Looking for insurance company NOT for a pro photog?

After reading a few horror stories I don't think I want to add a rider onto my State Farm home insurance policy.

I'm looking for an independent insurance company that will insure the average joe that loves to take pictures but does not have a photography business.
I looked at Hill and Usher but when I went to fill out there "quote" sheet it was totally aimed at someone in the business.

What horror stories are you talking about? Related to State Farm? I have a Personal Effects policy from State Farm for my camera equipment. Totally unconnected to my Homeowners Policy. No deductible. Any claims on it should have no effect on my Homeowners rates. Costs me $30 per year for $3000 coverage. Not a good idea to have a rider as far as I can tell - probably have rather high deductibles.

Steve W.

sjwolfhope wrote in post #16240834
What horror stories are you talking about? Related to State Farm? I have a Personal Effects policy from State Farm for my camera equipment. Totally unconnected to my Homeowners Policy. No deductible. Any claims on it should have no effect on my Homeowners rates. Costs me $30 per year for $3000 coverage. Not a good idea to have a rider as far as I can tell - probably have rather high deductibles.

Steve W.

I have seen several stories of insurance companies raising rates but what I'm worried about is the stories I've read of the insurance canceling the policy after a claim on photo gear. I travel a lot and always take a camera or two and if I do have a claim I don't need to get screwed in the process.
I have had a rider on my State Farm policy and it was dirt cheap for like $5000 in coverage so, Yes, I can go that route, Just looking for alternatives and options.

What I am talking about is not a rider, but a separate policy.

So why don't you get a personal articles policy from state farm not a rider? Yes it won't be cheap, but it won't cause issues with your home owners insurance.

Almost every insurance company that sells homeowner insurance (including renter's policies or condo policies) will have the capability of scheduling camera equipment. Just like scheduling guns or jewelry. It is added directly to your policy. They charge so much per $100 or $1000 of value. Probably the most valuable protection is coverage against breakage. If you didn't schedule your camera / lens and you accidently dropped it and damaged it there is no coverage under the standard homeowners policy. Contact your agent and provide them with a description of your items and the value.

sjwolfhope wrote in post #16240912
What I am talking about is not a rider, but a separate policy.

Ok.... That I will look into. If I can keep it separate that will work great.

AND YES.... I'M ANAL and PARANOID!

The problem is that it doesn't really make any money for agents so a lot of agents will say you need some other insurance with state farm before you can get the Personal Articles Policy. Just keep asking other agents. It took me 5 tries to find one.

This shouldn't be a problem with you since you already have home insurance with them.

caoko wrote in post #16241123
This shouldn't be a problem with you since you already have home insurance with them.

Business, house, 3 cars and a diamond ring. They should just insure my camera gear for free!!

reefvilla,

There's nothing to fear with a Personal Valuable Property policy. My policy costs are approximately $12 a year per $1,000 in coverage and it covers everything from theft to simply fumbling the glass and dropping it. I've had my policy for 5 years now, and although I've never had to make a claim, my rates will not skyrocket if I have to make a claim nor will my policy be cancelled.

I imagine someone could run into rising rates or a cancellation if they made a lot of claims in a short period of time, but that shouldn't be an issue unless someone has butter fingers or really, really bad luck.

Bryan

bps wrote in post #16241271
reefvilla,

There's nothing to fear with a Personal Valuable Property policy. My policy costs are approximately $12 a year per $1,000 in coverage and it covers everything from theft to simply fumbling the glass and dropping it. I've had my policy for 5 years now, and although I've never had to make a claim, my rates will not skyrocket if I have to make a claim nor will my policy be cancelled.

I imagine someone could run into rising rates or a cancellation if they made a lot of claims in a short period of time, but that shouldn't be an issue unless someone has butter fingers or really, really bad luck.

Bryan

I keep seeing this rate of $12 per $1000. The local State Farm agent here quoted me $15 per $1000. Anyone else paying more than $12 per $1000?

I pay a little less than $16 per $1000 through USAA with no deductible. The only caveat is you have to be military or former military to join USAA.

Will you be going out of the country with your equipment? Some policies are for the US only.

jmckayak wrote in post #16241740
Will you be going out of the country with your equipment? Some policies are for the US only.

yes... once or twice a year.

Calhoun213 wrote in post #16240957
Almost every insurance company that sells homeowner insurance (including renter's policies or condo policies) will have the capability of scheduling camera equipment. Just like scheduling guns or jewelry. It is added directly to your policy. They charge so much per $100 or $1000 of value. Probably the most valuable protection is coverage against breakage. If you didn't schedule your camera / lens and you accidently dropped it and damaged it there is no coverage under the standard homeowners policy. Contact your agent and provide them with a description of your items and the value.

farmer's does not. and that's a big one. they cover all my properties, so they were the first i called.

and like the op noted, and many have implied above, it's not always a good idea to add to your existing policy. state farm has a completely seperate policy, as noted above, and protects against most anything. it's the only one i know of from a larger company and i also researched this a long time.

so, if anyone knows of another one other than state farm, that would be very helpful.