Camera and Multimedia Insurance

However, that news hit me like a freight train as I realised I had no camera insurance whatsoever and my car has my photography website address splayed all over it which is basically saying "Come and break into me, I have expensive gear inside!"...nobody ever has though.

Sure, my kit is covered in my house under the contents insurance but out in the field? Nope! Over the years I have accumulated quite a stash and tend to take a lot of it with me when I go out on shoots.

The amount of times that I leave my bag unattended as I run around like a loon trying to capture events at the venues is staggeringly scary. If I was a thief, I would turn up to any old wedding service or venue wearing a suit...mingle about (as no-one knows everyone at a wedding) and check out the photographers movements.

That is not meant to be an invite for any pesky scoundrels out there to come and help yourself, but as a "heads up" for photographers like myself who have too much trust/naivety in their bones!

I now have insurance and also use a smaller rucksack/utility jacket combo for my kit which stays with me at all times.

Camera and Multimedia Insurance - Looking for Insurance Companies

As I recall, one reason for me not having camera insurance was the fact that when I had searched in the past, I kept hitting brick walls. The lack of insurance companies that would insure photography equipment was amazing. Even the ones that did had a very poor reputation.

Then along came a company who seemed to listen and understand the needs of professionals in the multimedia industry. There are still exclusions or limitations in place such as...

• Theft from any vehicle from the hours of 9pm - 6am
• Theft of items from any vehicle is subject to a sub-limit or excess
• Hazardous filming, stunts or special effects

...but is still one of the best that I can find in the UK.

Aaduki Camera and Multimedia Insurance

Their cover includes or can be extended to include:

• Hired in Equipment
• Portfolio
• Computer Equipment
• Goods in Trust
• Employers Liability
• Commercial General Liability
• Studio Buildings/Contents
• Office Contents

If and readers know of a better company that we can add to this article, I would be grateful for your input.

For now...

1. Be aware of where your kit is at all times and have it watched if possible.
2. Don't leave it unattended for long periods of time.
3. Don't let yourself become vulnerable, i.e. walk alone around the dark, deserted streets at night with a 1Ds Mark III on a tripod with 600mm lens attached.
4. Only take with you what is necessary, leave the rest at home.
5. Investing in a large safe at home to store kit at night or when you are out could be a wise move. I know people that have been burgled whilst they slept...not many people put their house alarm on at night...we do!
6. Sell all your kit and become a hairdresser...