Got insurance?? You better...

[LoungeLizard]

Sorry to hear about that, Joe. Not only does one need insurance for the equipment, one should have liability coverage also.

[Mark McCall]

Joe's right.
Homeowner's coverage will not cover pro equipment.

I'm a member of PPA as well.
The wedding indemnification insurance is free when you join.
This covers the sentimental value of the images in the camera when it's stolen, (not the equipment itself), as well as photographer malpractice.

Cindy,
I love hearing stories about vendors who go the extra mile for photographers.
That's why I deal with Competitive, and Arlington Camera. Awesome dudes!

[wadebarker]

Sorry to hear about your loss, I'm sure that was REALLY scary. Are there any companies (besides All-State, State Farm, etc) that offer pro photo insurance without going through one of these organizations like NANPA or PPA? I tried the insurance affiliated withe NPPA but they were really high! I have mine through State Farm but I'm nervous after reading this thread about using it in a business application.

[Roadrnr]

Actually, your homeowners insurance would cover pro equipment anywhere in the world with no deductible if you have an endorsement on the policy. It's called a camera floater (some companies call it an HO 160, Scheduled Personal Property Endorsement) It does not have any limitations in regards to if you are a professional or not. Some companies may not want to cover for 10-20K worth of equipment, but it is possible.

Just to give you a quick example, the endorsement states the following:

For an additional premium, we cover the classes of scheduled property for which an amount of insurance and premium are shown above. The provisions of this endorsement apply only to the property scheduled under this endorsement. In addition, the provisions of the policy not in conflict with any provision of this endorsement, will apply, except SECTION I PERILS INSURED AGAINST

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me...I work in insurance.

[wadebarker]

Thanks for the info, I'll check my policy.

[jheiliger]

Wade,

My insurance through NANPA was $300 last year for $17,000 worth of coverage...

i don't think that is expensive at all seeing as how it is about to pay me $6,000

Perhaps you got a different rate quoted, I don't know. But it's like $2/year per $100 covered or something like that... I can't remember now.


joe

[wadebarker]

Do you have to be a member to receive coverage? I'm not complaining about the cost, that's not that much more than I pay now.

[Saltwater Servitude]

Two years ago here in San Antonio a wedding photog got her equipment lifted at a restuarant I work at. She lost two+ weddings, negatives, photos, everything. It happened not 20' from our front door during a busy lunch.

[jheiliger]

Yes... You have to be a member of NANPA or the PPA to recieve their coverage. But, NANPA costs $100 a year, and has many benifits. The PPA is about $325 a year, but the benifits of being a member are amazing! I would recommend any Professional Wedding Photographer be a member just for the protection that the Indemnity Trust offers you if you are ever sued by a bride for negligence.

Joe

[Valerie Brasher-Tharp]

WOW....Joe !
We always hear those horror stories and then one day it happens in our driveway !
I don't think we can be told enough how important it is to have insurance.

I have coverage through the Professional Photographer's of America...All-Risk Photography Equipment Insurance Plan....etc...Honestly, how can we afford to NOT have it !

Click here to read about their plan

Click here to read about other PPA coverage as well