| Photo: Seri Pristupa / Pal through Getty Image |
It is no secret that photography gear is expensive. For most of us, whether professional or hobby, camera, lens, tippai and other equipment is an important investment. Damaged or stolen gear repairing or replacing the stolen can be cost-disinterested, leaving you without the need for gear. But a camera is not very good if you never take it out due to anxiety.
This is where insurance comes. As soon as you can get insurance for your expensive guitar or jewelry, a plan for your camera gear can help protect your investment if something happens. If you are eager about insurance for your camera, what should you know here.
Homeowner or tenant insurance may not be enough
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Homeowners and tenant insurance are generally limited to the camera gear they cover. Photo: Witsarut Sakorn / ISTock / Getty Images Plus Plus Getty Images |
If you rent or own home, you have insurance for it. Such policies cover your personal goods, but they often have limitations that can make the policy insufficient for your needs. For example, many policies do not cover accidental damage, as you leave your camera. Additionally, a claim can be denied if you use your camera for professional use of any amount, even if it is only a topical payment shoot or selling print.
Even more problem is that many schemes have strict caps on the value and number of items covered in many schemes. The price cap can also be as low as $ 1000. This can be enough if you are a contingent hobbist with a starting level camera and a single lens, but more than that can fall out of coverage, leaves you to foot to foot.
There are policies for your equipment
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Homeowners and tenants insurance usually do not cover accidental damage, so a policy for your gear is a smart investment. Photo: Boy_anupong / Pal Getti Emage |
If your tenant or home owner insurance is very limited, you can consider a dedicated plan or ad-on (called a rider) for your gear. The names of such schemes vary on the basis of the insurance company, but it can be something like “personal article policy” or “valuable personal property insurance”.
The cost of coverage varies depending on the value of your location, insurance company and your item.
The cost of coverage varies depending on the value of your location, insurance company and your item. The more you need to cover and those items will be more expensive, the higher the annual cost. However, it is generally relatively inexpensive with a broad, professional kit. Furthermore, given what it can save you, if anything happens, it is well worth spending.
Even better, in many schemes, unlike home owners or tenant insurance, is not a cut, which often contains relatively steep cuts. For example, a $ 1000 cut on $ 1400 camera is often not helpful. In addition, filing claims is often easier than home owners dealing with insurance.
Who should have insurance for camera gear?
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| Photo: Jeff Keller |
A insurance dedicated to your camera equipment is a good decision if you (or plan to spend) spend good amounts of money on cameras, lenses and other items. This is especially meaningful for those who travel out with their cameras or spend time out, where it may fall, stolen or damage from elements. Even if you have only a certain-lens camera, a specific policy for your camera can be smart if the policy of your home owner or tenants is limited what it will cover.
A security plan makes even more understandable if you are a professional photographer, as insurance of home owners and tenants will not cover your gear in such cases. It is also important if you have many pieces of high-end gear. Eventually, your livelihood, or at least part, depends on your equipment. If something happens and you have to pay for a new camera out of the pocket, it can mean the difference between continuing your business or folding.
It is important to know that general individual article policies usually do not cover professional use. If you earn money from your photography, you may need to especially get a plan for a small business. Watch the details of the plan carefully in advance so that you do not finish with the denied claims due to professional activity. It is also worth noting that, while not related to gear, some states, cities or places may require photographers to carry liabilities insurance. However, that type of plan is often different from gear coverage.
How do you get coverage?
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| Photo: Getty Images through Patanapong Khingev / ISTock / Getty Image Plus Plus |
If you decide to take insurance for your photography tool, you want to get some things in order. Each insurance company has specific information that is necessary to them, but most of the serial number (when applied) for each item (when applied), will ask for all your gear list with evidence and proof of value, details and ownership. They will not be able to give you a quote for their annual premium until they have that information. In addition, this list is also helpful for your record, even if you do not want to insured it. Some companies may also require photographs of each item for their records.
You can insure more than your camera and lens.
Keep in mind that you can insure more than your camera and lens. Tipi, camera bags, laptops, lights and other items can all be quite expensive, so it makes sense to insure them as well.
When it comes to choosing an insurance company, most large insurers will offer some variety personal property insurance. In the United States, state form, progressive, USAA, allstate and more such schemes are provided. Most also have suitable schemes for professionals, although many working processes prefer special insurers due to better claims and the scope of coverage. For example, organizations like America’s professional photographer (PPA), National photographic committee (NP) and Photographers Provide insurance for members.
Other notes on insurance
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| Photo: Peter Cad / Stone through Getty Image |
If something happens to your gear, there are some things to remember. First, if it is stolen, file a police report immediately. If you are claiming the theft, the insurers will need a police report, and you want it on record as soon as possible. If you are traveling outside the country, make sure you do this before leaving, because once you are receiving the report of the house of the house it is impossible.
For a broken gear, write an account of what happened during your brain being fresh, and take videos of photos or even damaged items. Then, contact your insurance as soon as possible. Many companies have a time limit for claim presentations, and if you wait too long, they cannot accept your claim.
Talk to an insurance agent
The cost and benefit of insurance coverage will eventually vary depending on your location, gear and specific requirements. If you are on the fence or confused about the need for a specific policy or want to know the cost, contact an insurance agent for more specific advice. Additionally, some information in this article is specific to America. While insurance is roughly the same in other countries, it is best to check locally to ensure that you have the most accurate information for your area.
