Insuring Equipment
Dec 7, 2011 14:27:11 #
Roger Hicks wrote:
quote=lynn1 I've gone to the airport and register... (show quote)
Was not aware of this...never a problem with dozens of re-entries to US. Camera bag was opened on many occasions with inspector looking through camera and lens. Never a question regarding if purchased in departing country; probably looked used; so beat up your stuff....no problems...lol
Dec 7, 2011 14:56:54 #
Years ago, I bought a tele lens in St. Maarten, and when I brought it back home, there were no questions, no inspections of equipment.
Dec 7, 2011 15:25:04 #
I just purchased a rider for my State Farm home owners. It cost me about $30 a year to insure about $2,500 worth of equipment. I did have to provide serial numbers and verify that I was not a professional.
Dec 7, 2011 16:16:58 #
One good idea to avoid tempting crooks is to replace your (camera brand) neckstrap with a ND one. Also, use black tape to cover over the brand name and model number of your camera body, use the same tape to cover over the brand name on lens caps. Also remove or cover over any labels on camera bags or backpacks that identify them as being photo related. Anything you can do to make your gear look less expensive will induce crooks to rob someone else. I have heard of crooks walking up behind someone with a photo backpack, unzipping it, reaching in and grabbing a camera or lens and running away before the owner has even realized what is happening. If you can find some old beat up pack or shoulder bag, that is the best thing for wandering around while shooting.
Dec 7, 2011 16:45:26 #
tommyest wrote:
One good idea to avoid tempting crooks is to repla... (show quote)
I've often wondered about the wisdom of using a Nikon camera bag or an Apple case for a computer. It's like you're just advertising for trouble.
I'm not thrilled about the shoulder straps that Nikon and Canon are using now - "NIKON," "CANON." They could join forces and make a strap that says, "Hey, this guy has an expensive camera."
Many TV shows prominently feature either Nikon or Canon, but others have the name taped over. I'm sure it's a financial thing.
Dec 7, 2011 16:46:52 #
Roger Hicks
Loc: Aquitaine
tommyest wrote:
Also, use black tape to cover over the brand name and model number of your camera body, use the same tape to cover over the brand name on lens caps. Anything you can do to make your gear look less expensive will induce crooks to rob someone else.
Do you really believe this? Street theft is a crime of opportunity. To a thief, all cameras cost the same, i.e. nothing, and besides, very few thieves are going to read up on the differences between a Nikon D70, D700 and D7000. If they can steal it, they will -- and exactly which camera it is will be totally irrelevant to them.
Yes, removing the obvious advertising on the camera strap and (especially) the bag may make them less noticeable, but even then, a camera is generally more noticeable than a strap. And any decent-looking bag may have all kinds of goodies in it apart from cameras: passports, credit cards...
Paradoxically, I have heard of Leicas being left behind in burglaries, and very ordinary DSLRs being stolen, because 'everyone knows' that DSLRs are the most valuable cameras...
Cheers,
R.
Dec 7, 2011 17:30:49 #
Registering your equipment by serial number with customs is very good advice. I made a list of everything I took overseas, which they might claim I bought outside the US, including my Seiko watch. When I got to JFK, I went to the customs office and handed them the list. The only thing they wanted to see was my watch, they couldn't believe it had a serial number, lol.
Also, a Pelican case is good insurance against damage. They are practically bulletproof, and can be padlocked. Carry a list of everything in it, including value, in case the airline loses it. You can transport your stuff in it, and take along an inconspicuous, smallish camera bag for daily use. Keep your lists and keys in a safe place, like with your passport.
Just one more thing to make your life easier at baggage claims. Buy an inexpensive set of color-coding tape and put several different colored strips (the same for all your bags) on opposite corners of the hard luggage, and the strap on soft bags. Easier to locate when your luggage looks like everyone elses.
Also, a Pelican case is good insurance against damage. They are practically bulletproof, and can be padlocked. Carry a list of everything in it, including value, in case the airline loses it. You can transport your stuff in it, and take along an inconspicuous, smallish camera bag for daily use. Keep your lists and keys in a safe place, like with your passport.
Just one more thing to make your life easier at baggage claims. Buy an inexpensive set of color-coding tape and put several different colored strips (the same for all your bags) on opposite corners of the hard luggage, and the strap on soft bags. Easier to locate when your luggage looks like everyone elses.
Dec 7, 2011 17:51:27 #
Roger Hicks wrote:
quote=tommyest Also, use black tape to cover ove... (show quote)
In tourist areas, many crooks are smart about knowing the value of various items. If they see something marked Nikon or Cannon, they are more likely to go for that than something which looks like who knows what. You are not going to get rid of all risk, but do what you can to tilt the odds in your favor.
Dec 7, 2011 18:29:40 #
Do not carry your passport in luggage or carry around bag. Use one of those cloth wallets which goes against the skin, under your clothes.
I don't know how it is now, but if you're staying in country at a single hotel, it used to be safe to leave your passport with the concierge, unless you needed it for a side trip across the border.
If this is your first trip, keep a supply of local change for the stalls in the WC (public bathroom), and also to tip the attendant.
I don't know how it is now, but if you're staying in country at a single hotel, it used to be safe to leave your passport with the concierge, unless you needed it for a side trip across the border.
If this is your first trip, keep a supply of local change for the stalls in the WC (public bathroom), and also to tip the attendant.
Dec 7, 2011 18:41:55 #
titan1
Loc: SC Lowcountry
Bottom line, find insurance that covers you anywhere, anytime and go have fun!!!! That's what coverage allows you to do!!!! If you need Insurance advice just inbox me, happy to help.
Dec 7, 2011 19:10:01 #
But if your camera gets stolen, you lose the usage of it for the rest of your trip and possibly the pictures that you have already taken unless you have already transferred them to a computer or other devise. Years ago on a trip to Mexico, I took out seperate travel insurance that covered my camera. Someone broke into my hotel room and stole my camera and two lenses.
I had to go to the police dept. (with a translator) to fill out a police report and get a copy to take back with me. I then filed for the loss, providing a copy of the police report. They paid, but the whole process took about a month after I got back. I had a $1,000 policy, so I got the maximum amount, which did not cover my loss, but did cover a lot of it.
I had to go to the police dept. (with a translator) to fill out a police report and get a copy to take back with me. I then filed for the loss, providing a copy of the police report. They paid, but the whole process took about a month after I got back. I had a $1,000 policy, so I got the maximum amount, which did not cover my loss, but did cover a lot of it.
Dec 8, 2011 00:23:53 #
Wow! So many good suggestions....We are seasoned travelers so I'm not at all worried about that, I worry that something will damage my camera or lenses more than anything. Always a chance of theft so the insurance covers that too. I too would not think of going on vacation without my equipment, that is the whole reason for going, to capture the moments. I will post as soon as have some answers, was gone all day and was not able to follow up. Thanks for all the great discussions here.
Dec 8, 2011 04:45:59 #
WHAT EQUIPMENT??
All thru this discussion, the word "equipment" is used; A rather broad isn't it? PnS are usually not the target of the "camera aware" cut strap and grab-n-run thief - they have a love of expensive equipment; they love the give away shape of a DSLR.
So, when the people above, in this forum, refer to "equipment" what are we talking about? I assume DSLR and supporting equipment. OK What is the "MY EQUIPMENT" referred to? How many lenses, tripods etc. ???? What do you brave people take?
All thru this discussion, the word "equipment" is used; A rather broad isn't it? PnS are usually not the target of the "camera aware" cut strap and grab-n-run thief - they have a love of expensive equipment; they love the give away shape of a DSLR.
So, when the people above, in this forum, refer to "equipment" what are we talking about? I assume DSLR and supporting equipment. OK What is the "MY EQUIPMENT" referred to? How many lenses, tripods etc. ???? What do you brave people take?
Dec 8, 2011 06:44:11 #
The policies that I worked with (Travelers, Fireman's Fund, State Auto, Hartford among others) all covered NON-pro ANYwhere in the world
Dec 8, 2011 06:46:12 #
dpullum wrote:
WHAT EQUIPMENT?? br All thru this discussion, the ... (show quote)
When not used for business anything, everything called :"equipment" is Personal Property under the Homeowenrs policy
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