Insurance dropped me because I shoot HS sports

[BrianY]

Originally Posted by Heatherlou

You might also try Hill and Usher, I know another photog that has a policy with them, but I don't know any details about it, other than he has it.

Hill has very high deductibles for claims, whereas it's far lower ($100) for the ppa insurance.

Btw, what's the rate and deductible you're getting through your local agent?

[RightAngle]

Originally the stuff was insured on an independent policy that was separate from homeowners. Since I started officially making money for it this last year I got a current list of gear and was going to switch over because they had said that would change pricing and such a while back when we first discussed it. Today when I dropped off the paperwork they informed me that since it was amateur sports I wouldn't be able to get a policy. When asked if there was anyway to do it on any type of policy with them they said no and suggested someone else to talk to.

I'm really shocked because my dad has been the one doing a lot of the negotiations with them through this whole process and he has had insurance with them for homeowners and cars for 30+ years.

What all does the PPA insurance cover?

[carrbowl]

cheap....$15,000 for $360 with a $100 deductible. They also do your computer equipment and office equipment. Even if you aren't a member, you can go to the website and look at their information.

[CobyPhoto]

You probably should do a little searching on ths forum. All-risk insurance has been disccussed at great length several times before, listing pros and cons of different companies as well as rates.

CJ

[BrianY]

I just checked with State Farm and got the same answer as Gordon - they won't cover you if you're a photography home-based business. Too much risk in their eyes.

[CobyPhoto]

As far as All-risk insurance for equipment, internationally, no questions asked, no exclusions, 100.00 deductible, Marsh Affinity Group (PPA Affliate) is about the best out there, IF you are using this in a business. (Not looking at hobbist/amateur - non-paid) useage. You do have to be a Member of PPA in order to get this coverage, thou.

I have looked into many companies in the past 20+ years, and most have deductibles and exclusions that just don't work for what I need. 500.00+ deductuibles, exclusions for many situations I stand a more than average chance of losing or damaging equipment etc.

The reason I believe State Farm and others are starting to limit their coverage of this type of equipment is due to the 'digital revolution' and the ease in which people can pick up a nice dslr and get on the side lines of HS and other sports events. 10 years ago you didn't have this problem. Now you have all kinds of people on the sidelines with dslr's and some (the ones that get the attention) are taking picutres of things they shouldn't be, etc. on the sidelines. Not to mention that if you use your equipment in the line of operating a business, you subject your self and equipment to alot more risks that an insurance company may have to pay out for. Remember, insurance companies are in the business of making money too. They want to take in as many premiums and pay out as few benefits as possible.

If you are using your equipment in a business, you definitely will be subjecting your equipment and self to more risk. Any policy that is attached to your home owners policy is not a good idea. Have a claim and you will see increases in your home owners policy. For casual use, this maybe the most economical path, but probably not for a business.

Just a few thoughts on the issue the OP posted.

CJ

P.S. If you aren't a portrait or wedding photographer, you do not have to pay the indemification fee to join PPA. If sports/pj type work is your thing, you can still be a member and access the benefits without the extra cost.

[Shelby Lane]

Originally Posted by CobyPhoto

You do have to be a Member of PPA in order to get this coverage, thou.

[snip]

P.S. If you aren't a portrait or wedding photographer, you do not have to pay the indemification fee to join PPA. If sports/pj type work is your thing, you can still be a member and access the benefits without the extra cost.

Well this may be opening an entirely new can of worms and I'm not trying to derail the thread, but I thought I'd add that the benefits of being a PPA member and the indemnity coverage are excellent. I love that I know I can call a PPA attorney and get the answers I need from someone who knows the business, and I felt like it was invaluable when I shot weddings -- I do have separate liability coverage (and you need to have it because it is not the same as the PPA Indemnity group) but this extra "malpractice" benefit can be priceless.

[boxofrocks]

Originally Posted by Heatherlou

You might also try Hill and Usher, I know another photog that has a policy with them, but I don't know any details about it, other than he has it.

I've had one with H&U for about 3 years, and they tailor make their policy for photographers. I wouldn't mess around with a homeowner's policy rider if it were me.

You may get sticker shock, though. Not sure what you pay now.

Good luck!

[Wil_Bloodworth]

To put this in a little more perspective, think about what your deductible is on your home owner's policy. Mine is 1%... which puts me up around $2000 that I have to pay in before I can start getting any money back from a claim.

Now, a full-blown business policy through Hill & Usher runs roughly $500 per year. And the deductible is, if memory serves, either nothing or $50.

If you have a single claim on your home owners insurance, it could:

1. Jack your rates up.
2. Force you to lose your policy
3. <the claim> could be denied because they found out you were making money at photography
4. And so on..

So, the deductible alone would pay for 2 to 4 years of a nice insurance policy.

If you're not making any money at this and you have less than $5K in equipment, it may make sense just not to have insurance or to put it on your home owners policy and hope for the best. If you're not in that boat, get a good business policy and don't look back... you MUST have one if you're a wedding, events, or sports photographer.

- Wil