Ask questions- I did a good bit of research and the differences are subtle but perhaps important to you.
I went with general business insurance over a specialty type of insurance - about the same price (or cheaper) for more coverage and less hassle (i didn't have to list the serial number of every lens and body for example). I still get coverage for CF card failure shoudl that occur (and hard drives too - basically pays back the client for the cost of the images).
I;m covered for cash on site, in teh studio or on me on the way to the bank. Against employee theft, lible in ads I run, etc.
If you need insurance against sexual harrassment or discrimination that's seperate - if you have employees or plan to you may want to consider it.
If you travel outside the US then ask about that specifically. I'm covered in US territories as well as the US. I think I'm covered in canada and mexico as well, but outside the US not all my coverages apply (i don't leave the US so I don't care).
State Farm does business insurance IF you already have a policy with them.
State Farm. Never thought they would be so good, but now that I had to file a claim, I can't tell you enough how good it has been. I pay about $400 for a year, and ITS GOOD COVERAGE. $1 million liability, errors omissions, loss of business, etc. The standard business stuff.
This is strictly a business policy, and an inland/marine policy for my equipment when I'm out and about. Inland/Marine: if I brake it, they cover it. Even intentional. Broken, stolen, anything.
I filed the claim. Faxed them the info for the repair, had a check that same day.
Can I get insurance with them even though I do not own a photography business? It would make me feel more comfortable carrying my gear around if I knew I was insured.
Daniel - do you make ANY money with your camera gear? Only has to be $1. If you do, then you need professional insurance as all other non-business policies would not pay a claim based on you generating income using your camera gear.
Duncan_Staples wrote:
Daniel - do you make ANY money with your camera gear? Only has to be $1. If you do, then you need professional insurance as all other non-business policies would not pay a claim based on you generating income using your camera gear.
^^^ What he said! I checked out the Pickard agency but ended up going with a local company for commercial liability and Inland Marine. I learned a while back that money saved on insurance is not often the best place to skimp. Go with a reputable agency that will minimize your hassles if/when you have a claim.
I just got 2 quotes from 2 different companies.
1. Hill Usher about $940 for 25k of equipment coverage and business liability
2. Marsh Affinity about $862 for the same coverage thru PPA. Membership of PPA is required and it's on the high side(about $300 a year)
Unfortunately Tom C Packard is not covered in my state. I am still waiting for one more quote from State Farm to make a decision.
I used to have State Farm but they would not cover out of the country losses. Some have indicated that they do (guess it depends on the state). My agent advised me to get insured elsewhere due to this issue.
The basic policy at Hill Usher only covers US and Canada only. We don't really travel outside of the US so I decline the international coverage. Another thing we don't need is the "hired car/non-owned auto" which is kind of redundant to my car insurance. That saves me $200 on the premium.
jjlphoto wrote:
Make sure you look at ALL your insurance needs. At a minimum, you will need both liability insurance, and an inland marine policy for your equipment.
