Today’s modern camera can cover a vast range from being relatively cheap and even disposable snap varieties right up to immensely complicated and sophisticated cameras. If you have a camera and it is anything more than a simple inexpensive disposable one, it can certainly be worth considering looking into purchasing insurance for your camera.
Camera costs
The problem is that some may argue that modern cameras fall into one of three price brackets:
- cameras that are very cheap - this includes the disposables etc:
- the expensive:
- very expensive cameras.
If you're a professional or serious amateur photographer or you use your camera for business (e.g. making advertisements) then you probably have a camera that comes into one of the two final categories above.
Problems arise
This might be fine -up until you find that your camera has been:
- destroyed in an accident:
- stolen:
- broken or no longer works and the manufacturer’s warranty has expired:
- lost.
When one of these things happens, you will likely start wishing you had been using an inexpensive disposable camera, especially when you begin to consider the costs of repairing or replacing your expensive camera. That is, unless you happen to have
camera insurance which will help you.
A camera cover policy
The exact detail of any insurance is contained within the policy documentation such as the terms and conditions but you may be able to find policies that offer cover against the above risks and more (typically loss protection is offered as an optional extra).
Some policies may also offer to source a replacement camera within 48 hours of your claim being agreed. This typically will apply globally to help you even when overseas.
Some insurance providers may also offer optional cover for additional lenses etc.
Overall, camera insurance can be a very powerful protection which offers both financial as well as logistical coverage for any photographer, whether professional or amateur.
Remember though that as with any insurance product, terms and conditions, exclusions and limitations will apply and you may wish to read these carefully to ensure you understand them. For example - your camera may not be covered for theft if you left it unattended in a public place.
Do you actually need it?
This is a very personal decision only you can make.
However, cameras by definition are things that may be easily lost and they're also typically very tempting targets for thieves.
If you are in a position where you can handle the financial aspects if something happened to your camera equipment, then you might decide you do not need coverage.
On the other hand, if you have doubts, then you may want to think about camera insurance in a little more detail and get the facts.
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Camera Insurance
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