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Articles  Digital Camera Insurance |
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Digital Cameras and Equipment Insurance
Good camera equipment is not cheap. Most photographers spend years acquiring theirs. If you had to replace all your equipment at once, or even a portion of it, would you be able to? What would you do if faced with such a situation? Settle for a fraction of the equipment you once had? Stop taking pictures altogether and pick up a cheaper hobby?
None of the above sound appealing? Consider insuring your equipment. If your equipment is insured, check the coverage and exclusions of your policy to make sure you have the coverage you need. If you lost all your equipment tomorrow, would your insurance company pay for the replacement value of your equipment? Would you face exclusions if you receive photography-related income? Understanding your level of coverage today could save you from being unable to shoot pictures tomorrow.
What type of policy do I need?
The type of policy you need depends on how you use your equipment. If you do not make any money through the use of your equipment, a standard homeowners or renters policy should cover against theft and fire, even when your equipment is outside your home. Typically, standard homeowners and renters policies cover you against named perils only. They also typically have deductibles. If your equipment is accidentally damaged, for example, you drop it, chances are it will not be covered under a standard homeowners or renters policy.
If you use your equipment for non-commercial purposes, another alternative is buying an "all-risk" floater. This attachment to your homeowners or renters policy includes a schedule of covered items. An all risk floater generally covers the scheduled equipment against everything except specifically excluded perils stated in the policy (e.g., acts of war). So if you're walking down a street and you accidentally drop your camera and a car drives by and runs it over, smashing it into pieces, it's covered unless that situation is specifically excluded in your policy.
Avoiding weather problems
The weather can be unpredictable when you are out and about. There's also a chance you'll be near water or harsh heat. If you don't have an all-weather or waterproof camera -- if you aren't sure, you probably don't have one - you can try keeping the camera sealed in a plastic bag to protect it from water. To protect it from extreme cold, keep it close to your body. If you notice condensation on or inside the camera, stop using it until you're back inside. Find out if your insurance policy will cover water/weather damage to be sure as well.
Thwarting thieves
Don't leave your camera sitting unattended on a table, an empty chair, or a bench. Don't make things easy for a thief. Keep it in a bag, out of sight, and keep the bag with you at all times.
Summary
If it’s not the first time you are dealing with photography, then you already know how expensive the adequate camera and equipment may be. You do understand that these investments must be somehow protected, not only by means of an expensive insurance before you go on vacation, but also by means of a common property insurance policy. The advantage of this type of insurance is that it can be valid during many years.
You will spend more, but in case of theft you will get a reasonable reimbursement, corresponding to the insurance policy. Normally, the insurance company should discharge its duties. When you go out and take photos in nature, and try to sneak in places from where you can take great pictures, the equipment runs the risk of being deteriorated. And such situations of personal risk can be insured. Read carefully the insurance policy and verify the stipulations one by one. Remember to be safe, get insurance and make sure that you have enough to cover your complete camera kit. It is simple to just get insurance for your camera body, but what about all your lenses? and other camera accessories? Everything costs - make sure you are protected.
When looking for companies to purchase from like most people you can search online and find a variety of options. If you belong to any photography organizations, clubs or groups you can always see if they provide any type of group discounts that you may be able to capitalise on – also check the back of photography magazines, there’s always some good offers in there!
Best thing to remember, is that altho people normally do not like Insurance companies, you have to remember they are there to help you if the unthinkable ever happens. I know that if I was without my digital camera gear I would be out of business, so I have a good insurance policy to make sure that I am covered. They know what lenses, and all other accessories we have so if do lose them due to theft, they already have the records. It is also a good idea to take photos of all your gear, so if you have to claim insurance, you have proof of your equipment as well.
Article by Luke Appleby
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