Any no-hassle insurance?

[imahawki]

I'm not trying to pull a fast one nor do I have any ill intent, but I talked to my insurance provider (American Family) and their requirements for ensuring high-value items is pretty onerous. I actually have two issues. One is the camera gear, but the other is actually a much more expensive Home Theater setup. They told me that I need basic information for all items, i.e. Brand, model, serial number, price paid, and value. IN ADDITION, for the HT stuff I need a bill of sale for each item over $500 and for the camera gear I need a bill of sale for each item over $1000. OK, the camera gear, I actually don't currently own any SINGLE item over $1000, however, for the HT gear, EVERY SINGLE ITEM in the setup is over $500. That includes all 7 of my speakers which sell individually, my projector, my receiver, my DVD player, etc. So I have to locate dozens of receipts. In addition, I have nearly 500 DVDs and several dozen Blu-rays which if I'm conservative with my estimate, that means I probably have $7500 worth of media.

It just seems like insurance companies are setup with a standard operating procedure designed to make it extremely easy to deny claims. Does anyone have an insurance provider that they feel is doesn't put the entire burden on the policy holder?

[WaltA]

We've been with Wawanesa for over 20 years and been thru fire, vehicle breakin and just about every other type of thing you could imagine. We've never tried to pull any fast ones and they have been awesome. My house insurance covers my photo gear and when it was stolen a couple of years back from a breakin to my vehicle, I had replaced it all within 2 weeks.

In all cases, after a single phone call a cheque was on its way to me to start replacing items. Great company to deal with and they are USA as well as Canada.

[shomat]

They told me that I need basic information for all items, i.e. Brand, model, serial number, price paid, and value. IN ADDITION, for the HT stuff I need a bill of sale for each item over $500 and for the camera gear I need a bill of sale for each item over $1000.

That's sounds pretty excessive. All my gear, some of which is over a grand, is covered worldwide against loss, theft and damage by my renter's insurance. The only thing I was asked to provide was a receipt for each item. In the case of things that were purchased online, I supplied the e-mail confirmations from B&H.

[imahawki]

That's what they're asking for is receipts. Hell if I have receipts for all this stuff. I know that's not very organized but seriously, I have $3500 speakers and I can document (photograph, etc.) the serial numbers etc. but I don't know if I can find a receipt.

[dbdors]

I'm going through a claim right now. (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=686901). Still waiting to hear back. But I was required to show proof of ownership for any item over $100. Fortunately, I am very anal about keeping receipts, manuals and boxes for my gear. I have a receipt for every single item over $100 and many of the smaller items as well. I also keep a spreadsheet list for almost every piece of gear I have, down to individual filters, etc..

I did not find a receipt for the 24-105 but the adjuster said a warranty card or manual would suffice. I have both. I also had a recent receipt for a repair I sent to Canon. It had my name, lens (24-105) and the S/N. I sent that as well. I'm hoping to hear something tomorrow.

I know that sounds anal, but I'm glad I have it. I'm going to loose a lot in this deal for sure, so I need all the help I can get.

This whole incident has me looking for a gear specific policy after I get my stuff back. I never ever thought this would happen to me, but now that it has, I plan to be even more prepared.