kfbagt Offline Upload & Sell: Off
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So, as a disclaimer, I am in insurance agent. First of all it is important to remember that the laws in every state are different as defined by the department of insurance in that state. So, what works in California might not be the same in Ohio, etc.
Most homeowners policies restrict your belongings to "personal' effects, not business personal property. If you are a professional photographer, your camera is not personal property, it is business personal property and most of the time is excluded from coverage by your homeowners insurance. (I am in KY, so I only am 100% certain about the law in KY) An inland marine policy is required to cover your belongings as you travel with them.. to shoots, etc. Typically insurance companies will accept a receipt or appraisal that is within a year or two, if outside of the that, you may have to get a new appraisal. It's hard to put a value on things after they are destroyed or stolen.
In the original post, they ask about filing a claim because the post office lost their belongings. That is a tough one. While it was your item, assuming it was for personal use and that is how your state classifies it, it was not in your care. So that might exclude the item from being covered. Also, you probably have a deductible. Also, items like cameras, musical instruments, artwork, etc. typically have a coverage limit. For example, your policy may limit photography equipment to $1000 unless you have specifically added coverage for more equipment.
So there are alot of "if's" and "maybes". If you can't rely on your agent, then you have the wrong agent. Yes claims count against you, that's life. Find a good agent, have an honest talk about your gear and get it covered properly, it's not rocket science, lol
Now, if I could just figure out this damn camera, I'd be set!! :-)
~Paul
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