Camera Insurance: Question for the “pro” photographers. What insurance do you obtain that covers your equipment and liability? In my research I have found that some home insurance...

Mjump54

Question for the “pro” photographers.
What insurance do you obtain that covers your equipment and liability?
In my research I have found that some home insurance carries limits on gear, but may have a cap on value unless you add a rider but would not cover liability on a shoot.
Looking for advice on who and what you are doing.
Thanks

BruceS

My stuff is covered by State Farm at full value against loss, theft, and damage that renders any/all pieces inoperable - even damage inflicted by my stupidity.

starlifter Loc: Towson, MD

Ditto Ditto. I also have full coverage with Stata Farm. Have had to use it twice. Both times accidents.

Mjump54

BruceS wrote:

My stuff is covered by State Farm at full value against loss, theft, and damage that renders any/all pieces inoperable - even damage inflicted by my stupidity.

Is that a separate policy or part of home owners?

cedymock Loc: Irmo, South Carolina

When my son was making one of his videos at a historic home I took out a rider on our home owners insurance for liability thru State Farm were I also have my cameras covered under a personal property policy. However insurances are different for amateur and professional.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

State Farm is great insurance, BUT, remember, when you buy that new camera and insure it for its purchase price, the cost of insurance is going to be based on that purchase price. I've never looked into lowering the amount on any particular item due to depreciation. Let me know if anybody has.

However, I will say that you can insure a large amount of equipment fairly reasonably. We've also insured my wife's diamond under the same rider.

legion3 Loc: Deer Park Long Island

BruceS wrote:

My stuff is covered by State Farm at full value against loss, theft, and damage that renders any/all pieces inoperable - even damage inflicted by my stupidity.

HE ASKED PRO PHOTOGRAPHER STATE FARM COVERS PROS BUT AT A VERY HIGH RATE

NCMtnMan Loc: N. Fork New River, Ashe Co., NC

If you're a "pro", then homeowners insurance won't cover it and you have to get a business policy for that. Otherwise, your homeowners or renters insurance agent can tell you how they cover it and handle claims. I'm with Allstate and it's an inexpensive rider on my policy that covers theft, loss and accidental damage.

chfrus

Mjump54 wrote:

Question for the “pro” photographers.
What insurance do you obtain that covers your equipment and liability?
In my research I have found that some home insurance carries limits on gear, but may have a cap on value unless you add a rider but would not cover liability on a shoot.
Looking for advice on who and what you are doing.
Thanks

This looks like a planted advertisement for state Farm not a very good insurance company. Try and file a claim and see how they try to give you as little as possible. State Farm and Farmers are two of the worst insurance companies around.

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

Mjump54 wrote:

Question for the “pro” photographers.
What insurance do you obtain that covers your equipment and liability?
In my research I have found that some home insurance carries limits on gear, but may have a cap on value unless you add a rider but would not cover liability on a shoot.
Looking for advice on who and what you are doing.
Thanks

When I did wedding photography I got what my insurance company called HIGH RISK insurance. It covered my equipment if stolen, or if my equipment injured someone (liability) Like if my tripod fell from the balcony and landed on someone. Or if in the process of taking a shot my camera accidentally hit and injured someone, or if I was posing someone and they fell because of it and sued me it covered me.
BUT, this high risk insurance was very expensive, but when I shot for a living, it was worth it, I passed on the cost to the customer.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

You do not say where you live. Many home owner's policies are no longer available in states where there may be hurricanes - I used to have good coverage with State Farm, but they no longer sell homeowner's or renter's insurance in Florida. If you are a veteran, USAA sells personal property insurance. I checked with my current homeowner's insurance, but between the premium and deductible they quoted, and the fact that in many years I have never had equipment stolen, destroyed in a fire, etc., it just didn't seem worth it.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

State Farm covers with a personal property policy. Cheap if you’re an amateur. Replace, repair if 80% or less of value, no deductible, no depreciation (full purchase value on replacement). Covers major accessories like flash and lenses. Even covers desk top computers and printers. No mobile devices.

rubble43 Loc: Oyster Bay, Long Island NY

Check out Hill & Usher; I've had their coverage for several years. Fortunately I've never had to make a claim.

KiwiRuss

Check out PPA - Pro membership provides access to property and liability insurance. ppa.com

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

Be careful about depending on your home owner's policy. If you have EVER made one cent from your equipment, they will deny paying even for the stuff on a separate rider. I fought mine for two years (with lawyers). They did finally pay, but it was horrid. The fight with them felt more intrusive than the burglary!!!!! They investigated all of my friends and associates also.