Camera / Lens damage - insurance advice needed

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200sx

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Slipped and fell while using my Eos 50D and EFS 15-85mm. Camera went lens first followed by me, and lens hood smashed into a hundred pieces.
Only had lens 2 months so was ever so slightly upset.
The rim that holds the hood is damaged but will still work. A couple of specks have appeared inside the front glass. Everything still seems to work, but it did go with a hell of a whallop.
I am covered by house insurance so have put in a claim. Have told them that lens is damaged and camera maybe. They in turn have put me in touch with an insurance replacement specialist called Be Valued who I have just spoken to. Unfortunately it sounded like I was talking to someone in another Galaxy so struggled to converse.
I think the guy said that they would assess the damage and replace like for like. When I asked about repairs he said it wasn't cost effective. Now, I don't mind having the lens replaced but I quite like my 50D and aren't sure whether I want a 60D.
I haven't held a 60D but I understand they are a little smaller? I particularly like the size of the 50D.
Is the 60D considered to be better? Bear in mind that there may be nothing wrong with my 50D, I was hoping it would just go to Canon for service to make sure everything was still within spec.
Just hoping for a little feedback as they are collecting the gear on Thursday and I need a little help deciding whether to send both items or just the lens. My gut feeling is the latter.

thanks folks :)
 
Repairs not cost effective? He is talking out of an orifice usually reserved for other kinds if emissions.
 
StewartR said:
Repairs not cost effective? He is talking out of an orifice usually reserved for other kinds if emissions.
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Yeah, I know what you mean. I was quite shocked, as all the lens needs (as far as I can tell), is a new casing and a service. Not sure where the specks inside the glass are from, had little use and only appeared after the fall. Compare this to c £500 for a new lens and it seems crackers.
It does still function OK. I'm just being a bit anal about it, as prior to this I was using a 17-40L and was never happy with the sharpness on the 50D. After much deliberation (and a bit of saving up) I went for the 15-85mm and initial impressions were good. I was pleased with my decision to buy, but now if I have a few 'iffy' shots, I'll be wondering if its the damage or me!
TBH camera seems OK so I think I'll be just sending the lens.
 
clicktor said:
Use the 50d and see if it still works? Surely any issues would soon become apparent?
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It does still work, (so far), - I'm probably just being over cautious - it took my full weight as I fell.
I think the lens will be going on its own - don't want someone deciding that there is a problem and sending me a 60D. I really want a metal body - and I can't see them offering me a 7D :D
 
Can you not object to the 60D and ask for a cheque instead?

Have had a bicycle replaced on house insurance and the insurer said if I didn't see anything I fancied from their supplier at the price of the insured bike I could just get a cheque. I actually saw a bike I liked but for another hundred quid or so asked if I could pay the difference and the insurer just said they'd change the value of the bike being replaced so I ended up with the dearer bike for free.

You don't ask, you don't get.
 
I had a mate drop a canon body before, think it might have been a 1D can't remember. He dropped it from 6feet onto solid concrete. A part of the camera body actually physically snapped off exposing the internals. Still worked A1 :)
 
Here's a good illustration of how cost-effective repairs can be. A few weeks ago, one of our customers dropped a Canon 24mm f/1.4L. If I remember correctly, his tripod blew over in the wind. Ouch!

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Cost of the repair at Canon Elstree: £288 plus VAT. Result!
 
brianwar said:
Can you not object to the 60D and ask for a cheque instead?
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Yes, he can. Insurance companies can't insist on providing you with replacement goods. You can, however, insist on them coming up with cash to the value of the claim.
 
Thanks for the replies. Have decided to send the lens on its own.

I was told today that the equipment would be sent to Fixation for assessment / repair. Didn't know anything about them until I looked them up. Look like a decent outfit, - Canon EOS Professional Centre, so I may just find that the lens gets repaired

I really don't want any hassle or argument about the camera so I will keep it and take my chances - it does seem to be OK :)

cheers :thumbs:
 
200sx said:
I really don't want any hassle or argument about the camera so I will keep it and take my chances - it does seem to be OK :)
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It's your camera, but are you sure you're doing the right thing?

What happens if something has been dislodged so as not to be noticeable now but comes adrift in a few months time? I doubt the insurance company will accept a claim then.
 
Just a quick update. Only sent the lens and had a phone call the other day from the assessors.
Just as I expected, not economical to repair and lens is being replaced with a new one :)

Its no wonder that insurance premiums are so high !
 
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