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Dec 14, 2021 15:21:30   #
Nikon1201
 
I have mine on my home owners insurance. Everything is covered. Cheap too.

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Dec 14, 2021 16:19:18   #
JhnMhn
 
I have had a scheduled rider with State Farm on my home policy since the 1980s. In that time I have had a Canon F1, Canon1D MKIII, Nikonos, and several lenses ( most recently an RF 100-500 ) that were irreparably damaged in accidents and taken care of promptly by State Farm with no resulting increases in rates or cancellations. I can’t speak to other companies, but State Farm has been just what I buy insurance for without any of the problems usually associated with insurance payouts. I have nothing to gain from State Farm, other than excellent service.

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Dec 14, 2021 19:14:41   #
Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC
 
Like Tony said... "if you make ANY money or compensation from photography" you are then considered a "Commercial Photographer" and virtually everything changes. If you decide on becoming an LLC then Local; State and Federal taxation authorities are standing in the wings waiting to go over your balance sheets.

btw, this is called the cost of doing business...
Creedence Clearwater Revival got it right in 1969 - Fortunate Son...

"It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate one, no
Some folks are born, silver spoon in hand
Lord, don't they help themselves, y'all
But when the TAXMAN comes to the door
Lord, the house looks like a rummage sale, yeah"

From many of the posts in this thread it appears that there are precious few if any commercial entities replying...
Would seriously suggest that if you are generating a revenue stream from your work that invest some quality time with a CPA in your jurisdiction. They are likely one of the precious few qualified to field queries in this post...

Wishing all a safe and joyful holiday season with family and friends...

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Dec 14, 2021 19:49:47   #
SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA
 
billnikon wrote:
You want HIGH RICK COVERAGE, you should be able to get it from a variety of insurance companies. I have mine through All State.
It not only covers theft and accidental damages but covers me for liability in case my equipment causes damage or injury to someone.
And yes, it is more expensive, but for me and my equipment it is piece of mind.
And make sure you check insurance coverage, mine is 100% replacement. Not all insurance companies cover 100% replacement incase of theft or damage.
Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.
You want HIGH RICK COVERAGE, you should be able to... (show quote)


I don’t let Rick anywhere near my equipment, especially if he’s high!

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Dec 14, 2021 19:51:22   #
SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA
 
Gene51 wrote:
Beware of non-scheduled rider policies on home insurance. All you need to do is make a couple of claims before you find yourself and your home and property uninsurable. The low cost plans are worthless. They require a receipt in order to make a claim, and they will depreciate the value. After some ridiculously short period of time 5 yrs or less, they will give you next to nothing when you claim a loss.

That being said, I joined NANPA (North American Nature Photographers Association) and used their insurance, offered by Rand Insurance and underwritten by CHUBB. You provide a schedule with serial numbers and replacement costs, and they will pay out whatever you've listed. Good insurance, reasonable in cost for what they cover, and if you make a claim you don't have to worry about being blacklisted by a homeowner's insurance company.

Trust me, I speak from experience on both types of insurance. I was rear-ended in my car while waiting for a traffic light to turn green, and there was a fire, lost nearly $12K in gear (see below), and it was covered 100% less the $250 deductible. They paid me within a few days of my claim, and then they fought it out with the other drivers' insurance policies.

You can get a similar policy as a member of PPA (Professional Photographers of America), but the cost of membership is high, making the cost of insurance that much higher. They offer two plans, one that is similar to the non-scheduled, depreciated plans that most homeowner policies offer, and one that is scheduled, and you get replacement cost, not a fraction of purchase price, when you experience a loss. Naturally, the better policy costs more, but all you need to do is use it once after dropping a camera and lens or having it stolen, and you will be glad you had it. Don't be seduced by the low cost of the homeowner's rider policies - this is a perfect example of that old saying "you get what you pay for" and my spin "you never get what you don't pay for". Happy hunting!
Beware of non-scheduled rider policies on home ins... (show quote)


I’ve thought about PPA. I’ll have to look into NANPA.

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Dec 14, 2021 19:55:41   #
SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA
 
AzPicLady wrote:
I feel I have to caution all of you about insuring on your home owner's policy. I was so insured, with a rider on camera equipment to cover 100% of the purchase price. I fought with them for 18 months before getting a dime after a burglary. Other than accusing me of perpetrating the crime myself, there was also their claim that I was in business and sold my artwork, therefore virtually canceling the insurance. (My lawyer argued that the agent asked no such questions when the policy was initiated nor at any time during my 20 years of carrying their insurance. They did finally pay off, but not until they had dragged me through horrid treatment for a very long time. Oh, and by the way, everything that wasn't on the rider was paid off at about 10-20% of value due to depreciation.
I feel I have to caution all of you about insuring... (show quote)


Which is one reason I would suggest NOT using homeowners insurance for his gear. It sounds like the OP is doing professional work and he’d be much better off looking at the options offered by professional associations.

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Dec 14, 2021 20:32:46   #
ReFlections Loc: From LA to AL
 
Gene51 wrote:
To all that provided anecdotes in support of home insurance riders - the operative thoughts in my post were "Beware of non-scheduled rider policies on home insurance." Those are the low cost ones with higher deductibles and depreciated reimbursement. When you provide a schedule of gear and insure for replacement costs, it's usually better. But still, I had two claims in one year with a scheduled rider that were paid promptly without question. But at renewal time the cost went up and upon attempting to switch my homeowner's insurance coverage to a different company, I had trouble getting any kind of insurance from anyone.

Just a cautionary tale - to be considered.
To all that provided anecdotes in support of home ... (show quote)



As a retired insurance agent, listen to him. What he says is a Fact. At some point- policy renewal or otherwise, you will see a difference. Insurance companies keep up with something called FREQUENCY. You WILL pay for claims- SOONER or LATER. When you try to get other insurance, all insurance companies us CLUE reports to find your claims. Then it’s Happy Hunting! Or maybe not so happy hunting for another company to insure you.

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Dec 14, 2021 22:29:30   #
wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado
 
SuperflyTNT wrote:
I’ve thought about PPA. I’ll have to look into NANPA.



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Dec 15, 2021 02:30:22   #
JhnMhn
 
TonyBot wrote:
Good advice.

One thing Gene doesn't mention is that if you make ANY money or compensation from photography is that your home-owners policy coverage of photo equipment is worth diddly-squat!
If you make a claim for photo stuff and you have a web site showing your work off, they will assume you are likely a professional and disallow your claim.
Check carefully with your insurance agent their guidelines!


Don’t know which Ins Co you are referring to, but this is simply not true as a blanket statement. My earlier statements about State Farm paying out for multiple incidents over the years was for professional use. The latest was this year for a Canon RF 100-500. I have a web site for photo sales. My equipment has been insured as a rider on my homeowners policy since the 1980s and I have never had a problem getting payouts for damaged equipment used to make money. Clearly YMMV depending on the Ins Co used and the advice to “check carefully with your insurance agent” is good advice. I have only used State Farm.

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Dec 15, 2021 02:36:52   #
OldSchool-WI Loc: Brandon, Wisconsin 53919
 
Mikal wrote:
I also use a rider from State Farm. State Farm paid me more than $45,000 when my collection was stolen. No deductible and losses were covered at replacement new basis. I still have the same policy.


What form of collection did you have valued at $45,000?----

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Dec 15, 2021 02:43:04   #
OldSchool-WI Loc: Brandon, Wisconsin 53919
 
My Mother had water damage to her period mahogany Baker formal dining table. The insurance adjuster placed a low value as though it were a mere "hunk of oak." Mother convinced by telephone the president of Baker in Michigan to take in the table and leaves and properly re-finish filled--mirror finish mahogany. It was transported by Chair City. The entire job cost a fortune---but the insurance was forced to pay for it. So---make sure you have a replacement clause. Then buy a "good" replacement and show the bill.----

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Dec 15, 2021 09:23:06   #
Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb
 
I have a rider on my home owners policy only had one incident in many year and had a Tamron lens Canon camera repaired. I hand carried the bill to the All State office and they wrote a check on the spot.

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Dec 15, 2021 09:52:53   #
starlifter Loc: Towson, MD
 
State Farrm rider, no problem.

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Dec 15, 2021 13:46:11   #
stan0301 Loc: Colorado
 
from SB wrote:
Hello everyone. Happy Monday. A quick question. Who is your equipment insurance company? I'd like my equipment covered in my studio and while I'm on locations. Theft and accidental damages. Thank you for your help!!


State Farm does ours - they have replaced a couple stolen cameras - and I have been very pleased

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Dec 15, 2021 14:11:06   #
sandiegosteve Loc: San Diego, CA
 
Hill and Usher is great if you can't get it through your home policy.

Your post implies that you may make some money with photography. If your home insurance thinks you do (some will claim that having a web site makes you a pro) they may not cover you. If you are doing studio work or on location events, Hill and Usher is great. Their photo package has the stuff that most places will ask for when shooting on location.

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