Insurance for Photo Gear

[Stooge_UK]

Having just scared myself by adding up the gear in my camera bag I think it is time to look at making sure it all is fully insured.

Do people based here in the UK have any particular recommendations on who to use or not to use.
Is it just worth getting my home contents insurance extended to fully cover all my gear?

Thanks
Stu

[KennyG]

Stu, Go for one the the specialists as you will be covered for theft from vehicle as well as damage etc. I use PhotoGuard who also provide the £5m of public liability cover that I must have. Getting home insurance to cover all the circumstances you come across as a photographer can be difficult.

[Lesmac]

Yes
I agree, go with photoguard, there is no excess to pay (for claims over £50),
i've had one claim in 2 years, new shutter after I dropped a 10d in a river, and they paid out without any problem.
Les
http://lesmclean.photoblink.com/

[BearSummer]

Hi Stooge_uk,

I use Glover and Howe, havent had to claim anything yet but they seem to be very good about taking my money, just hope they are as good if I ever need it back.

Best regards

BearSummer

[Cadwell]

I currently use this lot http://www.gloverhowe.co.uk/

[TomC]

Any suggestions for the insurance like that in the US? That's a fantastic idea.

[HJMinard]

Any suggestions for the insurance like that in the US? That's a fantastic idea.

Tom, I have a Personal Articles Policy (http://www.statefarm.com/insuranc/addins/personal.htm) from State Farm. I think it's about $1.60 per $100 of equipment coverage (annually). This type of policy covers theft, loss or accidental damage with no deductibles.

[TomC]

Tom, I have a Personal Articles Policy (http://www.statefarm.com/insuranc/addins/personal.htm) from State Farm. I think it's about $1.60 per $100 of equipment coverage (annually). This type of policy covers theft, loss or accidental damage with no deductibles.
Do you have to have a homeowners policy or can you purchase only that insurance?

[RogCincy]

Do you have to have a homeowners policy or can you purchase only that insurance?

My guess is that since they probably aren't making a whole lot of money on the policies that they would prefer you to have homeowners with them as well. But you never know.

Go ahead and check with your current homeowner carrier and see if they have a rider or all perils coverage policy.

[TomC]

Im hoping to get it as a standalone policy. I dont want to add on to my homeowners.

[HJMinard]

Do you have to have a homeowners policy or can you purchase only that insurance?

Well, I do happen to have a homeowner's policy with State Farm, but the Personal Articles policy is completely stand-alone (not a rider on the homeowner's policy).

Soooo ... they are separate, and I do not believe they require one to have the other.

[Ian_H]

I'm with http://www.gloverhowe.co.uk/ also, one thing to watch out for is that some companies will not pay out if your boot is accessible from the car interior, now I would say a high percentage of cars on the roads in the UK fall into this catergory so it pays to read all the small print before you sign up.




Cheers
Ian

[Stooge_UK]

Thanks for all the great information. Will check out http://www.gloverhowe.co.uk/ and also photoguard.

Have a good New Year and "Happy Snapping"

[Patrick 10D]

I recently had a similar "shock" after making a list of my Canon camera and Sony MiniDV camera gear. I will not be showing that list to the wife ...

I made a policy with my insurance agent as an addendum to my home owner's policy. It is pricey (370 EUR a year, which decreases by 10% a year) but there is no deductible in case of loss, theft or damage.

I do feel better knowing that it is all covered.

.

[sGu]

For all UK shooters, whatever you do, do NOT insure your gear with E&L, I've had very very very bad experience with them and had to call up IP lawyers send out Notice Before Action letter to force them pay me the money they owed me, from claim to payment - 4 and half months!

I'm switching insurer this month, will phone up photoguard and gloverhowe to get quotes.

[Mastineo]

My insurance policy with PAVILLION was only a couple of months old, when my 1dMkII & 70-200f4 was snatched from the bag at my feet while I was looking through the viewfinder of the 10d on a tripod!!
Took about 3 weeks to replace the gear, with no hassle, just the expected form-filling.

Highly recommended.

[sGu]

Any contact info? Website, phone number?

[KennyG]

My insurance policy with PAVILLION was only a couple of months old, when my 1dMkII & 70-200f4 was snatched from the bag at my feet while I was looking through the viewfinder of the 10d on a tripod!!
Took about 3 weeks to replace the gear, with no hassle, just the expected form-filling.

Highly recommended.

Pavillion is PhotoGuard.

[Mastineo]

Just checked and KennyG is right (he usually is! :) ).

http://www.photoguard.co.uk/

John

[Digital Prophet]

I am in the same boat as Tom in that I live in the US. Since I don't own a home I can't get a rider. So I am looking for a firm to provide a policy in the US for my equipment and nothing else. I am beginning to wonder if there just aren't alot of firms in the US that offer this coverage w/o a homeowner's policy. It just seems that every time I read and insurance thread and see a firm that looks good it is located in the UK.

I wonder if any of those offer policies to US citizens.

- Digital Prophet -

[Longwatcher]

Digital Prophet,
Just to confirm, have you checked out State Farm. Although it is more expensive, they do have professional equipment insurance. You need to make sure they understand it is for professional equipment coverage (ignoring whether or not you are). The good part is it covers any loss to the equipment. The bad part is you need to submit a copy the sales reciept for all insured equipment. Mine covers me even if I am traveling out of country (except in war zones - won't be catching me there if I can avoid it). While they prefer you also have house and/or car insurance with them, I know a couple of folks that just have their equipment insured with them.

Also some professional organizations have insurance setups also (I think PPA does, but not sure) for members. Join - get insurance.

[HJMinard]

I am in the same boat as Tom in that I live in the US. Since I don't own a home I can't get a rider. So I am looking for a firm to provide a policy in the US for my equipment and nothing else. I am beginning to wonder if there just aren't alot of firms in the US that offer this coverage w/o a homeowner's policy. It just seems that every time I read and insurance thread and see a firm that looks good it is located in the UK.

I wonder if any of those offer policies to US citizens.

- Digital Prophet -

DP ... I'm pretty sure State Farm offers the Personal Articles policy I described earlier in this thread as a stand alone product. It might be beneficial to call an agent and ask for details.

[sGu]

I did a search for everyone in the states regarding camera insurance on SportsShooter, hope them helps!

http://www.sportsshooter.com/message_display.html?tid=828

http://www.sportsshooter.com/message_display.html?tid=618

http://www.sportsshooter.com/message_display.html?tid=255

:D :D :D

[Digital Prophet]

Thanks for all of the specific information. I know that I will checking all of this out in depth when I get off work.

Thanks again.

- Digital Prophet -