paulsydaus Posted June 12, 2018 Share #1 Posted June 12, 2018 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi all, I am about to relocate to the U.S. and am looking for a new insurer for about $60k of Leica gear. Need something fairly urgently, does anyone have any recommendations? Must be a full featured insurer, e.g. cover for accidental loss, theft, accidental damage, theft without sign of entry etc... Thanks guys, Paul Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/285503-camera-insurance/?do=findComment&comment=3535942'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 12, 2018 Posted June 12, 2018 Hi paulsydaus, Take a look here Camera Insurance. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
imagereflex Posted June 12, 2018 Share #2 Posted June 12, 2018 I’d call Mercer to see what they can do. They took over equipment insurance from MARSH, which was offering discounted equipment insurance to PPA members. When the PPA stopped working with the insurance company, the company was willing to continue insuring photographers. Prices are very competitive, and I’ve had nothing but positive experiences with them (including when making a claim). Every time I acquire a piece of equipment, the first thing I do is fire off a letter to add it to my policy. The company’s info is below: Mercer Consumer | 12421 Meredith Drive, Urbandale, Iowa 50398 USA P: +1 800-503-9230| F: +1 515-365-3005 Plsdsteam.service@mercer.com www.mercer.com | Mercer Consumer, a service of Mercer Health & Benefits Administration LLC 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted June 12, 2018 Share #3 Posted June 12, 2018 I’m not a pro, and have always insured my gear through a separate policy rider to a premium home policy. It typically covers all losses worldwide, including due to my own stupidity, without deductibles and at full replacement values. Most recent plans have been through AIG Private Client Group and Chubb Masterpiece. Jeff 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
david strachan Posted June 12, 2018 Share #4 Posted June 12, 2018 I add it on to my household insurance for full replacement value, all contingencies...continental Australia only. I was suprised how cheap it is. But you never know until you make a claim with all insurance companies... 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulsydaus Posted June 12, 2018 Author Share #5 Posted June 12, 2018 (edited) I’m not a pro, and have always insured my gear through a separate policy rider to a premium home policy. It typically covers all losses worldwide, including due to my own stupidity, without deductibles and at full replacement values. Most recent plans have been through AIG Private Client Group and Chubb Masterpiece. Jeff Hi Jeff, That's good advice but because I am relocating I don't have a new address or contents policy yet... Edited June 12, 2018 by paulsydaus Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulsydaus Posted June 12, 2018 Author Share #6 Posted June 12, 2018 I add it on to my household insurance for full replacement value, all contingencies...continental Australia only. I was suprised how cheap it is. But you never know until you make a claim with all insurance companies... Hi David, Nice to hear from you. I have insured with A.I.S. before and would recommend them. However they will not insure me because I am leaving Australia permanently. Paul 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulsydaus Posted June 12, 2018 Author Share #7 Posted June 12, 2018 Advertisement (gone after registration) Thank you, I will try them. I’d call Mercer to see what they can do. They took over equipment insurance from MARSH, which was offering discounted equipment insurance to PPA members. When the PPA stopped working with the insurance company, the company was willing to continue insuring photographers. Prices are very competitive, and I’ve had nothing but positive experiences with them (including when making a claim). Every time I acquire a piece of equipment, the first thing I do is fire off a letter to add it to my policy.The company’s info is below: Mercer Consumer | 12421 Meredith Drive, Urbandale, Iowa 50398 USAP: +1 800-503-9230| F: +1 515-365-3005Plsdsteam.service@mercer.comwww.mercer.com | Mercer Consumer, a service of Mercer Health & Benefits Administration LLC Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
david strachan Posted June 12, 2018 Share #8 Posted June 12, 2018 Good luck with your new venture. Point is, I'm sure it can be added to your home insurance...wherever you are. All the best, another door opens. ... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted June 12, 2018 Share #9 Posted June 12, 2018 Hi Jeff, That's good advice but because I am relocating I don't have a new address or contents policy yet... I would hope that your current company would arrange for transition, either through them or a US company. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill W Posted June 12, 2018 Share #10 Posted June 12, 2018 Good luck on your move and nice looking equipment case setup. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
albertknappmd Posted June 13, 2018 Share #11 Posted June 13, 2018 Look at the specifics of the home insurance policy. If it is not good, then try CHUBB. I have CHUBB and they have been very very responsive in the past. Albert Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgh Posted June 17, 2018 Share #12 Posted June 17, 2018 http://www.packagechoice.com/index.jsp#htwms They're one of the standard options in our industry and generally provide good service. It's quite hard to get home insurance as comprehensive as they are - but this is business oriented - meaning they cover more than just your gear - but also things that relate to your clients. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulsydaus Posted June 23, 2018 Author Share #13 Posted June 23, 2018 Thanks all for the help. I made it safe and sound by hand carrying am still uninsured. Will seek to rectify ASAP in the coming weeks but for now am not planning much photography this month which is sad. I contacted a few insurers and either they did not respond or said they would not cover me during transition. In the long run I’m looking forward to the change of scenery as I’m not a good enough photographer yet to make the most of the beauty in my own back yard. I’m more interested in difference... Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herr Barnack Posted June 24, 2018 Share #14 Posted June 24, 2018 (edited) I have always had insurance on my camera gear through Taylor & Taylor - click on the Prosurance Package link on this page: http://www.taylorinsurance.com/american-society-of-media-photographers/ My camera gear is worth about $30K USD and my insurance broker could not find an underwriter who would insure it; I specified worldwide coverage for any & all types of loss and coverage at replacement cost, not depreciated cost. When you insist on replacement cost coverage, you deprive the underwriter of the opportunity to "know you in the Biblical sense" if you must file a claim; this makes the majority of underwriters run like cockroaches in a greasy spoon diner when a light is turned on at night. Since I was already a member of ASMP, I contacted Taylor & Taylor; they agreed to insure my camera gear. Each piece of kit is detailed on a written schedule with serial numbers and the replacement cost, meaning there are no depreciation games. Writing a check to Taylor & Taylor every August is not much fun, but it is infinitely preferable to losing some or all of my M kit to theft, fire or some other disaster with no coverage. Edited June 24, 2018 by Herr Barnack 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted June 24, 2018 Share #15 Posted June 24, 2018 The rider to my home policy not only covers gear at full replacement cost (all circumstances, worldwide, no deductible), but I determine values without need for appraisals, and replacement costs can appreciate up to 50% without need to update. Accessories like bags, meters, tripod, etc are covered without itemization. Premiums are no more annually than I used to spend on film and darkroom materials. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulsydaus Posted June 26, 2018 Author Share #16 Posted June 26, 2018 I couldn't agree more! Some of my gear like the Noctilux has actually increased in value, so depreciation on Leica gear isn't going to work. My previous insurer in Australia was good. A fully named and agreed schedule of serialised items and replacement value which in some cases may be more than what I paid, including for accidental loss e.g. leaving behind at a location or taxi which is probably the most likely scenario. Honestly I think this is probably an area worth a sticky (not this thread but comparison of insurance providers for Leica). Paul I have always had insurance on my camera gear through Taylor & Taylor - click on the Prosurance Package link on this page: http://www.taylorinsurance.com/american-society-of-media-photographers/ My camera gear is worth about $30K USD and my insurance broker could not find an underwriter who would insure it; I specified worldwide coverage for any & all types of loss and coverage at replacement cost, not depreciated cost. When you insist on replacement cost coverage, you deprive the underwriter of the opportunity to "know you in the Biblical sense" if you must file a claim; this makes the majority of underwriters run like cockroaches in a greasy spoon diner when a light is turned on at night. Since I was already a member of ASMP, I contacted Taylor & Taylor; they agreed to insure my camera gear. Each piece of kit is detailed on a written schedule with serial numbers and the replacement cost, meaning there are no depreciation games. Writing a check to Taylor & Taylor every August is not much fun, but it is infinitely preferable to losing some or all of my M kit to theft, fire or some other disaster with no coverage. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulsydaus Posted June 26, 2018 Author Share #17 Posted June 26, 2018 (edited) I agree this is the best option but I won't have a permanent address for a month and as my stuff is in a ship somewhere in the pacific. I tried to organise short term insurance for transit but despite hand-carrying in a pelican case, no insurer was interested... Shame for them, I would have probably paid $500 for a 3 months coverage which given the risk of loss due to hand carrying was pretty minimal... Paul The rider to my home policy not only covers gear at full replacement cost (all circumstances, worldwide, no deductible), but I determine values without need for appraisals, and replacement costs can appreciate up to 50% without need to update. Accessories like bags, meters, tripod, etc are covered without itemization. Premiums are no more annually than I used to spend on film and darkroom materials.Jeff Edited June 26, 2018 by paulsydaus Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulsydaus Posted June 26, 2018 Author Share #18 Posted June 26, 2018 Thanks! It's a Pelicon Air 1535 which I bought just for this trip because I was worried they would force me to check in. In the past I've used a Billingham 555 which I've had for about 7 years. But given the cost I probably should have chosen a Pelican in the first place... Good luck on your move and nice looking equipment case setup. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted June 26, 2018 Share #19 Posted June 26, 2018 I agree this is the best option but I won't have a permanent address for a month and as my stuff is in a ship somewhere in the pacific. I tried to organise short term insurance for transit but despite hand-carrying in a pelican case, no insurer was interested... Shame for them, I would have probably paid $500 for a 3 months coverage which given the risk of loss due to hand carrying was pretty minimal... Paul That’s unfortunate. Maybe you can temporarily ‘donate’ the gear to a friend who lives here and can carry the coverage until you settle. Anyway, hope it all works out. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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