Any Insurance advice?

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DP StrangeLove

Well-known member
I don't know where the best place to post this would be, but I am curious if any of you have insurance for your gear and have any recommended carriers. My HVX is arriving on Monday and I want get some protection for it. I had previous insurance through State Farm, but now because I am an offical business LLC, and using the camera for that purpose, they won't cover me anymore. Any advice will be greatly advisable as my state farm insurance agent didn't know who else I could turn to.
Thanks!
 
Back in the Mll days with big$$$$ invested in a camera, edit decks, Toaster Flyer, Audio Mixer ETC. I use to have insurance with Travelers. I how take my chances without insurance.
Mule Ferguson
 
I've had insurance in the past and I went through a film industry insurance company. A lot of perks and convenience with going with a company that understands the biz, but you end up paying a hefty price for that luxury. Most insurance companies will cover this.. also, you can get coverage through your homeowners.. but might be sticky if you let them know it's for business.


The thing I was shocked to see though was the price of insurance today compared to 1994-1997 when I had insurance. Back then I was paying 900 a year, but now it's more like 3000 a year or more for the same thing...
 
20pages to read and it's my occupation so I'll be forced to get a tea.. read it and then wonder when I'll have to friggin grow up.. and realize probably never.. which is fine with me.

???
 
I've heard positive reports about WEVA's insurance, however you have to be a member. Not sure if being an event guy is absolutely required for membership (doesn't look like it so far).
 
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I'm not really in the wedding business. I am more in the commercial/feature production work. So, i don't think WEVA would be any use. Any other suggestions?

$3,000/yr sounds Ridiculously high!
 
DP StrangeLove said:
I'm not really in the wedding business.
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You definitely don't have to be, as I know people who have it who have never done any weddings. If you do paid commercial work, you're eligible.
 
steindj said:
You definitely don't have to be, as I know people who have it who have never done any weddings. If you do paid commercial work, you're eligible.
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That would be excellent, do you know what the average rate is if I become a member?
 
DP StrangeLove said:
That would be excellent, do you know what the average rate is if I become a member?
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That's an excellent question, and definitely something to find out before you fork over the $185 to join. I'm pessimistic they'd know an average off the bat, but I bet you could get a rough estimate by answering a few general questions.

If WEVA doesn't work for you, you may want to talk to some local videographers to see what they do. They might know some even better options dependent on your state (as so much of insurance can be).
 
Try Truman Van Dyke in Los Angeles. It is their business, and they understand it, so you get a reasonable price and knowlegeable service
 
Try this

Try this

I've had insurance for my G5 and DVX100 with Safeware Insurance. Check them out online. I never got a chance to test their coverages cuz nothing happened to my equipment but they seem legit. It was pretty cheap too. $5000 worth of equipment for around $250/year. And that's a worldwide policy.
 
menchifus said:
I've had insurance for my G5 and DVX100 with Safeware Insurance. Check them out online. I never got a chance to test their coverages cuz nothing happened to my equipment but they seem legit. It was pretty cheap too. $5000 worth of equipment for around $250/year. And that's a worldwide policy.
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But are they ok for coverage if you use the articles for business purposes?
 
I'm insuring today with State Farm. They quoted me about 2.50 per 100 dollars insured, so the HVX comes to about 150 a year. I'm also insuring my other cameras and my Powerbook. It is called Personal Items insurance and you can insure anything even if it's for business use.

Joe
 
i would caution you and make sure that it is covered for business use - that seems awfully cheap for business use insurance.

Be very careful because ins companies like to investigate before they pay a claim so they will find out if its business use

if it truly is business use and you get that price then give me the agents phone number - but i am nearly positive it is not
 
smelni said:
i would caution you and make sure that it is covered for business use - that seems awfully cheap for business use insurance.

Be very careful because ins companies like to investigate before they pay a claim so they will find out if its business use

if it truly is business use and you get that price then give me the agents phone number - but i am nearly positive it is not
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I specifically asked about business use and they said yes. I'll know more in a couple of hours when I go there to get the insurance.
 
smelni said:
Be very careful because ins companies like to investigate before they pay a claim so they will find out if its business use
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The optimal way for them to make money is take your checks for premiums, then when a claim is made, they "discover" that it (and probably all the claims you could possibly make) are "ineligble for indemnification" (their favorite phrase). Definitely be careful is right.
 
I am working with an agent on finding a carrier, I think I may as well get liability coverage as well, something state farm would never offer. Found a possablie carrier that might be i the range of 700/year, liability for cast crew,and of course coverage of equipment. Think that is a good deal?
 
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