Insurance
“Knowing precisely what your policy covers, keeping detailed records of your equipment and promptly reporting incidents can speed up the process”
to be certain.” He goes on to note that tailored business insurance can combine protection for equipment with coverage for wider risks faced as a professional. Myth 2: ‘Only expensive equipment needs insurance’ It’s easy to underestimate the value of your gear, especially if your camera isn’t top of the range. However, when you add lenses, accessories, tripods and memory cards, even modest set- ups quickly accumulate significant replacement costs. Even when they don’t, it’s more than equipment you’re losing, as noted by Jack Beaney, sales team leader at Eversure: “Accidents and theft happen regardless of the overall value. It’s also not just about your equipment, but your passion too. New-for-old coverage allows you to photograph without interruption, so there’s nothing standing between you and your hobby.” Myth 3: ‘I’m only a hobbyist, so insurance isn’t necessary’ Even hobbyists and occasional photographers face risks – especially when photographing public events, landscapes or family gatherings. Accidents involving third parties or damage to someone else’s property can happen unexpectedly, leading to potentially costly legal claims. “Public liability insurance is essential for photographers of all levels,” adds Beaney. “It protects you from legal fees and compensation if your equipment either injures someone or damages their property. Accidents can happen anywhere, so make sure you’re covered even if photography is ‘only’ a hobby.”
GLASS CATASTROPHE It’s not just cameras that can get damaged, but expensive lenses are vulnerable too Myth 4: ‘Insurance claims are complicated and slow’ While it’s true that insurance has historically been viewed as complicated, modern photography insurance has become both more accessible and straightforward. Francis Martin, chief executive officer at The Insurance Emporium – which won best claims service in the Moneyfacts Consumer Awards 2024 – agrees, saying: “You can download a claims form from the customer portal or just give us a call and our friendly representatives will be on hand to guide you through the process.” Knowing precisely what your policy covers, keeping clear and detailed records of your equipment and promptly reporting incidents can significantly simplify and speed up the claims process. Myth 5: ‘Photography insurance is too expensive for hobbyists’ Photography enthusiasts often assume that specialist insurance is costly or unnecessary for non- professionals. In reality, insurance tailored for photography hobbyists is often surprisingly affordable,
essential peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your passion without unnecessary worry. Making sure your coverage truly aligns with your needs can be the difference between quickly recovering from a setback or facing significant disruption to both your hobby and finances. With a clear understanding in place, photography insurance becomes an essential and reassuring part of your kit – something you can rely on rather than overlook as an afterthought.
impact of having to replace your equipment unexpectedly. Viewed this way, photography insurance is a sensible and manageable investment, protecting both your finances and enjoyment of your hobby. The importance of accurate understanding Dispelling these myths should help photography enthusiasts and aspiring professionals make informed decisions about protecting their gear and themselves. Insurance provides
especially when compared with the potential cost of replacing stolen or damaged gear out of pocket. “The cost of a specialist camera insurance policy is based on the value of your equipment, so the premium is personalised to you,” Martin explains. She goes on to tell us that there is also a 25% introductory discount available, so keep an eye out for special deals. When considering insurance, weigh up the modest annual cost against the substantial financial
RISKY BUSINESS Don’t assume your household contents will cover your photography equipment. Make sure you thoroughly check your policy
40 Photography News | Issue 121
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