We photographers invest sometimes ridiculous sums of money in kit. Not all of us, but most people, I suspect, after doing this as a hobby (never mind the pro’s) for a few years, will have suffered from GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) at least to some degree. There may be some amongst us with remarkable and enviable self-control (or scary partners) who resist, but I think a majority of photographers who actively engage in the hobby will have at least a DSLR and a couple of lenses which would cost a couple of thousand pounds to replace as-new. A lot of us have much less control and you can add an extra nought and then some!
So, we ought to look at insurance for this kit. Many people, perhaps most, will take a view that it’s covered on their Household Contents policy, and that may well be the case when it’s at home, insuring you against being stolen in a burglary or lost in a fire, or even maybe when the partner throws it against a wall on learning what we spent. However, I’ve not come across a Household Contents policy that covers you for All Risks, when out and about ‘togging; I found this out to my own cost a couple of years ago when my car was broken into and a camera bag taken – car insurance cover was risible, after excess; household cover was only for items specified on the policy, and I hadn’t updated it with all of my current list of kit. That is when I started looking at specialist insurance cover. By the way, if you claimed for a DSLR and lens that fell in a river, on your household contents policy, how does that affect the next years renewal of that policy? It may not be the most cost-effective solution, putting all of your eggs into one insurance basket. Again, something I have learned from bitter personal experience.
There are some things to consider when buying insurance to cover camera kit:
- Does the insurer require you to provide proof of original purchase with any claim, and must the purchase be from a UK business?
- What is the excess on the policy? This can be a dealbreaker in the case of some claims being perhaps not worth it.
- Theft & Accidental Damage – this is probably fine for kit if it never leaves home, but if you are out and about with a bagful of gear, home insurance rarely provides appropriate cover, so look at specialists. Would your policy cover, for example, a cracked lens element after a fall?
- Will your insurance provider replace old with new, ie a new lens to replace the broken old one, or a new equivalent?
- Does the policy cover theft from your vehicle (providing you’ve locked it)? It may be an extra-cost clause, but probably the best thing you ever did if you want to avoid what happened to me.
- Does the policy cover the cost of hiring replacement equipment whilst awaiting repair or replacement, for example whilst on a photographic holiday? Does the policy also cover any hired equipment?
- Does the policy cover the travel you plan to do, eg EU, worldwide, including USA?
- Does the policy cover a tablet or laptop as well?
- If you vlog, does it cover video kit and accessories?
- Does it cover a drone?
- Are there options for public liability cover, especially if you use a drone?
I’ve pulled together a list of specialist photographic equipment insurers, to give TP’ers a head-start in looking for such cover. This implies no preference or endorsement of any of these companies, this is simply meant as a resource for members on this site. Premium rates mentioned are gleaned from ads and cannot be relied on, but are indicative.
Eversure Insurance
Covering all levels of photographic activity, with good underwriting backup. Policies easily amended by phone or email. New for Old, £100 excess on theft, loss and accidental damage, Feefo Trusted Service Award, prices start at £19.99 pa.
Ripe Photography Insurance
Aimed at all levels of photographer and videographer, with flexible options for cover including accessories like tripods, studio gear, phones and tablets and public liability. Prices appear to start from £33 pa.
Photoguard Insurance
Covering all levels of activity and offering a high total cover value if you have expensive kit but optional low excesses. Pro cover can include “associates” such as second shooters. Can cover hire of equipment. Prices appear to start from £33 pa.
LoveIt CoverIt
Aimed at amateurs, with some restrictions on what can be covered and needing UK VAT receipts in the event of claims. Single item value limited to £3k. Prices appear to start from £65 pa.
The Insurance Emporium
Aimed at all levels of photographer, with a lot of flexibility and high total value of cover, including various options to add on for pro’s including public liability. Standard excess is £110. Prices appear to start from £28 pa.
Tinhat Insurance
Aimed at amateurs, and limited to items purchased in the last year and maximum item value of £1k. Prices appear to start from £53 pa.
Aaduki Insurance
Aimed at all levels of photographer but very flexible cover, with quotes generated by an advisor on a call instead of online, so ideal for non-standard situations where a broker can work on your behalf to find the best solution. Prices appear to start from £90 pa.
Infocus Insurance
Aimed at all levels and associated with Hiscox for business insurance including professional indemnity and public liability. Prices appear to start from £199 pa based on total value of kit.
Towergate Insurance t/a Camerasure
Aimed at professional photographers and videographers, or maybe semi-pro’s, covers computer breakdowns and data loss as well. Members of the RPS get a discount.
Photoshield
Aimed at pro’s and semi-pro’s. Flexible cover can include a lot of different types of item and pro insurance requirements. Prices appear to start from £99 pa.
I hope this info and review help to save some TP'ers time searching in Google and ultimately provide compensation should disaster strike.
Glover and Howe
Covers Amateur and Semi-Pro, claim handling appears to be very good based on feedback below.
