Camera Equipment Insurance

Subject: Camera Equipment Insurance 2009-08-03, 05:33

I'm starting to build up my photography equipment and am wondering about the best approach to insurance.

On replacement value I have about £800 worth of equipment, so can get it noted on my contents insurance. Has anyone ever had to claim on their contents insurance? Do they actually pay out if, for example, you drop the camera.

Also, has anyone used any of the specialist insurers such as photoguard? How are they when you have to claim?

Thanks

Subject: Re: Camera Equipment Insurance 2009-08-04, 00:13

Hey St John,
If you check your own home insurers I think you will find that you are only required to cover separate items that exceed £1,000. Even if all your equipment exceeds £1000 they are in fact separate items unless you have purchased a single item for more than £1,000. Funny thing is that a PC even if it exceeds £1000 is a composite item and is covered under the less than £1,000 cover since no one component within a PC cost more than £1,000.

Portable items however do have certain constraints under insurance and liability. If your insurance policy does not cover portable items outside your home you may need to extend your insurance to cover accidental damage, theft or loss outside your home.

The only real benefits of specialised insurers like photoguard is that any claims will not affect the No claims bonus on your home and car insurance.

I have been through this before when I purchased cheap insurance and a laptop was stolen from the boot of my car. My home insurance said I did not take out portable item insurance, and my car insurance said they would cover for loss of items but to the maximum claim of £300.

Sometimes it is good just to check to make sure that you're covered, so make sure you read the Coverage before you buy any insurance.

Hope this helps you mate.

Subject: Re: Camera Equipment Insurance 2009-08-04, 03:29

Yeh, thanks, that's great advice.