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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
camera insurance
Robert Beck, Photographer
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Carlsbad | CA | USA | Posted: 12:59 PM on 05.30.09 |
| ->> Anyone out there using Hill & Usher out of Arizona for their camera insurance? If so, how are they? Any other companies out there to recommend? |
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Max Simbron, Photographer, Assistant
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Phoenix | AZ | USA | Posted: 1:46 PM on 05.30.09 |
->> I'm insured through Tom C Pickard. They offer insurance specifically tailored to photographers. I spoke to one of their accounts people, and was sent a quote detailing my coverage. A faxed form, and I was insured. Been with them since 2005.
http://www.tcpinsurance.com/
I've heard good things about Hill & Usher also, but have no first hand experience with them. |
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Ian L. Sitren, Photographer
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Palm Springs | CA | USA | Posted: 2:28 PM on 05.30.09 |
| ->> TCP, great service, know exactly what do with insurance for your permits. I know at least one person here who had a very substantial claim from a burglary from his car and TCP really went out of their way to take care of it. |
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Osamu Chiba, Photographer
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Vista | CA | USA | Posted: 3:40 PM on 05.30.09 |
->> I've been with Hill & Usher since January 2008. I've never had to claim anything so I can not say anything about that. But their response is usually pretty quick, e-mail or phone call.
O |
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Nick Adams, Photographer
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Amsterdam | Netherlands | | Posted: 4:29 PM on 05.30.09 |
| ->> I have Hill and Usher, when I had a claim they were fast and helpful. I would recommend them highly. |
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Matthew Sauk, Photographer
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Sandy | UT | United States | Posted: 5:32 PM on 05.30.09 |
->> I went from a local to TCP insurance. Have had a great experience so far.
Emails are answered within an hour or two on weekdays and I update my equipment list with zero hassles. |
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Kevin German, Photographer
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Ho Chi Minh City | Vietnam | | Posted: 11:38 AM on 05.31.09 |
| ->> Also with TCP ... They insure me all the way out in Vietnam as well. Very happy with their service. |
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Ivan Pierre Aguirre, Student/Intern, Assistant
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El Paso | TX | United States | Posted: 6:13 PM on 06.16.09 |
->> Sorry if these are dumb questions,
Hows the insurance NPPA offers? And would any of you recommend (if they offer equipment insurance) anybody local ie State Farm ?? |
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Philip Johnson, Photographer
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Garland | TX | USA | Posted: 7:11 PM on 06.16.09 |
| ->> Ivan, I asked my State Farm agent several years ago about this. If you are using your gear as a professional ie making money, your home policy won't cover it. You have to get some type of business policy. I don't remember the cost, but it wasn't cheap. Your best bet is to go with one of the companies mentioned above. |
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Walt Middleton, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Columbus | OH | USA | Posted: 7:41 PM on 06.16.09 |
->> I've never had any other insurance but with State Farm. I have an inland Marine, Buisness policy. I've made multiple claims just in the past two years... Never had anything but the best service and my rates are not super high.
I would go and talk with your local state farm agent explain to them what exactly you want and see what the rates are exactly.
My most recient experience with this is from this week. While at the NCAA T&F Nationals my 70-200 decided to let some of the screws start to back out on the rear ellement... to say the least it needs to be repaired...
My agent says send it to canon, give me a copy of the bill and I'll cut you a check... Just like last time. |
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Steve King, Photographer
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Ann Arbor | MI | USA | Posted: 8:10 PM on 06.16.09 |
| ->> My State Farm equipment insurance did the trick for my 400mm f/2.8 replacement. They're easy to work with and the rates are pretty reasonable too. |
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Bryan Rinnert, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Kent | OH | United States | Posted: 9:16 PM on 06.16.09 |
| ->> I priced it out last year and State farm was lower then Hays or Hill & Usher. Never any issues and great service with State Farm (and someone local to talk to) |
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Clay Begrin, Photographer
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Petaluma | Ca | USA | Posted: 10:58 PM on 06.16.09 |
| ->> Rather interesting that many shooter have State Farm. I have State Farm for house and vehicles. About 4 years ago, I had State Farm create a policy for my camera equipment being used for a business. They created the policy and about three years later they told me they couldn't continue the coverage as they don't cover photogrpahers that go out to games and shoot the action stuff, they only cover studio stuff (and no, I had not filed any claims). I ended up switching to TCP and they include a 2 Million in liability coverage. Been happy with them so far. |
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Tony Sirgedas, Photographer
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Pierce County | WA | USA | Posted: 11:04 PM on 06.16.09 |
| ->> I got the same response from SF as Clay. TCP has been great for me for the last 5 years. |
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Matt Kartozian, Photographer
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Scottsdale | AZ | USA | Posted: 11:11 PM on 06.16.09 |
| ->> Ive had my gear insured through Marsh (PPA ins provider) for a little over a year. So far do good. I had a remote camera run over by a racetruck last year and they paid the claim with no issues. |
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Geoffrey Bolte, Photographer, Assistant
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Spencer/Worcester | MA | USA | Posted: 1:45 PM on 06.21.09 |
| ->> Very happy with Hill and Usher. Haven't had any claims yet, but who knows it could happen at some point. They are very responsive over email and phone. |
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Eric Canha, Photographer
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Brockton | MA | United States | Posted: 2:53 PM on 06.21.09 |
| ->> Not sure how I missed this back when it was posted. I've been with Hill & Usher going on year three. Great service, Richard is easy to get a hold of when you have a need. |
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Leslie Billman, Photographer
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Annapolis | Md | USA | Posted: 8:49 AM on 06.28.09 |
| ->> Though a week has gone by, I'd like to resurrect this thread for suggestions concerning an insurance issue I had. I worked with Tom Pickard, over the course of about three months to get my gear insured. Mostly, I'm worried about theft and damage when I travel; I don't have a studio, and keep my gear at home. Pickard placed the policy with Fireman's Fund and I got a binder for immediate covverage and an invoice for the first premium. A week later, Pickard called me to say that Fireman's was canceling the policy because they believe I live in a FLOOD PLAIN. Admittedly, I live in a town on the water - Annapolis, Maryland, and there are homes and businesses in my zip code that DO flood from time to time. Our own house sits on top of a hill, and we've never even had water in, or even NEAR our house. I told Pickard they could convey that I'd accept a flood exclusion on the policy. Fireman's refused. I went further and said I'd even take an exclusion for OUR HOUSE if I could just get coverage for travel. Refused. Pickard continued to negotiate for awhile, but couldn't get them to relent. Then, after Fireman's refused/canceled coverage, I had to answer other companies' qualifying question: Have you ever been refused coverage? with a Yes. Thereafter, per Pickard, no one else would touch me. To add insult to injury, three months later, I started getting bills from Fireman's for the first quarter binder premium. The bills turned to dunning letters and then a threat to sue, so I finally just paid it. My gear remains uninsured two years later. If anyone knows of any resource for insurance in an alleged Flood Plain, I'd sure like to hear about it. |
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Michael Clark, Photographer
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Santa Fe | NM | USA | Posted: 5:20 PM on 06.28.09 |
->> I can't recommend ASMP's Prosurance highly enough. I just had a claim with them and they paid quickly and more than enough to replace my gear which took a swim in the Magellan Straits (southern tip of South America).
In fact they even asked if I needed a camera overnighted down to me while I was on assignment down there but I already had a backup so it wasn't needed. They are top notch and while it isn't super cheap for the coverage they offer the pricing is good. The Prosurance package goes through Taylor and Taylor out of California and you have to be an ASMP member to get it - I think APA also uses them and has equivalent packages. For the pro, there is no better deal out there that I have seen. |
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Russ Isabella, Photographer
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Salt Lake City | UT | USA | Posted: 5:46 PM on 06.28.09 |
| ->> For you folks with State Farm, are they providing you with liability also? Nice thing about Hill & Usher (and TCP I assume, though no first-hand experience wit them) is that they seem to specialize in photographers so they have the full selection of coverages to offer--you just figure out what you need and what you don't. In my case, for example, I didn't need to pay for coverage for my employees driving to shooting events because I don't have any employees, but my gear, my liability, my own travel...all are covered at a level I'm comfortable with. |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 12:21 AM on 08.02.09 |
->> What kind of range are the premiums? Just straight equipment insurance ... and equipment plus liability?
And what is the deductible?
I know policies vary, but if you can give us a range... |
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Matt Kartozian, Photographer
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Scottsdale | AZ | USA | Posted: 1:39 AM on 08.02.09 |
| ->> Marsh calculates my rates as 2.40 per 100 for the first $15,000 and $1.75 per 100 anything over $15,000. |
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Clay Begrin, Photographer
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Petaluma | Ca | USA | Posted: 2:00 AM on 08.02.09 |
| ->> Bert, I've used Tom C Pickard for a year and a half (After State Farm decided to cancel coverage they HAD covered for a few years. Once State Farm realized I was on the sidelines of the field of play, they decided to tell me they didn't cover that type of insurance and only covever studio type of coverage). I pay an annual fee of $722.00 for $40K of equipment coverage with a $500.00 deductible (for all losses, even accidentially dropping the equipment) and 2 Million in liability coverage. |
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Jayne Oncea, Photographer
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Redmond | OR | USA | Posted: 4:25 PM on 08.02.09 |
| ->> I use FARMERS... full coverage, replacement cost on ALL my gear, on-site event trailer and computers and truck..State Farm turned me down because I shoot horse events.. barrel racing! |
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David Seelig, Photographer
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Hailey | ID | USA | Posted: 2:55 PM on 08.03.09 |
| ->> I use the Hartford cameeras anas computers are covered grea prices and they pay claims and do not raise afterwards and the deductible is $250 David |
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Andrew Knapik, Photographer, Assistant
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Lincoln Park | MI | USA | Posted: 3:12 PM on 08.03.09 |
| ->> I use Farmers this year. My agent keeps shopping the best price. I pay about $650 for equipment with replacement value ($500 decutable) and that comes with a $2 million in liability. |
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Marc Estrada, Photographer
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St. Petersburg | FL | USA | Posted: 3:16 PM on 08.03.09 |
| ->> Try WEDJ.com |
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Landon Finch, Photographer
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Colorado Springs | CO | USA | Posted: 4:00 PM on 08.03.09 |
->> I've been with TCP for the last 4 years. Never had a claim and my rates keep going up each year significantly for the same coverage.
See this thread: http://www.sportsshooter.com/message_display.html?tid=30550
2006 $510
2007 $548
2008 $662
My premium for this year is now over $800.
I looked at Hill and Usher but they were even more so I decided to stay with TCP for now.
My coverage is:
$2M liability
Approx $32k in equipment
$10k business equipment |
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David Butler II, Photographer
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Somers | CT | USA | Posted: 8:19 AM on 08.04.09 |
->> I use Zurich....
$550.00 per year for last 3 years...
2ML
25K gear
1 claim 2years ago.. all good
:-) |
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Christopher Kays, Photographer
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Benton | IL | USA | Posted: 10:04 AM on 08.04.09 |
->> I use Travelers...
$500 per year and has been that way for two years.
$2,000,000 in liability.
$40,000 in gear. |
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Jason Zindroski, Photographer, Assistant
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Laguna Niguel | CA | USA | Posted: 4:18 PM on 09.09.09 |
| ->> Just got my insurance set through Hill & Usher. Dealt with Richard over there as well and he was very helpful and always easy to get a hold of. |
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Eric Canha, Photographer
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Brockton | MA | United States | Posted: 5:50 PM on 09.09.09 |
| ->> Double check you deductibles and schedule of equipment. Seems that the Hartford 'resets' the deductible every year upon renewal. And this year I had a D3 and a 300 do the hokie pokie. First they were in then they were out then back in. Took 2 calls to the company to get it all straight. |
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Ian Halperin, Photographer
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Plano(Dallas) | TX | USA | Posted: 10:21 PM on 09.09.09 |
| ->> Funny, I was updating my policy tonight in prep for football season. I use State Farm. As was mentioned, it's a seperate rider to my HO policy. No deductable. $20,000 of coverage runs about $300 BUT it is just for equipment. No liability. I've had two claims in ten or so years. |
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Scott Dreslinski, Photographer
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Rochester Hills | MI | US | Posted: 10:51 PM on 09.09.09 |
->> Eric Canha wrote:
"Double check you deductibles and schedule of equipment. Seems that the Hartford 'resets' the deductible every year upon renewal."
Eric can you explain more about the resets the deductible every year part?
My policy is from the Hartford through H&U, I thought the deductible was per claim, are you saying it is an annual deductible?
Thanks,
Scott |
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Eric Canha, Photographer
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Brockton | MA | United States | Posted: 8:41 AM on 09.10.09 |
->> Scott I normally have my deductible at $250. Upon renewal the Hartford bumps it to $500. The difference in premium is like $9 and that extra $250 is easily covered by just the loss of a few memory cards.
The deductible is per claim not annual. I now know to call in August to change my policy back. |
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Chuck Steenburgh, Photographer
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Lexington | VA | USA | Posted: 1:17 PM on 09.10.09 |
->> I've been with Pickard now for 3 years, due to renew in November. Great service, but I've never had a claim (the one time I had damage the repair bill was $450 and my deductible was $500).
However, after no increase the first year, it went up about 20% last year and another 10% this year. I'm shopping around.
3 years ago our local State Farm guy basically told me yes they write these policies but they're expensive and not worth it. Don't know if he's just lazy or what. |
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Chuck Steenburgh, Photographer
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Lexington | VA | USA | Posted: 2:49 AM on 09.12.09 |
| ->> Got my Hill & Usher quote; it was 10% less than my TCP renewal. |
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Mike Olivella, Photographer
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Tallahassee | FL | USA | Posted: 1:16 PM on 09.12.09 |
| ->> State Farm, as I have homeowners and cars with them. SF has a separate rider for camera equipment. Have bever had to make a claim, but I've always been very pleased with their claims handling. |
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Anthony Soufflé, Photographer
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St. Louis | MO | USA | Posted: 3:08 PM on 09.12.09 |
| ->> Hey guys, do most of your insurance policies cover your gear only if it's stolen or are you covered if it's broken/destroyed beyond repair? |
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Josh Merwin, Photographer
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New york | NY | USA | Posted: 3:12 PM on 09.12.09 |
| ->> I've used Hays through the NPPA for years and I've had a few claims. The yearly fee is expensive for me, but i have a ton of gear insured. They over loss/theft and damage. They are always helpful and the process is pretty uik to get payment. They also give you a rental budget of $1500, so if your camera/laptop etc. gets damaged or stolen you can rent until it's replaced or fixed, up to the $1,500. Damage deductible is $500, theft-$1,000. They have liability too. I would definitely look into them while you decide. My rates are based on the replacement value if the equipment i have insured, so they fluctuate as i buy& sell stuff. |
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David Ahntholz, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Cleveland | OH | USA | Posted: 6:22 PM on 09.12.09 |
->> Anthony -
I have mine through Hill and Usher too (they use The Hartford). Hill and Usher (and I assume TCP) will cover it for theft or damage. You would have to check policies that are a rider to homeowners/renters insurance, because each company could be different.
Some of the things that sold me on Hill and Usher was that they include coverage for my equipment out of the country, would cover rental/loaner equipment (so I don't stress so much if I borrow equipment from Canon, or rent a strobe), and the policy was several hundred dollars less than through TCP.
I tried many years ago with State Farm. At the time, my landlord was an agent for SF. He couldn't write it as a separate rider for my renters insurance because it was for business use. Maybe each state is different, or maybe things have changed since then. Just make sure they know it is for business use, or you could have problems with any claims.
As Russ stated above, Hill and Usher and TCP have specifics in the liability insurance that cover photographers, far beyond what most companies do. |
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Lance King, Photographer
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Fayetteville | NC | USA | Posted: 12:25 PM on 09.13.09 |
| ->> I have an 'inland marine' policy with Erie Insurance. Don't let that name fool you; it covers a large array of items. I gave them a list of equipment and they quoted me based on replacement value. It was very affordable, about $30/year for my gear. |
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