What kind of gear insurance do you carry when traveling?

Hi all,
I plan to visit southern France in April and need to line up insurance for my gear. I'll be carrying $4-5K in gear. My homeowner's insurance has a $3,500 deductible, so that won't do. State Farm has something called "Personal Articles" insurance, which has no deductible and costs $1.12 per $100 per year. That seems like a reasonable deal to me.

What else should I consider when choosing insurance? Any companies you would recommend or that are better to work with than others?

I have an attachment to my home owners that is called a marine policy. I'm thinking it is about 75 cents per 100 dollars but has a $500 deductible. I often carry everything in one bag,so the deductible and price fit my needs although the no- deductible you mention may well be worth it. My policy covers everything, theft, loss, accidents, no matter who is at fault. The rate you have been quoted sounds like it is in line.

Insurance is a bad deal unless the loss would be so great, you wouldn't be able to cover it yourself, or you know your risk is significantly higher than average. Do self-insurance instead.

I have a PAP "Personal Articles" with State Farm. Last fall I had to make a claim when my entire gear bag was stolen along with my wife's and my ski gear. It was very easy. I just had to supply a list of what was stolen, and within 1.5 weeks I had a check in the mail. I believe my policy had a $100 deductible. I also have my renters with SF and thats what covered the ski gear and 2 day old laptop.

When signing up you just have to supply a list of all the gear with applicable serial numbers and pictures to back up the gear.

Thanks! That was just the info I was hoping for. I think I'll go with the State Farm Personal Articles policy.