Insurance for camera and lenses?

I never really considered getting my equipment insured. I am an amateur and just always hoped nothing would happen to my stuff.

But... I am now considering some more expensive lenses and I am worried something may happen to them (knock on wood).

Do people here have insurance for their cameras, even if they don't have that much stuff? I am particularly interested in people in the US, because I would like to find out which insurer to go with.

Thanks!

(Sorry if I posted this in the wrong section, but this seemed the best place to me)

I'm in Canada, but I think things are similar here.
Look at getting it through your home insurance as a rider.
I went to a broker and they printed out a variety of options for me from different insurance companies. I picked what suited me best.

dude...i went through statefarm and for 4000+$ i pay 65 yearly!

I am shooting pro at events now and have to have a small business policy. It's expensive, but I have it through Zurich. If you decide to do a renters or homeowners rider, that may be easier and cheaper. I didn't know I had to go this route until I actually started working at places that required a copy of my insurance coverage.

romeo26 wrote in post #8857781
dude...i went through statefarm and for 4000+$ i pay 65 yearly!

+1 for State Farm

It's called a Personal Articles Policy. It covers if you have an accident, stolen, vandalism, etc. It's cheap (I think mine runs about $1.40 per $100 of equipment). And, It's not in any way linked to your homeowners policy. I wouldn't rely on my homeowners to cover my camera equipment in case something happened.

They also have policies to cover Pros equipment (at a slightly higher rate though). State Farm classifies a Pro as basically if have ever been paid for photography work. I think the Pro rate is about $2 per $100 (not positive on that).

State Farm just quoted me $70/Year for $6000 worth of gear

Another State Farm user here. ~$80 for $6500 worth of gear (they even let me include memory cards on the policy!)

So long as you aren't making money from your photos (which they will ask if you decide to start a policy with them) they are probably your best bet. I checked around with other companies and was actually told it would be best to get a policy that was not attached to my homeowner's insurance because any claim might affect the premium for everything else included with the HO policy.

State farm sounds pretty good. Is there a deductible or not?

(Once tried to insure my road bike, I think through their renter's insurance, and there was a 1000 deductible, making it pretty much useless)

Thanks all!

If it's insurance for personal equipment not used for business then you can do what people have been saying... but if you're making money off of your equipment then you're going to need more insurance. I'm sure Suzie can attest to the fact that pro insurance is not cheap. Because I started shooting weddings I have insurance not only for my equipment but also liability insurance and other coverage. It's definitely not $65 a year... wish it were though.

For my hobby use, mine is all covered on our home insurance policy at no additional cost at all.

I was not at all sure they understood what I wanted, so to make absolutely sure I spelt out every item with full current replacement prices against each. I also got full agreement in writing.

wyntrsnyte wrote in post #8858983
Another State Farm user here. ~$80 for $6500 worth of gear (they even let me include memory cards on the policy!)

So long as you aren't making money from your photos (which they will ask if you decide to start a policy with them) they are probably your best bet. I checked around with other companies and was actually told it would be best to get a policy that was not attached to my homeowner's insurance because any claim might affect the premium for everything else included with the HO policy.

Is it more if you are "making" money from your photos?

I have always had some kind of insurance on my gear. Currently I have a Personal Articles Policy through State Farm. Very cheap and excellent coverage.

eric gautier wrote in post #8859203
Is it more if you are "making" money from your photos?

Yes it cost more if you are making money "Pro" I was quoted at 92 a year for $6000 in gear. I however am going with business liability insurance.Which covers all of my gear and if like a light stand were to fall and injure someone. I am covered it is 250 a year. 2 Million in coverage plus 7500 for my equipment.

I'm State Farm insured as well - $54/year - no restrictions, no deductible.

yea you can insure any amount, I wanna say for me it was about $1.25 per $100 insured, maybe? Its about $350 a year for just under $20K insured. I even have my iPhone on the plan!