UK Camera Insurance Query

I'm starting to collect some lenses now, and I'm ready to head off into the wilds (Well the lowlands of scotland to be honest) to test out some L glass!

Now I've just started to think..

What would happen if put my camera and newly aquired lenses into my trusty hire car. Then I return, to find broken glass and no camera...

The only sensible answer, is to get the lot insured. So can any of the UK members give me some advice on who to use?

Mike

Check to see if your house contents insurance covers it. Mine (direct line) does up to £2K away from home. I phoned them to confirm it and found there was a £1000 single item limit but other than that I was OK.

Thanks foxbat, I did that. I spoke to someone on the phone and got a 'I'm not sure' but this is what I think it worked out to.

It does and it doesn't, it would not cover the stuff left unattended in a car or left in a hotel room. If I was in the car or room when it was stolen thats fine..... and I'm not up for renewal till next year.

Hi, I asked my Insurance Company (Esure) to increase the amount insured under 'all risks' to cover my gear which includeds anywhere in UK and I *think* abroad for up to 30 days but not 100% on that last bit. They have a maximum £1500 for any one item (lucky as 1 item I have was £1499.99 - LOL) and I even get it insured in an unattended car *IF* it is a locked boot.

Beware of 2 points, I know 1 insurance company that says the boot of a hatchback is NOT acceptable as entry can be gained from inside the vehicle. Also 1 company had the nerve to say that if a lens was attached to a camera it was 'one item' and the one item maximum would come into force, if the lens was not attached to the camera then it was 2 items - bl**dy cheek

Terry

If you want a specialist photographic policy, check out Glover and Howe. My comments relate to their cover for amateurs - things are different if you're a professional.

Glover and Howe were recommended to me, and their policy seems fair enough. Locked boots are covered (and they will cover equipment under the load cover of an estate or people carrier) - the only requirement is that there must have been forcible entry. You can't leave equipment in the car overnight (between 2100 and 0600) unless it's in a locked compound or locked garage.


Equipment is insured for full replacement, which is different to most insurance policies where you only get the market value. As stated in my certificate:

Basis of settlement: FULL REPLACEMENT - the cost of repairing or replacing an item of the insured equipment or property as new or at Insurers option making a cash settlement without any deduction for wear, tear or betterment, provided settlement does not exceed the sum insured stated and agreed in the schedule.

This means that it's going to be more expensive than adding to your household contents insurance, where you'll just get the market value of the item. If you have a lens stolen, for example, you get a new lens - or the nearest replacement / equivalent if that lens is no longer available. You are warned in the proposal to make sure that the values you've stated are sufficient to replace the items - including inflation if you wish.


The premium depends on the total value insured. Items over £100 have to be itemised, but there's no limit (except that the maximum cover for equipment in an unattended car is £6500, and premiums for over £10000 are on request).

Details of the excess and no claims discount should be noted.


I believe E&L are the company to avoid - there's various horror stories around the Internet.

David

This is something I need to look into as well but one thing caught my eye as I was looking over the website. Obviuosly they need proof of purchase on insured items (ie receipts)...what happens when you purchase stuff from maybe another member (2nd hand, no reciept) or from a 'dealer' on ebay ? I wouldnt have thought the insurers would look to kindly on this ?

Hi David, if your household insurance is 'new for old' as mine is then you get new kit and not just market value if any unfortunate event strikes you. I have also been told of problems and totally understand with your comments about E&L Terry

Hmm, thanks for the heads up on that. I've seen their flyer with various photo mags. Thanks for the heads up.

Thanks for the info on this, I appeciate it.

I called them, but they didn't want to discuss the policy on the phone, they just said go to their website. I checked out their policy on the net, and it seems ok, other than it does not cover convertibles

Anyone ever claimed from them?

Avoid E&L, they have too many get-out clauses. Most of we professionals use Photoguard and they are not expensive for the non-pro. You can complete an application on-line, just make sure you are honest with your answers.

THANKS!

Okay, I called them, they are VERY helpful on the phone. More expensive than the others I've looked at. BUT there is NO excess!

I going with these guys! www.photoguard.co.uk

What was the charge Mike ... a lot of work needed filling in info if I then discover it's too expensive at the end!

Just tap in the value of your gear into this page.

http://www.photoguard.​co.uk …ital_camera_ins​urance.asp

I just entered £4000 to get an idea, and UK/EU cover + 30 days worldwide comes out as £160. The price they quote is the price you pay (so they tell me).

Remember the value you are covering is the replacement value NOT the price you paid!

ie. I paid £100 for an EF100-300 f/5.6 USM from ebay last year, I need to use the replacement value which would something like £200 for a EF 90-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM.

They said if you've got stuff from ebay, just make sure that you have photos's of the kit to prove you have it!

I rung them three times today, spoken to three different girls, ask three stupid questions, and got three really helpful answers. I like them!

Excellent ... I went in a different route and it asked me for details on all my gear and no quote given. Useful. Thanks ...

Just signed up with Photoguard. Thanks again to KennyG for the heads up on this.