Insurance -- the big discussion thread

[Keith Loh]

I got home insurance on my apartment and got a rider for the camera gear, by the way. That was the most sensible solution.

[Rob Lohman]

I can't answer this for US people, but I can tell you what I did
here in Europe. I have a special insurance specially for expensive
things. The insurance isn't too expensive and covers theft, accidents
and things like were you drop your camera and it breaks (not
on purpose ofcourse). But it is only valid for MYSELF. If someone
else drops the camera I am out of luck. Also it is not insured if
I use it for commercial work (which I don't at the moment).

Ofcourse I could have also insured it if I loan it out, rent it out
or use it commercialy, but then it would be much more costly.

Anyways, it is a seperate insurance over here.

[Thomas Berg Petersen]

Initially, I had hoped to shot my short film in a 'guerilla filmmaking style' way to avoid all the paper work with buying insurance etc., but the cast in my short film is going to be SAG cast, so I have to get the proper insurances in place (a general liability insurance and worksman comp. insurance) before SAG will green light my film.

Does anyone have any contacts to insurance brokers or insurance companies for cheap policies?

Thanks!

[Don Donatello]

http://www.productioninsurance.com/entertainment.htm

http://www.csicoverage.com/film_shoot.html

http://www.filmemporium.com/newweb/insurance/

http://www.producers.masterguide.com/globalmedia/insurance.html

http://www.insure-all.com/forms/film_production_insurance_application.htm

http://www.harbourinsurance.com/filmshoots.html

[Sean Manning]

Hey all,

New to the forum, I have a Canon XL1-s that I will be using for a documentary type DVD. I am wondering about insurance for the camera when I am in the field. DO any of you have any recommendations on companies, I don't have property/homeowners insurance so I can't approach it through that. Any ideas would be appreciated......and you will be getting a lot of questions from me in the future! I'm a complete novice at this and I'm looking forward to it ! :-)

Thanks
Sean

[Nigel Moore]

It's a bit difficult to give recommendations on companies when you don't specify where in the world you are.

But my kit is on home contents (you don't have to be a homeowner to get home contents insurance BTW, if you rent you should have it also).

[Sean Manning]

Nigel,
Thanks for the info mate, I'm living in California. I think that I will enquire with my old homeowners property agent. Had to drop it recently because finances were so tight :-)

Best
Sean

[Keith Loh]

I have a rider on my renters insurance as well that protects my camera.

[Nigel Moore]

In my experience, it's cheaper to get kit added to home contents than to take out a separate policy, so it's worth looking in to.

Just make sure that the policy really does cover you for all foreseeable circumstances.

Good luck!

[Sean Manning]

Thanks guys for your input. I appreciate it. :-)

Best
Sean

[Derrick Begin]

Insured my camera through State Farm in New York. (Renters/Apartment insurance) The camera takes up the bulk of the payment because it is used outside of the studio. About 200 bucks a year with a 500.00 deductable.

It also insures everything in my studio.

Cheers!

[Paul Sedillo]

You might take a look at this post from Dylan Cooper. He gives a couple of references to insurance:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...&threadid=8725

[Rob Belics]

Rental houses require insurance on your part for their equipment. The place I'm going to rent from doesn't have insurance you can get through them. Who sells insurance for equipment and other things for an 8 day shoot? How much?

[Brad Higerd]

I just insured my GL2, Lowepro Dry Zone 200, and all the stuff inside (value based on receipts = $4,200) under my homeowners policy for $56 dollars per year! In addition to the 3 year service agreement through the vendor, my camera is now insured for accidental damage, vandalism, theft, fire, lightening (Big in Central Florida), and any freak accident that might ever happen to it. To make the deal even better, no deductible!

I use State Farm.

Thought someone might like to know about this...

[Tustin Larson]

Brad,
Thank you for that information, I also have all of my equiptment insured under my Homeowners Policy with State Farm. It is even covered if I am out in the field somewhere and gets stolen, damaged, etc. AWESOME!

Thanx,