Equipment Insurance

I will shortly begin a multi-month trip to South America. I need insurance for my camera gear. I am looking into North American Nature Photographers Assoc insurance through Rand , but I want to know if anyone has suggestions for other insurance coverage. Those of you who have coverage, can you share any good or bad experiences with your insurance company. Thanks!

TCP covers a lot of professional photographers. It's pretty comprehensive coverage, including liability. I've been happy with them so far.

Max

I also, have TCP insurance and I'm in the middle of a claim right now. I took a "swim" in the ocean with all of my equipment. So far, they've been great to work with. Monday will tell more. Don't leave home without it! They cover equipment that you rent and laptops you travel with. Also, office and studio equipment. I was on a photo tour/vacation taking pictures for my calendar and they will cover the equipment I had to rent to finish the time I was on vacation. I cover $35,000 worth of equipment and pay about $800 a year. Take care and have fun on your trip! Blessings, Deb

I know a couple people have had excellent things to say about Rand and I know another photog who had a horrible experience with a "regular" insurance company (I can't remember if it was State Farm or Allstate, but it was one of the bigger insurance companies). I am looking to switch and am considering Rand and TCP as well.

We have used the insurance from PPA (Professional Photographers of America) for going on 25 years with complete satisfaction and excellent service. Rates are competitive with others, but you have to join PPA first (expensive). We've filed multiple claims for repair, destruction and theft without the slightest glitch and no rise in our premiums. Hard to beat that record.

Package Choice has great insurance specifically for photographers. Thus far, they've been great to deal with...and their parent company, CNA, is a nationwide well known and respected insurer. Have not yet had to make a claim...thankfully.
Just google "Package Choice Insurance for Photographers" and you'll get a link to their site.

If your photo gear is for personal, i.e. non-professional use, your gear may already be covered under 'personal property' on your home owner's policy.

If you have renter's or homeowner's insurance you might want to check with your broker to see if your camera gear is covered outside the US. If it's not, ask if they can put a rider on your policy that would cover it.

It never hurts to ask, and you could save money, time, and effort.

--P

I use Rand through NANPA. I have had no problems, buut I have also had no claims. I just received a post card from Hill & Usher wanting to insure my equipment, but I know absolutely nothing about them.