Camera Insurance: Insure Piece of Mind [Part 2]

Top tips for choosing an insurance company and pointers of where to look (also check out part 1 of this series on Camera Insurance).

<3>1. Know what you want

Your needs as a photographer won’t be the same as the next guy in line, so specify everything you want in your policy and make sure nothing ‘extra’ is tagged on that you’ll never need.

2. Be specific

Tell the insurer what level of photographer you class yourself as, how often and where you like to shoot, the total cost you have estimated to replace all of your equipment and what your budget is.

3. Genre specific

Inform the customer service representative what photography genres you tend to pursue, as this could (but not always) have a bearing on your final quote. For example landscape enthusiasts could stand to pay more as they are out and about more often and this could leave them more likely to theft and accidents, compared to portrait or macro photographers for example.

4. Get the best deal

Like every other type of insurance cover available there is an ocean of options available. Start with comparison sites to track down the cheapest or most suitable quote for you and then call the helpline to tailor the package perfectly to your needs and nail down the fine print.

5. Cut out the fat

Don’t be suckered into adding in extras to your policy that you may never use; such as indemnity insurance if you are an amateur or travel cover if you don’t photograph abroad. Also if you don’t leave equipment in your car over night you may be able to reduce the premium. Don’t be afraid to speak candidly to the broker to get the policy you want.

6. Check the Excess

The amount of excess you agree to pay if an accident or loss should occur will generally affect the premium price of the policy; i.e. the more excess is – the lower the premium price is, and vice versa. Be sure to know what your cover offers and extend it if necessary by purchasing further policy extensions.

7. Everyone loves a bargain

Never be afraid to haggle and don’t be afraid to play one company off of another to get a better deal.

8. Look for dedicated services

There are hundreds of photography dedicated insurer brokers out there so try investigating these first as more generic all-encompassing-brands may not be able to tailor your demands quite as well which could cost more.

9. Be honest

Make sure you are always upfront and honest otherwise you could end up with nothing if a claim has to be made.

10. Repeat annually

When your yearly cover starts to come to an end be sure to repeat the process of shopping around for the best deal. What is more you should be in a better position in knowing what you have and haven’t needed cover for throughout the year and can tailor your policy further (but that’s not to say the worse won’t happen). Alternatively tell your current insurer that you are looking around for the best deal for the coming year, this may prompt them into offering you a fantastic deal to keep your business.

Places to start

Here is a list of insurance brokers who specialise in photography insurance. Happy hunting!: (editors note: Natalie is based in the UK, this list reflects that. If you’re based elsewhere in the world please tell us about local options to you.

• E & I Insurance: www.eandl.co.uk/camera-insurance – Designed for protecting photography equipment of amateurs and pros
• Imaging Insurance: www.imaginginsurance.co.uk – Providing cover for a whole range of photographers from beginners to pros. Imaging Insurance sets no limits on the maximum value of single items, provides world-wide cover and protects equipment left in unattended vehicles.
• AON: www.rewritinginsurance.aon.co.uk – Specialising in insuring those working in the entertainment  and media industries.
• Insurancewide: www.insurancewide.com – Offering photographers cover for; photographic equipment for theft and accidental damage, public liability and personal accident.
• AUA Insurance: www.aua-insurance.com – Provides specialist personal insurance for amateurs and specialist commercial insurance for pros; which amongst other things includes malpractice insurance.
• Glover & Howe: www.gloverhowe.com – Specialising in several niche areas including photography. Glover and Howe cover pros, semi-pros and amateurs.
• Towergate Camerasure: www.towergatecamerasure.co.uk – Delivering policies underwritten by Aviva Insurance and covers: stolen, damaged and lost equipment, injury or damage to any third party or third party property and professional indemnity.
• Camera Insurance: www.camerainsurance.co.uk – Providing cover for both amateur and professional photographers through a wide panel of insurers and brokers, such as Photoguard, E&L, Protect My Bubble and Aaduki.