I’ve been searching insurance options for my camera, lens, and laptop. I am not a professional but I still have gear that’s on the more expensive end. I’ve seen the suggestion turning up in pretty much every thread to get a personal property rider from State Farm. I’ve had (and used) such a thing in the past.
However, with the gear I have now, I bought these items at a hefty discount. Close to half off my A7R3 (open box), $500 off the MacBook Pro, and a couple hundred off the 24-105 lens. The problem with this is State Farm only wants to insure for my original purchase prices, rather than replacement costs. Meaning if these items were stolen I’d still be out a sizable chunk of change even with insurance, assuming I wanted to replace what was lost. I’ve already got a home owners policy with them, but I’m wanting to travel overseas and I’m a little concerned about theft.
Does anybody have any suggestions for alternatives to State Farm? I’m fine with getting a permanent insurance policy, or getting something that is just covering the trips I take.
For non pros you can usually list photo gear on your homeowners or renters insurance for not much money.
when i asked mine about this the small print was that they only cover gear for which you’re the original owner and only until it’s 3 years old, then it’s no longer covered.
If it’s important enough to you, ask other insurance companies. Mine (Amica - I don’t think they’re in all states) will accept a receipt for a used gear purchase and keep covering as long as I keep paying.
Yes, plenty will. People should not assume theirs will though without making absolutely sure, though. Athos is pretty widely recommended for people wanting to insure photo/video gear specifically, separate from homeowners.
I have mine as a special addition to my homeowners policy, but they want to see receipts and I bought all of my Leica gear used.
That said, if my camera was stolen I’d just buy another used one.