shipping insurance and M lenses

[stump4545]

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when shipping M lenes should one always insure for full value or just pack properly and everything should be ok?

 

if there is a shipping claim does one actually get paid for repair or is it difficult?

[Jeff S]

One should fully insure expensive gear at all times IMO, not just when shipping. I pay just over $300/yr as a rider to my home policy to cover nearly $25k in itemized equipment; and that covers ALL situations (including damage or loss due to my own stupidity), with no deductible and with full replacement value (automatically adjusted up to 150% of value if prices escalate).

 

Jeff

[stump4545]

thanks Jeff.

 

just wondering since Fed Ex/Ups charges add up on a $5K + m lenses.

 

didnt know one could use a homeowner rider.

 

thanks.

[wda]

If you cannot afford, or do not wish, to underwrite a possible loss or damage yourself, it is essential to take out some insurance. I am not sure home insurance automatically covers sending such an item through the post or other delivery medium, but I doubt it unless you specially request and pay for it on your annual premium. It might vary from country to country.

[stump4545]

fedex vs ups?

 

same thing or is one service better then the other?

[Jeff S]

I am not sure home insurance automatically covers sending such an item through the post or other delivery medium, but I doubt it unless you specially request and pay for it on your annual premium. It might vary from country to country.

 

Even within the same country, every policy can be different and needs to be fully understood. My policy covers all loss or damage, including shipping.

 

Jeff

[Messsucherkamera]

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fedex vs ups?

 

same thing or is one service better then the other?

I have found that FedEx is more expensive than UPS in almost every case. USPS is less costly than both.

 

WhenI had to send my MP to Sherry Krauter for repair, neither UPS or FedEx would insure it for the replacement cost of $5000USD. I sent it by USPS registered mail which has a maximum coverage of $5000USD.

 

If you are shipping a camera or lens that costs over $5000 to replace, it seems that the only option is to insure the item for the maximum amount allowable by the carrier - with underlying coverage by your own insurance coverage that will pay for any and all loss at replacement cost with no depreciation. That, and with a provision to cover whatever portion of a loss that the shipping company limits did not cover.

 

I don't know how major dealers insure megadollar shipments of Leica cameras and lenses to customers, given the shipping companies policy of having maximum coverage that may not cover the shipment 100% but I would guess that their business insurance addresses that issue.

[stump4545]

does FedEx take care of packages better or same as UPS and USPS?

[bpalme]

I asked the guy at Popflash about that. He said they have a policy that covers all their shipments. They don't buy insurance from UPS/FEDex for individual shipments.

[Jeff S]

does FedEx take care of packages better or same as UPS and USPS?

 

Depends on the driver. One hopes not to receive this type of service. I'm sure there are UPS examples as well. That's why insurance is key (video cameras aren't always in place), and also why it's smart to place new purchases on a credit card (to help resolve any disputes).

 

Jeff

[nelly]

I have winged it with FEDEX when sending my camera and new lenses back to Leica for calibration but obviously a full insure is best

[LeicaPassion]

A couple of years ago, UPS delivered a new lens to someone down the street, even though it was sent signature required. I did not know the person who signed for the lens and took possession of it. It spent hours on the phone with UPS to learn who had received the package. UPS cared only the someone somewhere had signed for it. UPS did not care that the lens had not been delivered to me. Needless to say, I have not used UPS since then. I imagine that an insurance claim would have been a hassle.

[Messsucherkamera]

does FedEx take care of packages better or same as UPS and USPS?

 

USPS registered mail is the most secure, as I understand it.

 

In conversations with my repair guru (Sherry Krauter),I got the impression that she seems to be partial to UPS. Even though UPS is not as secure as registered mail, she has shipped with UPS for many years without a hitch.

 

As an aside, I ordered a B+W lens hood and a 46-49mm step-up ring from B&H last week. UPS left them on my neighbor's doorstep (no one was home there), even though I was at home at the time of the delivery. Must have been a new or substitute driver as best as I can figure as the regular guy has been here on several occasions previously.

 

I'm glad my B&H order wasn't for an M9P or a 50/2 ASPH...