Camera Insurance (Page 6): I've just recently been considering getting photographer's insurance, and have been researching various companies. I checked out several, and for general...

HughJasol Loc: Phoenix, Arizona

I've just recently been considering getting photographer's insurance, and have been researching various companies. I checked out several, and for general liability ($1M/$2M) and equipment insurance ($30K), I've seen premiums in the $400-$650 range. Hill & Usher came up a lot as one of the best, but their premiums were too rich for my blood.

I came across a company called Full Frame Insurance (https://www.fullframeinsurance.com/coverage-details), which from the limited amount of Google results does appear to have good reviews. And their pricing is cheap compared to the others. I can get a $1M/$2M general liability for $99 - the only weak spot is the $5K medical payout to any one person. I can add $30K of equipment coverage ($250 deductable) for and additional $142 - not bad for a total of $241. The only downside is that they do not offer E&O coverage. Honestly, it seems almost too good to be true . . . does anyone have any more info or experience with Full Frame Insurance? Are these guys legit?

EDIT: I don't see it on their page right now, but I thought I read in one of the reviews that their equipment coverage is replacement cost.

HughJasol Loc: Phoenix, Arizona

For some reason I can't edit my previous post anymore ... anyway, I found out directly that Full Frame's coverage is NOT replacement cost, but actual cash value at time of loss (so whether you bought something new or used, you're getting the used value). So assuming these guys are legit, I need to weigh the cost getting only the FMV in the event of a loss with Full Frame, vs getting full replacement cost coverage elsewhere at a substantially higher annual premium.

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

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.

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

SteveR wrote:

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.

Steve, I've used state farm. Replacement value does not depend on original cost, but replacement cost. I had a burglary. All I had to do was provide original proof of purchase. Since I scan all reciepts, no problem. Then after I purchased done items, provided proof, they reimbursed that amount. This went on untill I replaced everything. That way I didn't have to use a lot of of money at once.

As a homeowner this is great. Don't know about a pro. Probably not the same.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

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

Might still be an viable option, albeit research this carefully... with economies in free-fall nothing is immune to bankruptcy...

Please stay safe, practice social distancing and always wear a mask in public...
Until there is a vaccine covid19 remains a clear and ever present danger...
Currently approximately only 20% +/- of intubated patients in acute respiratory failure leave an ICU alive...

Ollieboy

chfrus wrote:

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.

I had a flood claim with State Farm, and they called 2 days later asking if the settlement was enough money. They were asking me if I needed more money. I have NO complaints with State Farm.

Besperus Loc: Oregon

Inland Marine policy. Years ago I owned a photo studio in the Midwest. I traveled all over the west augmenting finances by doing “school” photography. To cover equipment we had business insurance which covered all equipment necessary to be a professional photographer.
It’s a cost of doing business. Expense? Not too bad if you are making money doing it. As hobby, home owner insurance is the best bet. Shop around.

Tommy II Loc: Northern Illinois

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.

Same with me.

photoguy1761

You asked for PRO photographers, many replies here are recommending a rider/schedule on homeowners policy DO NOT do that, as some posters have also stated it is for personal property not used for commercial purposes it won’t cover professional liability or equipment used by a professional, you are wasting your money.

BeachLady Loc: Surfside Beach, SC

KiwiRuss wrote:

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

I was just looking into a rider with Allstate - but saw the ad for PPA.com - you get the coverage up to $15,000 and the magazine AND access to training videos - all for a bit less than the quote I received from insurance co.

SO---has anyone used this alternative? AND have you ever had a claim??

BeachLady Loc: Surfside Beach, SC

ronpier wrote:

That’s true. I sell for Allstate. It’s an open peril replacement policy up to policy limits. $0 deductible. Very inexpensive. You can even purchase a rider for 1st claim forgiveness. I insure my gear this way. Same as my wife’s jewelry.

I'm a travel writer, and my photos are often published along with the article. I'm looking at Allstate since they cover my house and car--so would this make me a "professional" in the eyes of insurance?

photoguy1761

As a former insurance agent and supervisor of a whole unit of agents, I can tell you that yes, your situation and how you use the equipment is considered professional use. The fact you are compensated for your images makes it so. The scheduling of camera equipment attached to your home owners policy is not intended for professionals as it also would “imply” liability coverage. That is far beyond what the coverage offers. Spend the money on the proper type of coverage you won’t regret it.

BeachLady Loc: Surfside Beach, SC

photoguy1761 wrote:

As a former insurance agent and supervisor of a whole unit of agents, I can tell you that yes, your situation and how you use the equipment is considered professional use. The fact you are compensated for your images makes it so. The scheduling of camera equipment attached to your home owners policy is not intended for professionals as it also would “imply” liability coverage. That is far beyond what the coverage offers. Spend the money on the proper type of coverage you won’t regret it.

Thanks!

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

I had to list and price each item. I did this and use my B&H catalog to prove or justify my prices. Some insurance want receipts but they accepted the catalog. I used State Farm but most companies will give you a separate rider. They would not cover my iPad but covered my laptop which was fine as I take that with me when I travel.

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

cjc2 wrote:

The PPA is NOT the know all solution. Most of the... (show quote)

The P.P. of A. Has many full-time professional photographers, many operating on a very high level with bonafide certifications and masterships. There are also many part-timmers and aspiring professionals. This has absolutely nothing to do with the insurance coverages they offer. The insurance plans that they offer may or may not accommodate every professional. There are many factors to be considered in buying into any comprehensive business insurance plan: The value of your equipment inventory, your brick and mortar premises if you have that, the gross and net amounts of business that you do, the degree of indemnification you require based on you exposure to perils and non-performance claims, and more.

My advice is to deal with a reputable local insurance broker who can assist you in anaylizing your exact requirements and find the best carriers for your situation. I have done this for many years and receive great professional service. The same office looks after my home, car, life, and all insurance relating to my business. My broker familiarizes me with the "fine print" and makes certin that I won't run into issues in the event of a claim.

Things to consider are replacement values (new or value assigned to aged or used condition), perils such as fire, theft, water damage, coverage in the event or natural disaster or public commotion (often excluded), the company's requirement for security equipment such as alarm systems and locks, etc. and deductibles.

If you can buy your insurance throug a professional group and save money on premiums, that may be an advantage but it is up to the buyer to make sure that the coverage is adequate for their individual needs.
Shop around or have a professional broker shop for you. lI am dealing with a local broker who's office is 3 blocks form my studio. Thet want to keep my business and they keep me covered properly.