If you think you don't need gear insurance, think again.

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For those of you who follow Scott of Wild Alaska on YouTube he just had $30k worth of gear stolen out of his locked truck which was in his locked garage. Fortunately, he has insurance. But let this serve as a cautionary tale (says the guy who still has no insurance).


Follow up from Scott West on the settlement of his insurance claim, with his comments on what he's learned from the experience.

 
Follow up from Scott West on the settlement of his insurance claim, with his comments on what he's learned from the experience.

That’s exactly what I have on my equipment. I use State Farm as well. I have had a personal articles policy for years. I updated it after I purchased my Z8.
 
That’s exactly what I have on my equipment. I use State Farm as well. I have had a personal articles policy for years. I updated it after I purchased my Z8.
Not sure where you live but if there is any hint of higher risk, using your Homeowners is not ideal as documented - risk of higher premiums in the future or cancellation.
Since you have it listed I assume you would get replacement. I recommend you compare that cost to the cost of NANPA and their policy which is through Chubb a very highly rated carrier.

The benefit of that policy is you are insured for your costs and accidents not just theft. Factor that into your cost consideration. According to the survey here, most of us are likely to fall into a raging Alaska river soon, based on the ages.
 
Not sure where you live but if there is any hint of higher risk, using your Homeowners is not ideal as documented - risk of higher premiums in the future or cancellation.
Since you have it listed I assume you would get replacement. I recommend you compare that cost to the cost of NANPA and their policy which is through Chubb a very highly rated carrier.

The benefit of that policy is you are insured for your costs and accidents not just theft. Factor that into your cost consideration. According to the survey here, most of us are likely to fall into a raging Alaska river soon, based on the ages.
There have been several lengthy threads on BCG Forums regarding insuring photography gear. Unfortunately, the details and options of such insurance vary and the risk of higher premiums is real once a claim has been fulfilled. Still, it's always better to be insured than to go without.
 
Not sure where you live but if there is any hint of higher risk, using your Homeowners is not ideal as documented - risk of higher premiums in the future or cancellation.
Since you have it listed I assume you would get replacement. I recommend you compare that cost to the cost of NANPA and their policy which is through Chubb a very highly rated carrier.

The benefit of that policy is you are insured for your costs and accidents not just theft. Factor that into your cost consideration. According to the survey here, most of us are likely to fall into a raging Alaska river soon, based on the ages.
The cost is not much. Less than $200 per year with full cost replacement. It covers theft , accidents, and loss all over the world. etc. I have had this rider for over 35 years.
 
After watching the videos and reading most of this post...just completed my personal property policy with USAA. Pretty quick and painless - only covered pieces valued over $1500. Website process was quick and easy where I included serial numbers and they request pics and invoices if available, but not required. Sitting here feeling blessed that I've dodged Murphy up to this point and hoping I did not jinx myself, but if I did, at least I'm more covered than before!
 
I've never had experience with personal article policies like this, but I do have experience with Production insurance policies.

Since I shoot for a living, with crew, I need something much more robust. That said, the one time I had gear stolen (out of LAX), I submitted my claim and police report on Monday, had a check in hand 4 days later for the value I listed in my equipment schedule I was required to submit every year.

When you get to a certain level of client, you often can't even do jobs without your own insurance.
 
Scott Keys, host of his Wildlife Inspired YouTube channel, shares his recent experience with insurance coverage for impact damage to his Nikon 400 TC lens.

I am still curious what happens to PPA when there is other coverage. I posted a Q on whether they asked if his HO covered anything . In his case he was out in the field so I am guessing it was all excess but would love to know if they inquired on that.

Here is the language in the Plus policy. The basic included policy when activated only has the Excess Amount provision.
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