“I’m fine. My insurance policy covers everything.” But does it? It's a false statement far too many photographers have proclaimed - and they mistakenly assume that their insurance coverage is good enough.
Unfortunately, some photographers learn the hard way that not all insurance policies are the same, nor do all insurance policies offer the same types of coverage. And most importantly, no insurance policy covers everything.
It can feel like walking into a minefield when trying to figure out how to insure your photography gear...
That's where this guide comes in.
Let's discuss a few critical topics regarding getting the right insurance coverage for your photography gear.
Don't Rely on Your Homeowner's Policy to Cover Photography Equipment
If you own your home (or rent, for that matter) and work from home as well, assuming that your homeowners or renters insurance will cover your photography is a big, big mistake.
Sure, these types of policies cover your personal items if a fire or theft occurs in your home. The problem is that many homeowners and renters policies specifically exclude items that are used for business purposes.
That means that the equipment you use for your photography business, such as cameras and lenses, your computer, flashes, tripods, and so forth, might not be covered if something is damaged, destroyed, or stolen.
On top of that, some homeowners and renters insurance policies only cover your personal items in the premises of your home, not necessarily when you're out and about working in the field. That leaves your gear vulnerable each and every time you head out for a photo shoot.
Read the Fine Print
Another pitfall that some photographers face when looking for photography insurance is simply not reading the fine print.
When shopping for a photography insurance policy, you need to take the time to do some due diligence. Don’t click the first link in your Google search for "photography insurance." Instead, do a little research to find the best broker/agent who can offer the right policy for you and your specific situation.
Reading the fine print isn't exactly a fun task, but the benefits of making an informed decision to purchase an appropriate insurance policy would pay off tremendously if you ever have a claim.
I also highly recommend talking to an agent directly about your situation. Nothing beats talking directly to the insurance provider. Your insurance broker/agent should be easily accessible via email and phone, where you can ask any questions that you have and get detailed information about the coverages and exclusions on your policy.
If you work with an agent/broker who offers specialized coverages for photographers, you'll be in an even better position because they are more familiar with the most common and often biggest risks for your photography business.
Weigh Your Options
One of the most important things to consider when shopping for photography insurance is the actual policy itself.
Take Athos Insurance Services' equipment insurance policy as a prime example of what to look for. It covers:
- Floods and water damage
- Hail, lightning, and windstorms
- Earthquakes and damage from falling objects
- Fire and smoke damage
- Transit and shipping
- Explosions and acts of terrorism
- Theft
- Accidental damage, including scratches on your lenses
- Worldwide coverage
The jaw dropper coverage here is the worldwide coverage, especially since many photographers travel the world to capture their images. This means if you check your bag at the airport and see the baggage handlers throwing your bag around on the tarmac, if your pricey photography gear is damaged by the airlines, or if your bag never comes out of the carousel, you'll be covered.
Heck, you can even add optional coverage to protect equipment that's afloat or underwater.
With replacement cost coverage offered, Athos Insurance has developed an ideal photography insurance package that gives top-notch coverage, no matter if you're at home or working in the field.
Perhaps best of all, Athos Insurance offers quick and easy quotes online with optional and specialized coverages that are easy to understand and even easier to purchase.
No matter if you need insurance to cover your gear or your business, and all points between, you can get the coverage you need online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
When photography is your livelihood, you simply cannot take chances with your insurance coverage.
Though we all hope nothing goes wrong and that we never need insurance, we're all just one clumsy step away from really needing it!
Final Thoughts
When you're just starting out in photography, you might think that you don't need to spend the money to have insurance coverage.
But whether you're a beginner, an enthusiast, or a seasoned pro that's been in business forever, having photography insurance is essential..
As we all know, camera gear gets really expensive, really fast. For a few bucks a year, isn't it worth it to have the peace of mind that if something goes wrong, you'll be covered?
If you ask me, having photography insurance is one of the absolute fundamental components of being a photographer. Don't get caught without the right coverage!
For more insights about getting the right equipment protection, check out the video above from ShareGrid.