Help, Need Appraisal For Insurance

[doidinho]

Does anyone know where I can get an appraisal on my gear quick (in the next two days), either in general or in the Seattle area? I'm going out of country and need to get it insured.

I spoke on the phone with an agent the other day about camera insuance; however, she forgot to mention the part about receipts or appraisals, so I go to set it up toaday (two days before my trip) and the subject comes up. Better now than after my gear gets snatched, but now I need an appraisal quick.

[Rubi Jane]

Ask the agent if you can go online and "create" and order with an online retailer, print the order to PDF and email it to the agent. That will give you replacement value for the gear you're traveling with. They usually accept receipts but I get the impression you can't furnish them and I don't see why an online order wouldn't be acceptable for establishing replacement value.

[doidinho]

The issue is not how much the gear costs, it's whether or not I own it in the first place. I choose an ammount that I want to insure my gear for and then if it gets stolen or broken or whatever I tell them which pieces I lost and they will give me the current replacement value for the item new. I went to B and H and put most everything I own in a cart; it came up to just over three grand which is how much coverage I intend to take out.

I'm going to call the local shop where I buy most of my gear as soon as they open, perhaps they can help.

[Rubi Jane]

So they want proof of current ownership? I know when I took out commercial coverage for my business I only had to provide proof of purchase for any single item over $1500, so bodies, one lens and my desktop. My lights although together were over $1500 there's no single item of that value, the rest of my gear I provided a detailed list of make, model, serial number and cost.

Hopefully your shop can provide duplicate receipts or a print out of all your purchases. otherwise ask if they would be willing to "notarize" a detailed list stating you purchased that gear from them.

Good luck

[viperx27]

keep your receipts, thats al they should need, as they will determine value when there is a claim. glazers might be able to do it, but again it shouldn't actually be needed.

also, giving the time crunch, I'm guessing you are going on a trip or something, and most insurance places will not insure you right before a trip.

I just had to give them either a receipt or sow it to them to verify the serial and product name matches the list I made

[vwpilot]

I did not have to provide proof of ownership for any of my gear other than serial numbers. If you supply them with the serial numbers, models and replacement value that should be all you need.

If you're having trouble with one company, you may want to try www.groupinsure.com, they specialize in photography insurance and will be able to supply you with a proof of insurance within days, if not same day you talk to them, I cant remember when I signed up with them.

[viperx27]

I did not have to provide proof of ownership for any of my gear other than serial numbers. If you supply them with the serial numbers, models and replacement value that should be all you need.

If you're having trouble with one company, you may want to try www.groupinsure.com, they specialize in photography insurance and will be able to supply you with a proof of insurance within days, if not same day you talk to them, I cant remember when I signed up with them.

yes, Tom Pickard is great! Also check out Hill & Ushire, they're a little more picky, but I believe that have slightly better rates

[Llama]

If you have a current Home Owner's policy, you may want to check with your agent to see if your camera equipment will be covered or if you can "schedule" it on the policy... That is, assuming you're not using the equipment in a business environment.

[viperx27]

If you have a current Home Owner's policy, you may want to check with your agent to see if your camera equipment will be covered or if you can "schedule" it on the policy... That is, assuming you're not using the equipment in a business environment.

no no no! you don't want your home-owners policy going up or getting canceled over a camera claim. many many horror stories out there

[doidinho]

I got the appraisal today from Glazers camera. I simply sent them a list via e-mail of what items I own and they sent me back an appraisal. I have to admit that this seemed a bit ridiculous to me; I didn't understand why I just couldn't get the prices myself and send the insurance company the list.


So they want proof of current ownership? I know when I took out commercial coverage for my business I only had to provide proof of purchase for any single item over $1500, so bodies, one lens and my desktop. My lights although together were over $1500 there's no single item of that value, the rest of my gear I provided a detailed list of make, model, serial number and cost.

Hopefully your shop can provide duplicate receipts or a print out of all your purchases. otherwise ask if they would be willing to "notarize" a detailed list stating you purchased that gear from them.

Good luck


This insurance company want an appraisal for EVERYTHING. I even got my rocket blower appraised. It's not like I will send in a claim if it breaks; however if it gets swiped with all the rest of my gear I can get it replaced as well.


keep your receipts, thats al they should need, as they will determine value when there is a claim. glazers might be able to do it, but again it shouldn't actually be needed.

also, giving the time crunch, I'm guessing you are going on a trip or something, and most insurance places will not insure you right before a trip.

I just had to give them either a receipt or sow it to them to verify the serial and product name matches the list I made


I lost a couple receipts and a couple items were bought used; however, I will be sure and keep track of all receipts from now on. They know I'm going on a trip in two days and didn't have a problem with that.


If you have a current Home Owner's policy, you may want to check with your agent to see if your camera equipment will be covered or if you can "schedule" it on the policy... That is, assuming you're not using the equipment in a business environment.


This is my situation exactly. I'm not pro and only have $3000 worth of gear. The shcedule is for current new replacement cost and only cost me $56/year. I will probally go a head and hang on to the policy after I get back from Brazil.


no no no! you don't want your home-owners policy going up or getting canceled over a camera claim. many many horror stories out there


****!

[RedHotLama]

hill and usher FTW, spendy for the amount of gear you have though.

[PhotosGuy]

That will give you replacement value Be sure that is what you're paying for. It will save you a lot of problems if/when you need it.

[kona77]

Gear is important but liability is bigger. Cover both bases and do not cut corners. You will regret it in the end if you do.