Reader's Comments - Index of - Free

Camera and Equipment Insurance
-- N. David Guarneri, July 17, 2000
I have owned an insurance agency in California for the past twenty years and want to
help my fellow camera enthusiasts.
Most homeowner policies have SEVERE limitatins on "business" personal property.
Some companies offer the option to purchase higher coverage and most of them will stop
at $2500 with a 10% coverage off premises. They provide NO coverage for loss of
income or extra expense. They are designed to cover only non-business exposures.
Before you consider purchasing "commercial" insurance you should ask your agent or
broker to see if you have options available on your existing homeowners policy. You
may have to contact several different carriers to get the coverages you need.
One company my agency is contracted with is Allied Insurance, a member of Nationwide
Insurance. Allied offers a Home Enterprise Program (available in 10 states) which is
designed to provide most of the coverges needed by the typical small business being
operated from the residence premises. It combines personal and commercial coverages
on one policy. It is designed for exposures such as barber and beauty shops, dog and cat
grooming, florists, photographers, music instructors and tutoring, etc.. Professional
Liability is specifically excluded. Other companies may have similar products available.
Also, Personal Inland Marine Floaters, Personal Artical Flaoters, Scheduled Personal
Property Endorsements are designed to add "all risk" coverage to specific personal
property owned by the insured. This coverage is so broad as to include loss caused by
accidently dropping a camera over the side of a boat. Don't wait until a loss occurs to
find you have little or no coverge.
-- Steven Hallbert, July 17, 2000
For underwater gear I've been insuring through a company called DEPP, or Diver's
Equipment Protection Program, and been happy with the coverage. The deductable is
low and they cover most losses including flood insurance. Not cheap, but worth the
money to me. www.ProgramServices.com
-- Dan Carey, July 24, 2000
I have an F1n outfit. I have valued the replacement cost today at $3725 Canadian. When
i phoned my household insurance agent he ask me to register the serial numbers with the
carrier. He explained that the equipment would be added on as a named risk. This would
ensure that there was no confusion with the carrier. I dropped off the info and a picture of
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