12 replies to this topic

[Tony892]

Realise the subject of camera insurance may depend on where you are living in the world. But interested to hear feedback on what sort of coverage one should be looking to take out and for those in the UK, do people normally use their household insurance to cover this or cover that comes with bank accounts? Is there bespoke camera insurance that is out there and lastly can you build up no claims discount on any of them?

[IanB]

I have my camera covered via my house contents insurance, includes accidental damage.  There is a single claim limit on it of £1000 so its down to if it covers yer gear i spose.  I just have a D5100 and a couple of lenses so i could replace the lot for a grand.  i have independent cover for some other items and have found these type of policies quite expensive so was pleased my contents covered my camera.

 

Ian.

[Erewego]

Most home insurance has a limit for 'expensive' single items, but this can normally be amended (at little or no extra cost) by advising them in writing - or you could call first then confirm in writing.

Usually up to £2500 - 5000 won't incur additional cost.

 

Marc

[Warrick]

i did a check recently about insurance for myself in Australia, like the previous post the claims are only limited to a certain amount and most likely wont cover you or the excesses will be as much or more than the gear value if under vehicle insurance.

 

Camera specific insuarnce covers for more value at a lower premium and covers not only loss but damage from misuse or accidents etc.

 

You will also find that most insurance will only cover your item if it is actually in the vehicle or house where as the camera insurance covers you while abroad in the field

[Mark Win]

Ive always used home insurance to cover my items however as my work opens me and my gear so much to possible breakages etc i now need fully comprehensive insurance which also covers me for loss of portfolio works and public liability and also covers for personal injury and then camera hire for the duration of my assignment..

 

Many many options out there, you really need to shop around, and yes theres even a compare site for that too.

[Stas]

Intresting theme. I think insurance of camera is greate idea, especially for owners of expensive cameras. And just interesting do you have some insurance  for portfolios? In what cases does it work?

[alden]

More insurance is always a good idea, no matter what it is. 

[Stas]

No, I mean: does such possibility exists or not?

[onewiththecamera]

Insurance can get complicated. But if you have a lot of equipment then it is well worth making sure your stuff is covered. Your best bet is sit down with your insurance agent and discuss what you have and what kind of coverage you are looking for. In insurance pretty much everything is possible. It is more an issue of what you are willing to pay.

 

The other thing to consider besides equipment is if you want/need liability insurance. If you are doing any sort of shoot for others then it would be very good to get liability insurance. Any time there is the possibility of someone getting upset with what you have done and sueing you is a time you should be covered for liability. This is even true if you are doing it for free. The law gets a little odd on how they will award damages and such.

[TBonz]

My gear is covered under homeowner's, but I do think I'll give them a call to confirm...didn't worry about it when I had a fairly small amount of gear, but between additional gear and the responsibility of shooting it won't hurt to confirm things!

[Tony892]

My gear is covered under homeowner's, but I do think I'll give them a call to confirm...didn't worry about it when I had a fairly small amount of gear, but between additional gear and the responsibility of shooting it won't hurt to confirm things!

Although you say a 'small amount of gear', I think we would all be surprised how much the total value is when you add together all the bit's and pieces. Message to myself - 'must contact my home insurance provider'.

[Merco_61]

Insurance can get complicated. But if you have a lot of equipment then it is well worth making sure your stuff is covered. Your best bet is sit down with your insurance agent and discuss what you have and what kind of coverage you are looking for. In insurance pretty much everything is possible. It is more an issue of what you are willing to pay.

 

The other thing to consider besides equipment is if you want/need liability insurance. If you are doing any sort of shoot for others then it would be very good to get liability insurance. Any time there is the possibility of someone getting upset with what you have done and sueing you is a time you should be covered for liability. This is even true if you are doing it for free. The law gets a little odd on how they will award damages and such.

+1 on the complicated part. Here home insurance doesn't cover professional use, so even a part time pro needs specific insurance and not just a rider on the normal policy. Booking a time and sitting down with your insurance agent is a very good idea. Sometimes the insurance for a legal entity can have so much lower premiums compared to personal insurance that it is worth the hassle and paperwork to register as a small business, even if you are a hobbyist and don't make any income from your pictures.

It is also a good idea to have the serial numbers on file at the insurance company in case your stuff gets stolen.

 

Liability and third-party insurance is a good idea even if you only do things on a non-profit basis.

[TBonz]

Excellent point and one that I always seem to think of when I can't do anything about it.  It is definitely important to have an equipment list with serial #s safely stored away in a few locations...In the US, also make sure to register your gear before leaving the country - it has been awhile, but I believe you can do that with Customs at most airports.