Insurance dropped me because I shoot HS sports

[RightAngle]

So today I updated my insurance policy to show that I am a "professional" now since I have to report my photography related income now. Well they decided that since it was "amateur" sports that they would not longer insure my equipment.

Supposedly they're afraid that some parent is going to sue me for taking pictures of their kid and then State Farm would somehow be drug into it. I would understand if this was a umbrella policy or one against me personally but it was simply a replacement policy against my equipment.

I'm not an insurance agent but I don't see how having a policy against my equipment for replacement would drag them into me getting sued for taking pictures of someone's kid?

Anyway all of that to say that really made me angry, but seeing as how I have no insurance on my equipment I need to know what you guys are using for this? Especially people who shoot scandalous HS football.

Thanks for the help...

[Shelby Lane]

Hey Andy,

What kind of policy do you have? My liability and equipment insurance are both through State Farm but they are not part of my personal policy -- they are part of a business policy. Is there a chance that this is about not being covered on a personal homeowners etc policy and a different type of policy is what you need? I guess I am just bewildered by the idea that they won't insure you if you shoot amateur sports.

[Gordon]

I used to have gear insured with State Farm, but they wouldn't issue an inland marine policy to insure camera gear while doing any professional work, that wasn't in a studio. Basically if you are using the camera to generate income, they wouldn't insure it, other than at a place of business.

I'm now insured via NANPA and Rand/Chubb insurance. Much better insurance too, covered internationally, for pretty much everything other than 'unexplained disappearance'
Laptop, cameras, lenses + rental gear (for 30 days) all covered.

[HeatherLou]

I'm with State Farm also. When we got out insurance, we did our house, both cars AND the business. Mine covers my equipment and medical for me or a customer ANYWHERE I go. We got this policy in the last two years also. I would check with another State Farm Rep. maybe the one your using just don't know what he can get you.

[Hogleg 44]

Originally Posted by Heatherlou

I'm with State Farm also. When we got out insurance, we did our house, both cars AND the business. Mine covers my equipment and medical for me or a customer ANYWHERE I go. We got this policy in the last two years also. I would check with another State Farm Rep. maybe the one your using just don't know what he can get you.

State Farm is a whole lot more liberal, and more eager to co-operate, when you have multiple policies with them. And when you are a long time policyholder. I have been very happy with their service.
And as Heatherlou says, be sure the person who you spoke with really knows what he/she is talking about.

[BrianY]

So question for those of you with State Farm: could a business claim possibly have an adverse effect on your other policies? That's the main hesitation I'd have in going through them.

[HeatherLou]

Thats a good question?? I will have to check, but I don't think it would. (Please check with a rep from State Farm for sure) The policies are two different ones. I get one for the house and the cars, and one for the business.

[Hogleg 44]

Brian. Fortunately, I have had very few claims in my years of doing business with them, but my feeling is that it would not. If fact, it would possibly help with a successful settlement of the Business Claim.
Also, be sure the agent you choose is a person you find easy to get along with, easy to like and easy to talk to! I think that is very important. Someone who would possibly go to bat on your behalf, with the company.

[BrianY]

Thanks Paul and Heather.

Andy, maybe it's time to look at another agency. You could also get coverage through ppa.

[Shelby Lane]

Originally Posted by Heatherlou

Thats a good question?? I will have to check, but I don't think it would. (Please check with a rep from State Farm for sure) The policies are two different ones. I get one for the house and the cars, and one for the business.

Ditto. I have had my equpiment coverage since before I shot studio work. My renters insurance for the house, the coverage on my car, and my coverage for the studio and equipment are all separate but I am covered for liability and equiment both in the studio and on location.

[AndrewCCM]

Originally Posted by byu

Thanks Paul and Heather.

Andy, maybe it's time to look at another agency. You could also get coverage through ppa.

Or WPPI...Or direct through their partner... You don't have to be a member to get insurance.

[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.

[AndrewCCM]

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.

:) That is the WPPI one I mentioned... I just had a brain freeze and left it at that...

[jloyphoto]

I went with Tom C. Pickard a couple of years ago for insurance and have been very happy with their customer service.

(Luckily haven't had to file a claim, so I can't testify to that end of things).

http://groupinsure.com/

[Wil_Bloodworth]

I have a Hill & Usher policy and it's a great policy. It's about $525/year though. As long as that doesn't bother you, you'll be covered to the hilt; anytime, anywhere.

- Wil