Photography Insurance Claims: Examples of Worst-Case Scenarios
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On the fence about buying photography insurance because you think you’re careful with your gear and nothing bad will happen? That is a risky line of thinking that could cost you in the end. Generally speaking, paying the annual cost of an insurance premium will be much less expensive than paying out of pocket to replace photography equipment that has been damaged or stolen.
Below are some examples of real-life “worst-case scenarios” that have happened to photographers. Photography insurance would typically cover these scenarios.
Gusts of Wind and Photography Lights: Sworn Enemies
During a photo shoot, a $3,000 photography light was destroyed when a gust of wind came along and knocked it into a pool. The light was on a stand. This surprised the photographer because the weather was moderate and not windy before the gust suddenly came along and destroyed the light. This is an example of how even a careful photographer can be surprised by the need to make an insurance claim.
Zoom Lens: from Dresser to Floor
During another photo shoot, a photographer leaned on a dresser that had a $2,500 zoom lens sitting on it. The photographer thought the dresser was stable, but it wasn’t entirely and it tipped, sending the lens down to the floor. Upon inspecting the lens, the photographer discovered that the lens would no longer zoom and was stuck on a single focal length setting. The lens would have to be fixed or replaced.
Theft from Vehicle: Photography Insurance
You arrive back at your car to find the trunk pried open and your camera bag missing. You take photos of the damage to your vehicle and file a police report. The police say it is unlikely they will recover your equipment, so you report the loss to your insurer.
Fortunately, because there were visible signs of forced entry into the vehicle and you filed a police report, the loss will be covered, subject to a higher deductible. Thieves target people they see carrying high-value equipment and follow them back to their cars. Because theft from an unattended vehicle is so common, some insurance companies exclude coverage altogether. Your insurer does cover the loss. The higher deductible is better than having no coverage at all.
Commercial Property not covered by a Homeowner’s Policy
A thief breaks into your home and steals thousands of dollars worth of property, including your camera equipment. You report the claim under your homeowner’s policy, thinking this is all personal property.
The claims adjuster assigned to your loss does a web search and sees that you have advertised prints for sale. Because you occasionally sell prints, your photo gear is now considered “commercial” equipment and, as such, is not covered by your homeowner’s policy. Your homeowner’s policy only covers “personal” camera gear that is not used for commercial purposes. You tell the adjuster that you only sold a half dozen prints for less than $300 in the last 12 months to a stock agency. The adjuster shrugs, “It doesn’t matter, even if you sell just one print for $5, you are a professional and your gear is considered commercial and is no longer covered under a homeowner’s policy”.
Many professional photographers assume they are covered by their homeowner’s policy when in fact they are not: just another good reason to purchase photography insurance.
Get Photography Insurance (Canada)
Front Row’s photography insurance policy (Canada) can be purchased online 24/7. If a location requires evidence of liability insurance before they will allow you on the property to shoot, Front Row can provide that to you in 5 minutes, 24/7 for 12 months of coverage. Online means lower cost.
Many Canadian photographers have come to recognize Front Row as the industry’s best coverage – and rely upon us to protect their valuable camera gear. In case a claim does occur, you can work with your Front Row broker to resolve the claim and get compensated for losses as quickly as possible.
Refer a Friend to Front Row
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About: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that specializes in the entertainment industry. Front Row works hard to provide insurance protection for a very low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment.
Disclaimer: Informational statements regarding insurance coverage are for general description purposes only. These statements do not amend, modify or supplement any insurance policy. Consult the actual policy or your broker for details regarding terms, conditions, coverage, exclusions, products, services and programs which may be available to you. Your eligibility for particular products and services is subject to the final determination of underwriting qualifications and acceptance by the insurance underwriting company providing such products or services. This website does not make any representations that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss, or type of claim or loss, under any policy. Whether coverage exists or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any policy depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss and all applicable policy wording.
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