dandev Loc: Enumclaw, WA

Hi - I have an Inland Marine liability insurance policy via State Farm that I use for coverage when shooting paid client work. (In case someone trips over a power cord or gets blinded by a flash.) It also covers my camera gear. (Since I use this for work, I can't cover it under homeowners insurance.)

I'm looking to compare rates and coverage from other providers. Does anyone have any good recommendations? Feel free to respond in private if you don't want to post rates.

Thanks.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

I strongly recommend you look for coverage insuring against the very real possibility that something happens (loss, damage, act of God or terrorism) to images taken at a one-time event such as a wedding, retirement, birthday, etc.

dandev Loc: Enumclaw, WA

Good thought. Thanks.

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

When I shot professionally I used HIGH RISK CAMERA INSURANCE available through many insurer's.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I suggest contacting Chubb. If you are a member of NANPA, you can get a preferred rate from them.

http://www.nanpa.org/membership/insurance/

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

Don’t own anything of value...

No seriously the above recommendations should get you going. Talk to your insurance person...

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

My recommendation also

zonedoc

If you qualify, call USAA.

Ira

I got mine though State Farm, it was very reasonable.

dandev Loc: Enumclaw, WA

Thanks everyone - I'm checking out what Chubb (via Nanpa) offers. I currently have State Farm - just wanted to compare.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I use my local insurance agents for this type of coverage. Best of luck.

Nicholas DeSciose

You already have the best. But if you need to consult local agents in your area.

Photec

You might also check with Professional Photographers of America (PPofA) for membership and insurance. When I had my studio they were cheaper than State Farm with more coverage.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

PPA is cheaper only if you get their cheap plan, which uses a depreciation schedule when reimbursement for losses time comes around. The better policy that their carrier offers, where you insure for replacement value and you submit a schedule of covered gear, is a bit on the high-side of mid-priced plans.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Perhaps the laws and regulations pertaining to insurance, up here in Canada, are different from those in the U.S. Wherever you are located, familiarize yourself with the regulations that may be controlled by your state, provincial, or federal government.

I utilize the services of an insurance broker who will have at his or her disposal a number of carriers and will put together a comprehensive plan for my business- they do the shopping!

Some of the folks that are responding here and confusing equipment insurance with liability insurance.

Of course, you want the best deal on the premiums that you need to pay but you also want good coverage in the event of a claim or a loss. Your insurance needs may be very different from those of others so you need to first examine your individual needs for protection against likely perils.

In my own case, I do lots of work on location so I am in peoples' homes, businesses, and on industrial locations. I oftentimes have to set up substantial lighting, erect light stands, stepladders, platforms, and tripods, and run electrical cords across floors. I, therefore, want to make sure that I am covered in the even I accidentally cause damage to anyone's person or property. My own equipment is also at risk. If my work was confined to the studio, I would not need as much in my rental unit, I may be held responsible.

As for equipment, working ion location, I need floater policies that cover my gear when I am in transit or on location. Again, if I did not travel with my gear, I would not require this more expensive coverage

To save money, I schedule my gear. All of my studio gear is covered for fire or water damage, but I certainly don't need a floater theft coverage on equipment that is too heavy to be easily burglarized or things that are bolted down to the floor. I found out that there is a discount for well protected and no-smoking premises so I made certain that I have approved locks and a good alarm/security system and our entire building is a no-smoking property.

Read the small print, there are many waivers and exclusions in insurance policies. Decide whether you want full replacement value on your gear- the depreciated value may be shockingly disappointing in the event of a claim.

It seems that "personal injury" has become an "industry" in the legal profession so I carry 2-million dollars in public liability.

If you are in the wedding photography business, you may want to consider a policy to cover non-performance" in the event you can not deliver the product as contracted for. In the film days, there were lab accidents that could endanger film. Nowadays, the main peril is a seriously dissatisfied bride. This sounds very unpleasant but there have been some extremely nasty lawsuits with equally nasty judgements aganst the photograher.

Buy your insurance wisely- don't under-insure and don't buy what you don't need.