lizardworks Loc: Western Slope of Colorado

Hi everybody! I'm planning a trip to Mexico in February and can't imagine not taking some of my better gear. But since I most certainly can't afford to replace my stuff, I'm a little nervous. Just wondering if anyone can give me some advice on insurance for camera and lenses (particularly for theft)? I will not be checking my gear-I will carry it on the plane.

ShakyShutter Loc: Arizona

Call your home owners or renters insurance agent. They will need and should already have your equipment listed on your policy. They will require models and serial numbers. This is going to be your most cost effective solution.

There may very well be specialty carriers for photo equip but I would certainly compare rates before buying.

lizardworks Loc: Western Slope of Colorado

Thanks for the advice, Shaky! I did contact my homeowner's insurance and they inform me that they will cover theft if stolen from my home, but not if I take it on a trip :-(

ShakyShutter Loc: Arizona

But they didn't offer any alternative for coverage during travel? I do know they get all wacky about coverage if given half a chance and a little wiggle room like asking "is it covered?".

lizardworks Loc: Western Slope of Colorado

I didn't push it with them, I'll call them back on Monday and see if they can come up with something...

bonsackbob Loc: Roanoke, VA

One of the first things I did after acquiring my D300s Nikon was to get it insured... as I added lenses and tripod, I insured them as well. I went to my State Farm agent and added these photographic items to a personal policy covering jewelry etc... I believe I have over $12,000 of camera stuff insured, and it only costs me a couple hundred dollars a year.

I would check it out... all coverages are different... but it gives me peace of mind whenever I'm out with my camera or lenses to know that if they were stolen or damaged, insurance would pay to replace them.

MRDEW2852

HELLO IM NEW TO THE POST. BUT TO ANSWER THE QUESTION LIKE BONSACKBOB DID . I ALSO DID THE SAME THING AND I HAVE A 25OOO DOLLAR COVERAGE THREW STATE FARM AND IT RUNS ME 189.00 A YEARS IT COVERS YOUR EQUIPMENT ANYWERE YOU GO WITH IT AND NO MATTER HOW ITS DAMAGED OR IF STOLEN. AS LONG AS THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAS ALL SERIAL NUMBERS AND MAKE AND MODELS. EXCELLENT COVERAGE.

whaeco Loc: chicago

A few years ago I quickly got out of a cab in Mexico and the driver left before I could grab my camera bag which contained my Nikon F3, two lenses, and a contex camera.
The hotel helped me file a report with the cab company and police, but the equipment was not found. I had a personal rider on my home insurance policy and they replaced my equipement.

ishuttertothink Loc: Washington State

I contacted my insurance agent when I started acquiring some expensive lenses, and she said that yes, my camera and accessaries would be covered on my homeowners insurance, however, they would be subject to our $500 deductible. BUT, if we listed everything separately, they would NOT be subject to the deductible. I listed the camera, all my lenses, & my polarizer on the policy, and it costs me $28 a YEAR!! I've already used the insurance, I was shooting out near a pond, and while swapping out lenses, I dropped my new prime 50mm f/1.4 lens, and it rolled right into the water!! I was sick. My insurance agent requested that I send the lense into Nikon repair to see if they could fix it. If they could not, they would issue me a check for the lense. If they could, they would pay for the repair. As it turned out, it was repaired, and I got my check in the mail right away. I am covered for theft, loss, damage of any kind (unless I get mad and throw it across the room), as if!! But anyway, it is totally worth the few bucks to add it to your homeowners or renters policy.

lizardworks Loc: Western Slope of Colorado

Which insurance company are using? Sounds like awesome coverage.

ishuttertothink Loc: Washington State

We go thru a company based out of Auburn Washington, CNA Insurance. The agents there search for policies that suit your needs. Right now, we are insured thru Kemper. Here is the toll free number of the agent that we use: 888-231-9436 her name is Janna.

jackinkc Loc: Kansas City

[quoteoto equip but I would certainly compare rates before buying.[/quote]

Thanks for the advice, Shaky! I did contact my homeowner's insurance and they inform me that they will cover theft if stolen from my home, but not if I take it on a trip :-([/quote]

I have State Farm homeowners insurance. Instead of covering my photo gear directly under that policy I have a "rider" policy that specifically covers my camera gear. This policy protects my photo stuff no matter where I am. If i were going into Mexico - which I will not do - I would make sure State Farm is fully in on the matter.

lizardworks Loc: Western Slope of Colorado

Thank you for the contact info!

pictureofuu Loc: Travel all over

Be very careful doing this. Most insurance companies will not cover (even if they say they do). There are many loop holes for them and they know it. I do know and have read stories all the time about State Farm or Farmers and once you make a claim, they will drop you from the poicy. I have searched high and low and have found nothing here in the states that will cover. There is a company or two based out of Phoenix, Az I believe that this is all they do. BUT you will pay the price. It sucks b/c I do know that over in England and Australia they have insurance that you can get like this and it is fairly cheap. Unfortunately they will not deal with the US, already tried that as well. Good luck.

Dyluck4 Loc: Georgetown Indiana

Well this is certainly something I have put off and I'm glad I read up on this topic. Heck my 1Ds Mark III was $8,000.00 when I purchased it and I have 8 top of the line Canon Lenses so I know I've put this off way too long. I wrote down the one number and thanks for the tip on my behalf and come tomorrow morning I'll be calling to get Insurance at least from some one. Thanks for the great topic.