it also was including employees working for the person.
I may be mistaken, but whether you set up a standalone policy or add a rider to your homeowner's insurance, it is a really good idea to
1.) make a list of your equipment, with serial #'s
2.)take photos of each item (lenses, silver, artwork, jewelry, etc.)
3.) give a copy of the above to your insurance carrier
I have heard of insurance claims being denied without some kind of proof that the lost items were actually owned by the insurer. THey don't tell you that when they let you pay them extra insurance for your gear. Check it out --- > Ask 'em!
My gear went swimming last summer on a canoe trip. I was assured by the employee at a highly regarded outdoor supply store, that the dry bag I was purchasing was ideal, and that he had never had an issue with it. I bought the bag, it failed, and about 11.5 K worth of water damage ensued. (Fortunately, I have riders on my gear, so they paid me out.) If you have expensive gear, run don't walk to your insurance agent. Bring the receipts, and the gear in so that they can see it, and record the serial numbers.
Be aware that professional coverage is very expensive, mainly because it included liability aspects. The line between professional and amateur is sometimes a grey one. If you shoot for a client it is professional, but if you sell a print or two occasionally it is a little murkier.
You can get a Personal Articles policy from your insurance agent to cover your gear. They are very reasonable in price. Usually, your gear would be covered by your homeowners policy, but subject to whatever your deductable is. Check with your agent for the best product for your situation.
You should have a rider on all photo, computers which includes desk top, laptop, IPad, IPhone. A separate one for jewelry.
Thank you all, information provided is very helpful. Once agin thank you everyone.
BHC
Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA
Sirpixxalot wrote:
Need help to find out where to get affordable gear insurance. If anyone can share how much are you paying and are you insured for events or just the gear. Any other suggestions/info is greatly apreciated.
Renters insurance = ~US$12.00 per month
Full replacement rider for >6 cameras worth >$10,000 $1.00/$1000 value = $10.00 per month.
Total = ~22.00 per month.
The cost of insurance for my guns started at $10.00 per month each! I now store all my guns and camera inventory except an old "throw-down" (which is not insured) at a LEO's residence in his agency required and approved gun-safe.
I am with everyone else. I have a rider on my home owners policy. It is not that expensive. But make sure and read your policy when you get it.
I also have 'Scheduled Coverage' with my homeowner's insurance. I took a look at it this morning - it seemed a little pricey compared to what some of you are paying. I figure it at about $18 per thousand per year. I have $2701 covered between 2 bodies and 3 lenses (B & H prices), for a total premium of $49 / year. Still not too bad for the peace of mind....
All good advice given. I'd like to add that when traveling out of the USA, pack with your gear (carry-on of course) purchase receipts (or copies) of your gear. I've never had a problem when travelling internationally, but was advised to do so by a pro. Customs can be "iffie"" in some counties.
Thank you folks, good info and advises.
I have a card that I received from Canada Customs so I can get my gear back into Canada.
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