Camera protection plans: Hi, Am considering whether it's worth getting an insurance plan for my new camera. I notice two available: Square Trade and New Leaf. Any thoughts on this...

marrow

Hi,

Am considering whether it's worth getting an insurance plan for my new camera. I notice two available: Square Trade and New Leaf. Any thoughts on this issue and these plans much appreciated. Am going to get Panasonic Fz300 which is weather sealed. My main concern is Panasonics poor service record if repairs needed.

Thanks in advance, Chris

rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX

I don't know anything about either of those but it is my understanding that you can get a rider on a home owners policy to cover camera gear.
I keep meaning to look into that but haven't done so yet.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Sounds like UHH member Marrow is looking for a maintenance insurance contract covering repair and damage as opposed to a casualty insurance contract covering loss or theft. Or Marrow, maybe you want coverage for both kinds of events? Rwilson's suggestion of a homeowner's policy is a good one for loss, theft and some kinds of damage.

Tikva Loc: Waukesha, WI

I have both types of Insurance Policies, one a rider on my renter's insurance for loss of the camera and lenses, and two a separate policy for my camera and each of my lenses for damage from Square Trade that I got through B&H when I bought the gear. I haven't had any claims, but I decided that these were a part of the cost of ownership for the gear.

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

The Valuable Personal Property (VPP) policy I have through USAA covers loss/theft & damage anywhere/anytime. Coverage includes my wife's jewelry & my camera gear for just under $100.00/year.

Jim Bob

marrow wrote:

Hi,

Am considering whether it's worth getting an insurance plan for my new camera. I notice two available: Square Trade and New Leaf. Any thoughts on this issue and these plans much appreciated. Am going to get Panasonic Fz300 which is weather sealed. My main concern is Panasonics poor service record if repairs needed.

Thanks in advance, Chris

Both are generally reputable.

BlackRipleyDog

rwilson1942 wrote:

I don't know anything about either of those but it is my understanding that you can get a rider on a home owners policy to cover camera gear.
I keep meaning to look into that but haven't done so yet.

Usually insurance riders are for theft or fire and NOT accidental damage. Standard Policy limits are low for toys in your homeowners policy.

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

marrow wrote:

Hi,

Am considering whether it's worth getting an insurance plan for my new camera. I notice two available: Square Trade and New Leaf. Any thoughts on this issue and these plans much appreciated. Am going to get Panasonic Fz300 which is weather sealed. My main concern is Panasonics poor service record if repairs needed.

Thanks in advance, Chris

My homeowners insurance covers my camera's in my home, car, and on vacation from theft. It does not however insure it for drops and spills. B&H offers that on new equipment, I call it no fault insurance.

Pkaszubski Loc: Wyoming, OH

I have an override non-deductible policy that covers all loss, accidental damage or theft, with State Farm. Prior to my wife's passing, her better jewelry as well as my camera equipment was covered. When my tripod failed and my D4 with a 300 mm 2.8 mounted to it, crashed to the blacktop, 100% repair costs covered. I never shopped the cost, but have been told the most affordable coverage is through your insurance company.

PowerPlant

This is good info. Thanks MSgt.

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

PowerPlant wrote:

This is good info. Thanks MSgt.

I purchased some of my gear used from B&H and Amazon. The VPP policy only requires that I provide them with a copy of the invoice & serial number. The gear doesn't have to be brand new and is renewable as long as I own the equipment. I just checked Square Trade's website. The item covered must have been purchased NEW within the past 30 days. The plan is only good for 2 or 3 years depending on the plan you purchase.

Having said that; I work at Batteries Plus Bulbs here in the Columbus, OH area. We deal with Square Trade from time to time on cell phones & tablets. They have a good reputation in terms of reimbursing the company for repairs we perform.

RickL Loc: Vail, Az

Jim Bob wrote:

Both are generally reputable.

I have a policy through USAA that covers damage,loss, and theft with no deductible for about $15 a month

dck22

Check with your homeowners. I have a policy with State Farm as mentioned above that covers loss or damage. It is very reasonably priced.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

marrow wrote:

Hi,

Am considering whether it's worth getting an insurance plan for my new camera. I notice two available: Square Trade and New Leaf. Any thoughts on this issue and these plans much appreciated. Am going to get Panasonic Fz300 which is weather sealed. My main concern is Panasonics poor service record if repairs needed.

Thanks in advance, Chris

Squaretrade is an excellent company. I highly recommend them.

Rickyb

Square Trade is excellent, but is good for 3 years. Most regular insurances are depreciatve but and you pay the same amount each year.