Never assume your expensive camera gear is covered by your contents insurance

Photography has never been a cheap hobby or profession. Even a beginner can expect to part with a serious wad of cash – and for enthusiasts and professionals, equipment can run into the thousands or even tens of thousands. But photography kit isn’t just expensive; it’s also vulnerable.

Camera gear frequently leaves the house where it’s handled, brandished around, and inevitably left alone, even if just for a moment (security requirements apply). As such, there’s a very real risk of damage, theft and loss, which is why many photographers choose dedicated camera insurance from companies such as the Insurance Emporium.

You might assume that your setup is covered by your contents insurance, but there are several pitfalls you need to watch out for, not least if you use your camera gear in a professional capacity. So, gently place your pride and joy somewhere safe, and read on to learn why camera insurance should be treated as a worthwhile consideration that can be tailored to your specific needs as a photographer.

In short:
Photography equipment isn’t just expensive, it’s also high risk because it’s frequently exposed, occasionally left unattended and is prone to accidental damage. For kit that isn’t protected by contents insurance, The Insurance Emporium can offer the peace of mind of knowing that your precious equipment has some protection if the worst were to happen.

Contents insurance:

• May cover camera equipment, but you must check your policy.
• Even if your camera is covered, you might not be covered for things such as accidental damage or damage that happens outside of the home.
• Equipment used professionally may not be covered.
• Claims may affect any no-claims discount you may have on your contents insurance.
• Claims may feature higher excess fees and a longer claims process.

Dedicated camera insurance:

• Coverage may be more extensive.
• Policies can be tailored to photographers with specialist benefits such as data recovery and replacement equipment hire.
• Excess fees may be less.
• Professional plans may allow for pro-specific benefits such as professional indemnity insurance.
• You can claim without affecting your contents insurance’s no-claims bonus.

Expensive equipment, high risk

Every time you head out with your camera, you’re putting it at risk of damage, theft and loss. Inexpensive equipment such as an old DSLR or low-risk photography habits, such as local dog walks, are one thing, but many photographers build up quite a collection of equipment; not just the cameras, but also lenses, chargers, memory cards and editing equipment, and this can all add up.

It’s not recommended that you flaunt your smartphone in a bustling city, for example, but if you’re capturing photos, you’ve no choice but to present your camera for all the world to see.

Thieves might look for big-name brands such as Nikon, Canon, and Leica, and kit can be vulnerable. There are things you can do to try and mitigate theft, such as wearing a camera strap, obscuring brand names with tape, and keeping everything on your person at all times, but you cannot safeguard your equipment entirely.

Damage is another risk factor. Anybody can accidentally damage valuables, but camera gear is regularly exposed to the elements. Of course, studio photographers are at less risk than seascape photographers, but drops and falls that can seriously damage cameras and lenses can happen anywhere. You might also be surprised at just how easily even a seemingly sturdy tripod can topple over in gusty conditions.

Fewer working parts have arguably made cameras more robust than ever, but accidents do still happen, and while a manufacturer’s warranty may cover the cost of replacing faulty kit within a certain timeframe, it is not likely to cover accidentally damaged or stolen equipment.

Finally, loss will always be a major risk factor, particularly for those who keep a camera on them day in, day out or who travel outside the UK with their gear.

Camera vs contents insurance

Contents insurance can go some way towards protecting your camera equipment, but it isn’t suitable in every instance. As such, do not assume your equipment is covered; make sure you read your policy documents to find out the extent of the coverage.

For example, you may find that your camera equipment isn’t covered abroad, does not include accidental damage, or the new lens that you bought exceeds your single item limit. You also need to take into account that any equipment that’s used professionally may need increased levels of cover.

You must also consider the impact of making a claim via your contents insurance. Your excess may be higher than dedicated camera insurance, claiming could affect your contents insurance’s no-claims bonus, and because you’re not dealing with a specialist camera service, you may even find that the claims process is more complicated and/or slower to reach a resolution.

Insurance tailored to photographers and a special offer

The biggest advantage of dedicated camera insurance is that policies are specifically tailored to photographers. For example, beyond the usual theft, loss, or accidental damage coverage, the Insurance Emporium offers a wide range of additional benefits.

This includes coverage for lost, stolen or damaged equipment in unattended vehicles, the hiring of replacement kit while affected items are being repaired or replaced, as well as data recovery, should you experience corrupted memory storage.

Packages also include public liability insurance, to help safeguard you against compensation and costs should a third party seek damages related to your use of photography equipment, as well as worldwide cover for when you’re operating abroad and personal accident cover should your equipment cause accidental bodily injury.

The Insurance Emporium offers two overarching packages: Amateur & Semi-Professional, and Professional. Each comes with two payment options: Lunar Monthly, which is payable (and renews) every 28 days, and Yearly, which is payable (and renews) annually.

The Professional package has increased benefits such as theft, loss and accidental damage claims of up to £50,000 (as opposed to £25,000), longer periods of worldwide coverage, and greater public liability coverage.

The Professional packages also include accidental portfolio damage, coverage for photography props, and professional indemnity insurance. The Insurance Emporium is also offering a 25% introductory discount, which is available from the start of the policy until its first review/renewal date.