Insurance Options for Equipment.

• scr33n

  Member

  February 18, 2011 at 11:14 pm

  I’m looking for advice as to what’s the best way to insure some of my gear. I don’t have that much stuff to cover but there’s a few items that would be hard to replace. Mostly older classic items, Leica & Rolleiflex etc. which were purchased used so I don’t have the original shop receipts etc. I have standard house contents insurance although they’re not listed on that, and I feel that in a worst case scenario if I claimed for the replacement of a 1986 35mm film camera I wouldn’t even get enough to buy back a Leica lens cap. So what kind of insurance do I need, how do you value pre-owned equipment and is there anywhere that specialises in photo equipment?

  All advice much appreciated.
  paul

  Participant

  February 19, 2011 at 8:29 pm

  If you don’t earn a single cent from photography, then add the items to your home insurance, as listed items.

  If you sell even a single print, then you should look for proper professional insurance.

  When listing the items, give the replacement value.

  Currently, the best I’ve found, for professional insurance would be http://www.camerainsurance.ie
  Alan Rossiter

  Participant

  February 20, 2011 at 11:04 am

  I went with the listed option on my house insurance with replacement value. Over €5K worth of equipment cost about €52/year to ensure…€1/week doesn’t sound that bad. Prior to this I dropped a camera into a rockpool but managed to salvage both camera and lens. It thought me a lesson!

  Alan
  scr33n

  Member

  February 21, 2011 at 9:37 pm

  Thanks folks, This might be a bit of a silly question but does house contents insurance cover your gear if it’s not ‘in the house’ e.g. Say if you left your camera bag on the train? (the horror!) I had a bicycle stolen before and even though it was listed on the house contents insurance they wouldn’t consider a claim as it wasn’t stolen from the house.

  Also anyone else know what the situation is with secondhand equipment? Any trouble making a claim if you don’t have the original proof of purchase etc.
  paul

  Participant

  February 22, 2011 at 10:41 am

  You can get the items added as listed items, and ensure that they’re covered for out of house. Make sure that this is clarified and put in writing.

  As for 2nd hand gear, just make sure you provide the serial numbers of the items and you should be fine.
  scr33n

  Member

  February 22, 2011 at 5:14 pm

  Thanks Paul