Insurance for medium format camera

bn22my · Apr 2, 2008

Hello all,

I recently bought a new MF camera system and am looking to insure it, as I've recently set up as a pro, and want to cover myself. I was wondering if anyone knows a good insurer with a decent track record etc, who will insure an individual business item? I've recently moved from London to New York City, so I'm not sure 'who's who' in terms of insurers..

Thanks~ Ben

copake_ham · Apr 2, 2008

Ben,

If you have a homeowner's or renter's policy, you should be able to obtain additional coverage for your cameras under a separate "valuables" rider. The additional premium for such coverage is usually quite reasonable. But check to make sure that being a "pro" doesn't negate the coverage.

I'm hesitant to recommend anyone on an open forum. If you PM me, I can pass along the name of the NYC insurance broker I use.

wildbill · Apr 2, 2008

Try state farm insurance. It's cheap. They'll give you a quote per year based on the amount you'd like to insure it for. No deductable. Coverage for breakage, lost or stolen items.

Richard Kelham · Apr 2, 2008

The situation in the UK is that you'd have to take out a "pro" insurance package as normal camera policies don't cover for pro use, nor do they cover things like public liability which you will need. Is there a local equivalent of the AoP you could ask?

Richard

eddym · Apr 2, 2008

Richard Kelham said:
The situation in the UK is that you'd have to take out a "pro" insurance package as normal camera policies don't cover for pro use, nor do they cover things like public liability which you will need. Is there a local equivalent of the AoP you could ask?

Richard

I think the OP is going to find that to be the case in the US as well, especially if you want liability coverage (and you do!!). Check with an independent insurance agent, and explain exactly what you plan to be doing, and provide a list of what you want covered. Be sure to ask if the equipment coverage is for "replacement value" or if it will be depreciated according to the amount of time you have owned it.

Neanderman · Apr 2, 2008

wildbill said:
Try state farm insurance.

I have State Farm and agree -- it is VERY reasonable and they are easy to deal with for claims. But, I think their standard homeowners rider will exclude you if you are a "pro" -- that is, if you use the camera in a daily job that is your primary source of income.

Talk to an agent.

Ed

Jim Noel · Apr 2, 2008

Find a local ASMP chapter and join it. They should have full information concerning insurance and other business needs in your area.

PhotoJim · Apr 2, 2008

Canadian insurers deem professional use to be any usage that generates income. Whether it is your primary source of income or not is irrelevant.

You have a couple of choices:

1. Speak to an insurance broker (or a single-carrier agent, but in this case you'll want to speak to more than one). Get a quote for a commercial general liability policy and for an equipment floater.

2. Find if there is some sort of professional association in New York that has an insurance program as a benefit. Rates under these programs are much more attractive than insurance purchased individually, in most cases.

I'm an insurance broker in Saskatchewan and lecture for the Insurance Institute of Saskatchewan, in addition to some of my other dalliances...

Insurance for medium format camera

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