Insuring equipment - Read this first

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Gordon
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Today I contacted my home insurer to see if they would cover my 600mm lens and new camera. I was not bothered if they did not as I was happy to go through a specialist photographic insurer but as they cover some of my other equipment I thought I would give them a try.
The conversation did not go well, after a lot of back and forth between the operator and the underwriter and lots of questions about my home security, which I answered honestly, and which they already knew as they have been insuring me for years they turned down the extra cover. No problem I said i will just insure those items elsewhere. The response to that was not what I expected at all, they said we are cancelling your home insurance totally in one week as even if we don't cover these items they are still in your home and increase the risk of a burglary. To say I was shocked and annoyed is an understatement, as much as I protested that the level of cover was not being increased nor the security of the home (alarms, locks etc) decreased the would not back down and my home cover now ends in 7 days time with a pro rata refund.
I have contacted another insurer, Direct line, who were very helpful and look like they will cover my building, contents, and photographic equipment (at home and away) including accidental damage. The final cost will be confirmed tomorrow but they have made much less of a drama out of it than the other company who I have been with for years and have never had a claim. Thank goodness for common sense.
 
Well someone was wanting to make a Drama out of ... well n9t even a Crisis!
 
Which insurance company is that?

Thank you
 
If you got names include them in your complaint.

You may not get anywhere but I don't think we complain enough.

The next thing you can do is never ever give them another penny and whilst we're talking about naming... I name AA insurance. I had a run in with them years ago, told them they'd never get another penny off me and they never have :D and when their local office shut I did a little happy dance :D
 
So what is the total cost of all your photo gear at new prices?
 
While I sympathise with your situation Fordsaboard, I would advise never staying with an insurer for more than a year. It's a bit of a hassle having to move over to another company, the premium discounts you receive will make it worth while.

I say this as someone that has worked within travel, home and motor insurance for over 6 years..
 
Unbelievable, I can't comprehend how ridiculous that is. Does that mean you'll be penalised when asked if you've ever had a policy cancelled or declined?
 
The response to that was not what I expected at all, they said we are cancelling your home insurance totally in one week as even if we don't cover these items they are still in your home and increase the risk of a burglary. To say I was shocked and annoyed is an understatement, as much as I protested that the level of cover was not being increased nor the security of the home (alarms, locks etc) decreased the would not back down and my home cover now ends in 7 days time with a pro rata refund
.
Similar thing happened to me when I bought my wife a new ring.
Or how about the insurance Company that wanted to increase my premium because I was going to leave the house empty when I was seconded to Oz for 3 months, which sounds reasonable until they explained my contents wouldn't be covered at all but they only insured my contents, buildings insurance was with someone else.
 
Not the cheapest but check out Santander home insurance.

When I took out mine they were not in the least bit concerned about my Canon 800mm F5.6/300 F2.8 L IS/1DX etc. Yes they had to be listed but are covered anywhere on this planet for all risks. Fortunately I have not put this to the test but it cost me considerably less to insure my camera gear and my house (+ contents) than to get dedicated camera insurance.

Worth a look?
 
We use John Lewis for home insurance (about £100 for contents without the camera and no buildings as we rent) and I use Hiscox for my camera equipment (was Cliik previously till Cliik was taken over/bought) for my camera and studio/computer equipment and public liability/professional indemnity, etc. Not had to claim but both companies make all the right noises and I'm very sceptical about insurance companies.
 
We have buildings and contents with Direct Line and they have covered my cameras without any dramas for several years now. I just tell them what I've added to my collection and they increase the premium accordingly.
 
Bonkers.
 
Direct line came back to me this morning with a quote to cover my buildings and contents plus camera equipment with a limit of 16k of camera kit when away from home, which is plenty for £50 more than my last insurer were charging without the kit. No fuss just good service.
The other insurer sent me a recorded letter today just to let me know they were binning me!
 
Happy for you.

Direct line came back to me this morning with a quote to cover my buildings and contents plus camera equipment with a limit of 16k of camera kit when away from home, which is plenty for £50 more than my last insurer were charging without the kit. No fuss just good service.
The other insurer sent me a recorded letter today just to let me know they were binning me!
 
Direct line came back to me this morning with a quote to cover my buildings and contents plus camera equipment with a limit of 16k of camera kit when away from home, which is plenty for £50 more than my last insurer were charging without the kit. No fuss just good service.
The other insurer sent me a recorded letter today just to let me know they were binning me!

is there any small print that limits the maximum payout per item ( ie camera body £1000 maximum value )
iv'e seen this on other policies which can make them useless for higher end kit
 
is there any small print that limits the maximum payout per item ( ie camera body £1000 maximum value )
iv'e seen this on other policies which can make them useless for higher end kit
Most policies have a limit, and then anything over this has to be specified. My policy has £1500 limit per item that is not specified, covers all camera gear I have unless I want to buy a new 70-200mm f2.8 VRII. I also specifically asked if they consider the camera and lens as two separate items so £1500 each and they said as long as they can be bought separately they class them as two separate items.
 
is there any small print that limits the maximum payout per item ( ie camera body £1000 maximum value )
iv'e seen this on other policies which can make them useless for higher end kit

There are limits but they are clear and, i believe quite generous. Any item under 4k does not need to be specified, over that it needs to be declared individually. If I take the non specified kit out (ie individual bits ok kit less than 4k each) the maximum cover is 10K, which i believe can be increased. If I take specified kit out, ie kit over 4k each then the cover increases to 16k. This level was set by me as it covers my 600mmm + 1DX2. I got the impression that these figures could be set by the holder at inception of the policy, the cost of cover would no doubt increase with higher levels.
I was happy with the cover and cost but the true test will come if I ever need to claim.
 
Glad you got a good deal. Some insurance companies need to be struck off for being stupid.
 
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