Camera Insurance

Since Day 1 (that's back in the 80's) I always insured all my camera gear.
Especially flying to venues for paid photoshoots, I found it necessary - Nikons and top quality lenses etc.

In year 2 of lockdown I reconsidered my very high monthly premiums and cancelled everything.
Now I take one camera+lens in my bag when I go out, small Fuji X-T20 with a 27mm lens or similar; should anything dreadful happen to those,
the savings from over several months of non-payment of insurance will cover buying new.

I don't know though - some people slip and fall into rivers with tripod mounted expensive gear that is ruined, and get a full payout,
so it depends very much on your lifestyle and usage. Balance the pros and cons, I guess.
 
I also have it covered on my homeowner policy. My insurance just has me give a value that is covered and I don't have to list each item. My prior homeowner policy wanted receipts of the items when I bought them and keep an itemized list of the specific gear covered.
 
I had been relying on homeowner's insurance to cover my gear for years but was uncomfortable with it. A lot of homeowner's policies will try to deny claims in creative ways such as: if I earn any many at all from my photography then the insurance considers me a professional and won't cover my gear under a homeowner's policy; limits per item, so if I have an expensive lens or body it may not be completely covered; theft can be tricky with some policies, if I don't have proof that the camera was stolen the insurance may not cover the loss. For instance, if I left my camera bag in the car while in the store, came back and the bag was gone, but there is no evidence to show someone taking it, then I won't get covered.

I went with Full Frame Insurance to cover my gear.
 
Here's how insurance works: Collect premiums, don't pay claims. A good broker will look out for you. But I have had nothing but bad luck with my homeowners trying to skin me every chance they get. Ambrose Bierce's Devil's Dictionary has a good entry on insurance.
 
Here's how insurance works: Collect premiums, don't pay claims. A good broker will look out for you. But I have had nothing but bad luck with my homeowners trying to skin me every chance they get. Ambrose Bierce's Devil's Dictionary has a good entry on insurance.
I generally agree with that and reference a former business partner of mine who, in relation to a claim we had on foot, advised me to proceed on the basis that insurance companies will only pay if you have them up against a wall with a knife at their neck (yes, the expression on my face was just as pained as yours on hearing that). Ok, so that was a professional indemnity claim as opposed to camera gear but I do still wonder what the prospects of recovery would be if I claimed against a policy solely in relation to my gear. Has anyone here successfully put in a claim? This is relevant as I don't believe household insurance would cover the cost of the gear of most people here.
 
I generally agree with that and reference a former business partner of mine who, in relation to a claim we had on foot, advised me to proceed on the basis that insurance companies will only pay if you have them up against a wall with a knife at their neck (yes, the expression on my face was just as pained as yours on hearing that). Ok, so that was a professional indemnity claim as opposed to camera gear but I do still wonder what the prospects of recovery would be if I claimed against a policy solely in relation to my gear. Has anyone here successfully put in a claim? This is relevant as I don't believe household insurance would cover the cost of the gear of most people here.
In 2018 I slightly damaged my X-T1 and lens! My household insurance paid for Fuji to repair them, and the performed perfectly, regardless of their battle scars!
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OK, I worked for a major insurer back in Hartford at the dawn of time. Around the holidays a list a whacko claims were circulated for our amusement. One had a case of plastic surgery to replace the skin on a man's penis. Yes, a true claim. The insurance company questioned the cost. The surgeon replied to get an idea of the instrument involved to look at a mule. And to remember that the skin could not be applied straight on but in a spiral as the instrument would change in length. The insurer settled on that one. In the case of car fires the adjuster would roll the car forward and check the tires. If they were old, worn out tires chances are the good ones were switched off and the car was torched. It is a game of skulduggery. They assume we are screwing them, we assume they are screwing us. I always play it fair with insurers. It is far easier that way. And don't forget, they have heard lies from some great liars.
 
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