insurance for your lens and cameras

[umphotography]

is there a company that you use v/s attaching a home owners policy. if you have a buisness and are incorporated,,,insurance companies want to charge commercial rates......or so im told,,,,by my insurance carrier:cry:

[troutfisher]

I did look at a specialised policy after a pro friend of mine was burgled but I found that by amending my home insurance I got cheaper and better cover BUT I am not a professional , so I do not have any cover for business use.His home cover did not apply as he earned his main living from photography.

[Exposure101]

I'm not sure about your region but I recently called a State Farm agent and was quoted about $50 or so a year for $4k worth of coverage. It's a stand alone (personal articles) policy so it won't affect anything else. It's "all perils" so it covers pretty much everything from theft to incidental damage. Obviously things like tsunamis, earthquakes or anything off the wall are not covered. There's also no deductible. I was told that it doesn't matter if I used the equipment professionally or not so I would "assume" that it's covered. BUT BE SURE TO CHECK IF YOU DECIDE TO GO WITH THAT ROUTE.

I've checked with our insurance carrier (Allstate) about the rider on our home policy as well. While it's cheaper, I was told that if/when you make a claim you will lose all discounts that you have on the policy. You will also have to pay deductibles. For me $1000 deductible is obviously way high considering my gear is only about $4-5k. They also only cover theft. Obviously at something like $9 a year you can't expect much.

Of course there are companies that deal mainly with professionals so you could check them out as well. They are generally more expensive but it might be worth it.

[cory1848]

If you use your equipment commercially, you need a commercial policy or risk not being covered. If you use your equipment non commercially, then look for an inland marine policy SEPARATE from your homeowners insurance policy. If you just add it onto your HO policy, you risk being dumped in the event of a claim.

[WaltA]

I've been with Wawanesa for 30 years and cover my music, computer and photo equipment on a rider to my HO insurance. I've had things replaced because of breakin/theft, flood and fire (all at different times). And never been dumped, never had my rates go up and always had my things replaced within a week.

cory1848 - I think it really depends on the company and your relationship with them.

[DDCSD]

Here is the company I use for my business insurance. They are based in MN. About $350 for $1mil in liability and about $15k in equipment.

http://www.nstarco.com/nsmic/default.aspx


Most home owners policies won't cover gear that is used commercially (if you've made even $1 with your gear).

[cory1848]

I've been with Wawanesa for 30 years and cover my music, computer and photo equipment on a rider to my HO insurance. I've had things replaced because of breakin/theft, flood and fire (all at different times). And never been dumped, never had my rates go up and always had my things replaced within a week.

cory1848 - I think it really depends on the company and your relationship with them.

Or maybe the country and or state one lives in. State Farm has a high history of dumping clients on the first claim. Relationship has nothing to do with it. Its all business. Living in Florida I see it everyday.

If Florida you dont even have to make a claim, all you have to do is just call ask inquire about a claim and you get flagged. Its pretty sad but its happening all over. A lot of people fell into that false sense of security, being with their carrier for 20+ years, never had a claim and they get dumped just for asking a question.

[umphotography]

Here is the company I use for my business insurance. They are based in MN. About $350 for $1mil in liability and about $15k in equipment.

http://www.nstarco.com/nsmic/default.aspx


Most home owners policies won't cover gear that is used commercially (if you've made even $1 with your gear).


thank you very much kind sir:cool:bw!

[Wilt]

The downside of camera stuff being claimed as part of homeowner or renter coverage is the possible decision by the insurance company, to drop your coverage after you have made a claim!

Better to have a personal articles rider (aka 'inland marine') which covers specifically identified items.

[R i c h]

I have had a "personal articles policy" through State Farm since 06. It's extremely cheap and covers theft, damage, international travel mishaps, etc. I would definitely recommend that type of coverage for non-professionals.

[imahawki]

For those of you with State Farm, what kind of documentation did they require upfront for coverage? Do you need receipts for everything or just a list of gear with serial numbers? My insurance company is asking for a sales receipt for each item which I'm not sure I have.

[R i c h]

For those of you with State Farm, what kind of documentation did they require upfront for coverage? Do you need receipts for everything or just a list of gear with serial numbers? My insurance company is asking for a sales receipt for each item which I'm not sure I have.

I've had two separate agents (the first one passed away suddenly of a heart attack) and the first one required a full list with receipts (paypal transaction history was acceptable for used gear) and he wanted to see it all in person (I think this was more about the curiosity factor than anything else). The second and current agent was okay with an emailed receipt based off of a B&H email order confirmation.

[WaltA]

Boy, from some of the statements on here I think I'd better keep my mouth closed, enjoy my good luck and hope the insurance gods don't dump on me.

We are required to have the receipts - but thats just good business. And because its all a business deduction I need them anyway.

[cory1848]

If they require you to have receipts, I would assume they would only cover you up to the cost of those receipts, or market value. Is that the case? My policy is replacement value. I have 2 30D's, one gets damaged, I get a 50D...