Insurance? (Page 4): Definitely get a rider, ideally with your equipment all listed. Secondly keep a photo of all of your equipment in a secure off premises location.

josephnl Loc: Irvine,, CA

mdsiamese wrote:

I'm assuming my camera equipment is covered by my homeowner's policy. I'm going to call the company soon to verify my coverage. But, I have more than a normal person's equipment. I have two full frame bodies and several very expensive lenses (3 of them approach $2000). I'm not a professional, just a hobbyist. I'm curious ...

Does anyone have special riders or policies for their hobby equipment? I'm not interested in coverage for commercial or pro photography, only hobby.

Definitely get a rider, ideally with your equipment all listed. Secondly keep a photo of all of your equipment in a secure off premises location.

davidk2020 Loc: San Diego

SteveR wrote:

I had to supply my insurance company with a purchase receipt for each item covered. Same with my wife's diamond which is covered on the same rider.

Egad. I have State Farm and my agent made me bring in every piece of equipment I wanted covered. Took half a day to unpack in his office, record models and serial numbers. But if I get robbed, they can file the police report because they touched everything, know the description, and have all the information first-hand.

Kuzano

SteveR wrote:

Your homeowners policy will not cover your equipment if stolen or damaged away from the house. I suggest contacting your insurance company to add a rider to cover your photography equipment. I was able to cover $5000 worth of equipment for $60/yr. with State Farm. There is no deductible, and it is all inclusive...it covers theft, damage, and loss.

Good point, as my homeowners did not cover my loss from my car when broken into at the beach. Lost two MF camera's and four lenses, broken into when parked at a beach wayside. My car was only insured for Liability loss.

bjprovo Loc: Northeast CT

My hat goes off to anyone that is self employed. I owned a small grocery store for 15 years and if income determines success, i was not very successful. Had fun but didn't make much. I admire those that can do this well. I guess I may fit the quote "Those that can do..." however I teach high school math and bring photography into the classroom whenever possible. I really enjoy keeping my mind young working with these kids.

RRS wrote:

Hats off to you as a "public school teacher&q... (show quote)

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I also have State Farm. I had to supply the serial numbers, model numbers and proof of purchase. Every time I buy a new piece of equipment I follow up with the same information and add it to the list. The security of having this APA policy is well worth it in my opinion. I have several non-photography items listed and I had to provide written appraisals. I also have my 15" MacBook Pro listed.

davidk2020 wrote:

Egad. I have State Farm and my agent made me bring in every piece of equipment I wanted covered. Took half a day to unpack in his office, record models and serial numbers. But if I get robbed, they can file the police report because they touched everything, know the description, and have all the information first-hand.

davidk2020 Loc: San Diego

DavidPine wrote:

I also have State Farm. I had to supply the serial numbers, model numbers and proof of purchase. Every time I buy a new piece of equipment I follow up with the same information and add it to the list. The security of having this APA policy is well worth it in my opinion. I have several non-photography items listed and I had to provide written appraisals. I also have my 15" MacBook Pro listed.

I don't know why they don't settle for that from me; heck, I've been with that agent for 35 years! But every new camera or lens, another trip to the office. Maybe it's my charming personality and the photos I bring for show-and-tell. ;)

bjprovo Loc: Northeast CT

This is simply an addition (rider) to my homeowners. you need to check with your homeowners or renters insurance to see what is available to you. I believe it is far more expensive to get a separate policy. Sorry about the delay, I was unavailable for the weekend.

Dick Z. wrote:

From what insurance co.?

Sherman A1 Loc: St. Louis, MO

GTinSoCal wrote:

This is an excellent thread, thank you all.

GT

Indeed it is and I have learned much from the postings. Time to make an inventory of my equipment and contact my home owners agent for a rider on the home insurance policy.

mdsiamese Loc: Maryland

OP here. I did contact my homeowners insurance company and obtained a rider for all of my camera equipment. I had to provide a list with identifying details for each object and a value, which I got from the retailer's website where I purchased the equipment, and a signed statement that this equipment is not for commercial/business use. The cost is $185 a year, no deductible, and it is replacement cost for loss or theft. Exactly what I wanted. Not clear about damage, such as dropping a camera in a lake, but then I would just call that a loss. I think $185 a year is small payment for peace of mind while I'm on a boat on the Colorado River next week.

Thanks to all for your comments.

Marionsho Loc: Kansas

mdsiamese wrote:

OP here. I did contact my homeowners insurance com... (show quote)

Enjoy your boat rip on the river. Dress warm. :D

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

MT Shooter wrote:

$10,000?
Well I guess that would cover my 600mm F4. I have a $50,000 rider and it costs me $248 annually. Its worth the peace of mind.

MT, is that coverage for your personal lenses, or for the lenses in the Cottage's inventory? Or are they the same?

dhspeck

Your homeowner's policy won't cover your gear fully unless you have a specific "rider" attached to the policy. Expensive camera gear is treated like jewelry in that respect.