How many of you rent equipment for your productions? Purchasing gear can be expensive, and difficult to do over a long period of time what with storage needs, maintenance, and of course the high cost of gear.

I would like to hear general advice, for someone looking to rent for the first time, and hopefully establish a good working relationship with various rental houses.

What kind of insurance will I need to rent different lighting and sound packages for example?

I rent gear on a regular basis. Some stuff is much better to rent than to buy, depending on how much you are going to use it. Mic equipment is a big one for me, wireless kits, booms, etc... Lighting packages are also a great rental item, depending on your needs.
FWIW, I've never purchased insurance on these items. The place I rent from has never asked if I wanted it.

anything larger then a hand size DV camera i RENT -which is usually Film camera - though plan on renting panasonic vari27 HD camera soon .

i either shoot dogma 95 style ( no lights) or i hire gaffer that has 3-5 ton truck and pay for what i use ( lights, electical, grip, dolly, expendaables.)
usually work out deal with gaffer on rental insurance fee ( 3-5% of total rental fee) as they have it and they are with me on shoot. usually 500 deductable .

when renting camera i usually rent it under the gaffers company so his equipment insurance covers it - again work out fee with gaffer ..depending on value of camera package deductable can be anywhere from 500-2500.

Thanks for the replies - I have yet to rent anything and was wondering if insurance was required in the first place. That's a good idea about going with someone that rents on a regular basis, they already have a working relationship going. Thanks again.