Insurance here in the US

Ok, can't seem to find suggestions on companies to look at. I want to insure my equipment (including all computer gear, etc.) against damage, theft, fire, etc. Also want liability coverage to protect me.

Who are the players out there? I can Google it--and get results--but I don't know any of these companies.

Thanks.

Marsh is a great company, fair rates and excellent customer service

Do you own a home or auto? I have everything insured through State Farm and it is very affordable for a personal articles policy to cover photography equipment.

What do you do that needs liability coverage?

Start your shopping locally. Try a company like State Farm, then check one or two independents. Ask some other small businesspeople in your area who they use (barbershops or independent automotive repair shop owners are good). Insurance is one of those areas that I prefer to keep local for a number of reasons...being able to easily get venue-specific liability insurance certificates at the drop of a hat, for instance. I also prefer local banking and legal assistance, too.

I have Liberty Mutual. I add in coverage at stated value. It is attached to my home owners. I added up the retail cost and that is the value. Have all my gear on this. Theft. Damage. Etc. Makes me have zero fear to use and enjoy the gear.

This is all through my local office.

Keyan wrote in post #14736780
Do you own a home or auto? I have everything insured through State Farm and it is very affordable for a personal articles policy to cover photography equipment.

What do you do that needs liability coverage?

Not a home but a car. I use Progressive.

Had considered calling them but my concern is, would it be better to use someone who does this type of insurance for this type of business? Honestly, I don't know.

I make money photographing people, places and things.

RDKirk wrote in post #14737176
Start your shopping locally. Try a company like State Farm, then check one or two independents. Ask some other small businesspeople in your area who they use (barbershops or independent automotive repair shop owners are good). Insurance is one of those areas that I prefer to keep local for a number of reasons...being able to easily get venue-specific liability insurance certificates at the drop of a hat, for instance. I also prefer local banking and legal assistance, too.

If you're dealing with local companies, the insurance companies are still national/international​.

Tigershark wrote in post #14736731
Marsh is a great company, fair rates and excellent customer service

When I search for Marsh, all I get is an insurance company in Australia. Do they have a US group?

GadgetRick wrote in post #14738850
If you're dealing with local companies, the insurance companies are still national/international​.

Of course the company is national--I don't even know if any purely local insurance companies even exist--the population would be too small to spread the risk to any worthwhile extent.

But as shown by the example I gave, the direct service provided by a local agent (or banker or lawyer or accountant) can be valuable to a small businessperson.

I use Hill and Usher. Ultimately they have me insured through The Hartford Ins. Co. but they are the agent who I deal with. They make insurance packages specifically for photographers.

Eric wrote in post #14739158
I use Hill and Usher. Ultimately they have me insured through The Hartford Ins. Co. but they are the agent who I deal with. They make insurance packages specifically for photographers.

Actually just got a quote from them. Have you had to deal with them on any claims?

If you are making money from your equipment you need to make sure and tell the insurance company about it. I spoke to my homeowners insurance about insuring my camera etc. and they can provide insurance for me. Actually it is covered by my homeowners, but I can buy additional insurance to extend the coverage for breakage etc. They did indicate that if I have income from the camera etc. they would need to refer me to another provider.

Since we do approximately equal amount of video and still photo work, I've had trouble finding coverage through the usual suspects, even using an agent. Hartford wouldn't offer coverage.

I think we're doing to go with a PPA membership, and their gear/E&O/liability insurance which is issued by Lockton Affinity. We discussed it briefly with our agent and he says PPA is a good choice.

http://www.ppa.com/ins​urance/

RDKirk wrote in post #14738977
But as shown by the example I gave, the direct service provided by a local agent (or banker or lawyer or accountant) can be valuable to a small businessperson.

Do you use PPA, and interact with them through your agent?
I thought that in this case, PPA is essentially the acting agent between the photographer and Lockton Affinity.

I like the idea of having a local agent, though so far the one we've been working with hasn't been a ton of help.

GadgetRick wrote in post #14738855
When I search for Marsh, all I get is an insurance company in Australia. Do they have a US group?

Marsh U.S. Consumer a service of Seabury and Smith 1800 588 7518

they used to underwrite PPA, SEP etc , until a couple years ago then they parted ways

Try your current insurance provider to see if they have a coverage plan for your needs. Mine tended to be very expensive in my county.

Otherwise, try companies like Hill and Usher (http://packagechoice.c​om) or TCP(http://www.tcpinsuranc​e.com/).

I found them MUCH cheaper than going for a business insurance policy from the same company that does my home owner's policy. But it's state and county specific from what I can tell. I live in a county where practically everything is expensive.