Share Tweet Share A Guide to Camera, Indemnity and Liability Insurance The Need for Camera and Multimedia Insurance - A good photographer friend of mine recently had all of his back up photography kit stolen including a top end DSLR and lenses. It was during a wedding shoot many years ago! Far be it from me to judge, but leaving it in your car, although well covered and in the car park of a very posh restaurant, is just asking for trouble.However, at the time, the news hit me like a freight train as I realised I had no camera insurance whatsoever. Not only that but my car had my photography website address splayed all over it. That was basically saying “come and break into me, I have expensive gear inside!”Nobody ever has though. Yet.Sure, my kit was covered inside 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. I would 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. It is meant 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 CompaniesAs I recall, one reason for me not having camera insurance was this. It 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 at the turn of the century. 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 effectsIt is still one of the best that I can find in the UK: Aaduki Camera and Multimedia InsuranceTheir cover includes or can be extended to include: Hired in Equipment Portfolio Computer Equipment check Goods in Trust check Employers Liability check Commercial General Liability check Studio Buildings/Contents check Office ContentsIf and readers know of a better company that we can add to this article, I would be grateful for your input.My advice for now…1Be aware of where your kit is at all times and have it watched if possible.2Don’t leave it unattended for long periods of time.3Don’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.4Only take with you what is necessary, leave the rest at home.5Investing 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!6Sell all your kit and become a hairdresser… Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Elements 12 Bundle EditionRead More Canon Announce the EOS 5D Mark IIIRead More The Importance of Being EarnestRead More
