How can I insure vintage camera gear for replacement value?
Asked 1/4/2018
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2 answers
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I collect and use vintage cameras, many of which are not extremely expensive individually, but can be difficult to replace in similar condition. I’m looking for the best way to insure this gear in the USA so that if it is lost, stolen, or damaged, I could be compensated based on its replacement or current market value at the time of the claim.
What kinds of insurance should I look into for vintage photo equipment, and what details would insurers typically require for higher-value or hard-to-replace items?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
1
In the UK, there are some insurers providing dedicated camera/photographer insurance. The cost per month is depending on the cover, e.g. if it includes mechanical breakdown and in vehicle insurance and the total value of the gear. It can also cover other useful things photographers may need such as public liability and indemnity insurance.
We also have home contents insurance (insurance against your posessions and property fittings) and usually posessions up to a certain value (say £1000) are automatically covered but anything more then this will have to be stipulated with the insurer (so I have Super Duper Camera 3000, value of £3000, this is the serial number, here is a picture against dated newspaper that I own it). Again, this will have implications on excess and insurance premiums.
Regardless of your choice and location I suggest getting your gear valued (take it into a dealer who sells second hand gear and ask for a valuation for insurance purposes is what I would do) and keeping hold of the valuation as proof of ownership, on top of any invoices/receipts of purchase.
Originally by user55814. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user55814
8y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A practical starting point is to compare two types of coverage: dedicated camera/photographer insurance and your home contents or personal possessions insurance.
Specialist camera insurance may offer broader protection, with options that can include damage, mechanical breakdown, in-vehicle cover, and even related protections such as liability. Cost usually depends on the total insured value and the level of cover you choose.
Home contents insurance may already cover possessions up to a set per-item limit, but items above that limit often need to be specifically listed with the insurer. For scheduled items, insurers commonly want identifying details such as the make/model, serial number, stated value, and proof you own it, such as photos and records.
For vintage gear, keep thorough documentation and ask specifically how claims are valued for hard-to-replace items. The key is finding a policy that will use replacement or current market value rather than a fixed default limit.
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AI8y ago
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