In light of recent events ... insuring cameras/lenses

[Flyfisher Tom]

Though it hasn't happened yet outside the UK, I suspect at some point it might be possible that all cameras/lenses are required to be in checked luggage.

Perhaps some of the pro photographers here might be able to give some advice on insuring equipment.

A friend of mine insured his camera/lens via a rider to his home insurance policy. Airline lost it, he filed claim, got the money, thereafter his home insurance company dropped him. The double edged sword of insurance, they like premiums, but they don't like claims 😛

Are there suggestions for insurance to avoid that result? Insurance, perhaps, independent of home policies? Are there companies who do just that? What would you recommend ... thanks.

 

[x-ray]

Checking camera equipment has always been an issue. I simply refuse to check my cameras, computer and film. When traveling any distance for a shoot i carry anywhere from six to sixteen large cases of gear. I ship my light package including packs, heads and cables. My tripod goes with cargo and any grip equipment. The one time I allowed Delta to ship my cameras with the cargo it was a near disaster. I had a Halliburton case with 3 M bodies, 7 Leica lenses, viso II dropped from the cargo bay of the pland and destroyed the case. Fortunately the gear was fine but it took a year for Delta and my insurance to resolve things. Many times I've had my lighting not make it to the destination at the same time I did. In one case I presses United to supply me with lighting untill my package caught up. Fortunately they did and my lighting finally arrived at the end of the first day of shooting. One trip to Cambden NJ, RCA, My video engineer shipped our $70,000 RCA camera in cargo and it wound up in Ohio. Most recently I flew to Baltimore. I now carry cables in a halliburton case that is locked. When I arrived and picked up the cases I found my case had been forced open with a screw driver and the lock was destroyed. The air lines will take no responsibility for damage or theft. During that trip I paid over $1,000 in excess baggage charges but they would assume no responsibility. Becaue of these problems I will drive to may of my locartions or charter a plane. I'm a pilot so I even fly myself to many destinations in the eastern US.

 

[Nikon Bob]

Tom

I think that you are on the right path. After the present flap is over the fall out may be that all cameras be placed in checked luggage. Driving to a destination is a solution only for the continent that you are on and only if you have the time. I will have to then face reality and look for insurance also on overseas trips. I have had one claim for a B&E on my home owners policy so an alternative form of insurance is what I would be looking for. I do not think a second claim on the homeowners policy would be looked on to kindly and I would wind up in the same position as your friend. Just when you think it could not get worse it does.

Bob

 

[Andrew Sowerby]

I just buy cheap, good cameras. That's the best solution to this problem, I think.

 

[spysmart]

Maybe it will be no electronics ( and liquids ) in the future

Maybe it will be no electronics ( and liquids ) in the future

It sounded like the plot was to use the flash circuit in a camera to generate a high voltage trigger for the chemicals.

Once things settle down, perhaps the line will be draw to allow no electronics on board. So all mechanical cameras will be considered okay again .... don't trade that M3 in for a M8 just yet.

 

[schaubild]

I have an assignment next month in Scotland and planned to get there by plane. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be possible (or payable) to insure my equipment as I use some one off lenses which are way too expensive, so insurances shy away. The offers I got from some insurance companies and airlines are horrendously high. We're talking about 15%!
Looks like I'll have to take the train from Switzerland to England and rent a car... 🙁

 

[peter_n]

Once things settle down, perhaps the line will be draw to allow no electronics on board. So all mechanical cameras will be considered okay again .... don't trade that M3 in for a M8 just yet.

You think a TSA person knows the difference between an M3 and an M6?

I'm planning a long trip for next year. I might just get a used Bessa and pack it and my Canonet in my travel bag and carry a spare lens in my shirt pocket. If I decide to take my Leica gear I would pack it in a Tenba Air Case and use TSA locks, get insurance and pray.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

Thanks guys for the insights.

I think I will have to either pack a cheaper camera (Olympus 35SP instead of a M6), or look into insurance. It is quite annoying to contemplate travelling to a destination like Europe and not being able to bring your favorite kit without exhorbitant insurance or risk of loss.

I wonder what sort of world we are leaving our kids.

 

[RdEoSg]

At least you all have homes to attach them too! I don't own a house so I can't even do that.. I just cross my fingers and hope 🙁

 

[anabasis]

If there are any Nikon owners here, if you become a paying memeber to the Nikonians site, they offer up to 20,000 (dollars or euros) of insurance for camera gear that covers most anything for less then 500 a year (about 2.5%). The premium varies with the amount of coverage. Just a FYI.

JCA

 

[egpj]

My next trip down to South America is not looking too good photographically speaking. When I fly to Manchester, NH I will most likely only bring my IIf with me. The rest of my kit will stay here in Florida.

I have time enough to get ready for South America. I already have a Pelican 1510 rolling/carry in approved case for my M cameras. It has the divider setup in it but I have order the pick and pluck foam to hold the lenses and bodies more securely if I have to check the bag at the counter. Also ordered the Pelican TSA locks as well for my 1650 case and the 1510. Once I get everything situated I will get the insurance lined up. I figured I would have everything ready for them to see what my setup would be and how I was going to protect it while traveling before I started making contact. My preliminary investigation has pointed me to the Travelers insurance group with Valuable Items policy. At least that is where I plan on starting.

If this doesn't work out then maybe I can look into getting some custom luggage made that has a false bottom. TSA will be able to see what is going on with x-ray but the common thief will hopefully not have the time to discover such a thing.

With all the theft that goes on with checked in luggage it is only a matter of time before items like bombs start finding there way into our checked in luggage. the terrorists are not stupid and they will find that chink in our security system. Our items can be stolen in this area of the airport then it will happen. Criminals don't care or else they would not be criminals.

 

[bob cole]

In light of recent events ... insuring cameras/lenses

My understanding of insurance on such things as camera equipment is the following:

(1) Typically, if you just make a claim and can present documents showing what you paid, insurers will pay up to $500. They will not raise your premiums very much or cancel your policy.

(2) If you want to insure them separately under your homeowner or apartment house coverage, you have to get an appraisal of each item and, of course, pay the appraiser...Then, if lost, you can collect but the amount of payment is in the hands of the insurer...Because you pay extra premiums for this coverage, it should not result in cancellation or a major increase in premiums.

(3) If you want to insure separately from your homeowner or apartment house coverage, you can buy what is known as "Excess Lines Coverage," typically offered through Lloyds of London or a very few American reinsurance companies...The cost could be relatively expensive but these insurers pay off and, for the most part, do not cancel. My understanding is that you can buy Excess Lines Coverage through major insurance brokers or major independent insurance agents...like Marsh & McLennan and Johnson & Higgins in the United States...I am sure they are a very few others that can get you the coverage...{The companies mentioned may have merged with others in the last few years and the names could be slightly different}...

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

Thanks Patrick, that's some great information.

 

[raid]

I used to have my homeowner insurance with the same company with which I have a no fault replacement value personal articles insurance. I dropped the homeowner insurance with that company but kept the personal articles insurance.


Raid