Short-Term Equipment Insurance for Travel

[constructivecriticism]

I've done some research around the forum and no one thread was quite able to provide too much insight into my somewhat unique situation.

I am looking into covering two bodies (D60, XTi) , 4 lenses (Canon - 50mm 1.8 II, 18-55mm non-IS, 75-200mm non-IS; Nikon - 18-55mm VR), and several accessories (bags, extra battery, Extreme III memory cards, remotes, etc.) for the duration of the summer. It is not expensive equipment, but I've poured a considerable percentage of my income into getting these, as I am currently a student.

I will be backpacking across Europe May-June with the XTi kit, while my sister will be in Uganda with the D60. I am looking for an insurance policy that does not link to any existing owners/renters policy and that covers the equipment while abroad. The lower the deductible, the better, as I am willing to pay a premium for these 3 months.

Any advice, recommendations, or corrections in the assumptions I made (eg.: can you have it for only 3 months? can you have an independent policy?)

My appreciation for your time and insight,

ConstructiveCriticism

[ShepArt]

What you are looking for is called Travel Insurance. A Google search will bring up many results.

[sk66]

You'll have to ask around at different ins. co's... Good luck, and if you do find it I imagine it will be quite a premium....

I have to ask "why" do you not want it tied to home/renters policy? I have a "rider" on my home policy covering my gear...it covers my gear anywhere, at anytime, for anything. I can drop it to the bottom of the ocean and it's covered...

If you live with your parents, maybe get it added to their policy...an entire year will probably cost less than a separate 3 month policy (if you can even get one)

[constructivecriticism]

Originally Posted by ShepArt

What you are looking for is called Travel Insurance. A Google search will bring up many results.

Thank you, ShepArt. Believe it or not, I did search for 'travel insurance' when I was trying to find insurance to cover my equipment while I traveled. In my search, I've found too many plans to list on here, mainly focused on health and cancellation. Which section of the policy should I be looking under to make sure it provides proper coverage? Are there any specific companies you would recommend?

My thanks in advance.

Originally Posted by sk66

I have to ask "why" do you not want it tied to home/renters policy? I have a "rider" on my home policy covering my gear...it covers my gear anywhere, at anytime, for anything. I can drop it to the bottom of the ocean and it's covered...

If you live with your parents, maybe get it added to their policy...an entire year will probably cost less than a separate 3 month policy (if you can even get one)

The only thing holding me back from putting it on my parents' policy is that in case of a claim, their rates would go up considerably, thus making this fiasco a whole lot more expensive in the long run.

Also, does the deductible on the rider policy have to be the same as the one on the house policy?

My thanks in advance.

[ShepArt]

I don't really travel that much, so I don't necessarily have a particular company to recommend. When we did travel to Norway, we worked with the travel agent and made sure that the policy we got covered the travel, medical, luggage and our photographic gear. Try checking with your travel agent.

[sk66]

Originally Posted by constructivecriticism

The only thing holding me back from putting it on my parents' policy is that in case of a claim, their rates would go up considerably, thus making this fiasco a whole lot more expensive in the long run.

Also, does the deductible on the rider policy have to be the same as the one on the house policy?

My thanks in advance.

The deductible is separate and can be different. I don't think a claim against the rider policy will affect the home policy...I'd ask.

[constructivecriticism]

Thank you for your answers.

To bring it back on track, is anyone aware of any way to cover the equipment independently, on short-term?

[FromtheBackofaHorse]

I didn't read this entire article on this link but maybe it can help.

http://www.hillusher.com/

http://www.packagechoice.com/what-in...ould-i-buy.jsp

[constructivecriticism]

Originally Posted by FromtheBackofaHorse

I didn't read this entire article on this link but maybe it can help.

Thank you, that did help in establishing some terms:

Personal Articles Floater
Inland Marine Policy

Researching these, I found some interesting insights, such as this one, from an insurance agent on a different website:

Originally Posted by MTaylor

Inland Marine coverage is designed to cover specific (scheduled) items regardless where they are taken, subject to the terms of the policy.

For example my wife's wedding ring is scheduled on a jewelry floater that is based on an Inland Marine form and is covered anywhere on earth with no deductible at full replacement cost. If you are a hobby photographer you should (most policies) be able to call your agent and schedule your equipment on the policy. This enables you to extend coverage to these items with no regard to their physical location. This means that in the car example above you would be covered. If this is not done then the items would only be covered if they were at the scheduled property on the policy.

I am yet to hear recommendations for any specific companies. Anyone?