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Researching insurance
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Trying to figure out the best way to go with this and getting horribly confused.
I don't have an agent, so am doing it on my own.
My homeowner's and vehicle are separate policies, so not sure any benefit going that route.
I'm waiting for a quote from H&U, but from what I gather those are $500+.
I'm considering the PPA membership since my gear totals well under $10k and would thus be covered by the blanket policy. HOWEVER. I need liability, and I can't find any indications of what that would cost through them. If it's reasonable, I think that could be the way to go at least in the short term (and it would give me a year to research and learn more); I realise it's not necessarily the "best", but if it covers my needs and is relatively simple, it might be a decent place to start. Thoughts?
Other places I should look, or thoughts on how to proceed? I don't need errors and omissions. I don't need to cover employees. I don't need to cover squillions in gear. I just want to be sure if my gear gets stolen I can replace it (replace as new preferred, but I could live with depreciation value if necessary - I buy most of my gear used so it would be manageable), and if somebody trips on something during a shoot, I have my own behind covered and don't get slammed wtih a lawsuit.
Thanks in advance!
I don't have an agent, so am doing it on my own.
My homeowner's and vehicle are separate policies, so not sure any benefit going that route.
I'm waiting for a quote from H&U, but from what I gather those are $500+.
I'm considering the PPA membership since my gear totals well under $10k and would thus be covered by the blanket policy. HOWEVER. I need liability, and I can't find any indications of what that would cost through them. If it's reasonable, I think that could be the way to go at least in the short term (and it would give me a year to research and learn more); I realise it's not necessarily the "best", but if it covers my needs and is relatively simple, it might be a decent place to start. Thoughts?
Other places I should look, or thoughts on how to proceed? I don't need errors and omissions. I don't need to cover employees. I don't need to cover squillions in gear. I just want to be sure if my gear gets stolen I can replace it (replace as new preferred, but I could live with depreciation value if necessary - I buy most of my gear used so it would be manageable), and if somebody trips on something during a shoot, I have my own behind covered and don't get slammed wtih a lawsuit.
Thanks in advance!
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Also the reason I say to check with companies in local phone book...some Ins. Cos. found on internet may not be licensed to actually do business in your area.
Good Luck.
edit - link to PPA liability Insurance - http://ppa.locktonaffinity.com/businessliability.htm or just contact them ask what the premium will be.
The more I look at it, the more I'm thinking PPA may be the way to go; I still need to get a liability quote from them to make sure I can afford it (and, as you say, is valid here), but the convenience - and the fact that even if it isn't perfect, any insurance will be better than the none I currently have - is attractive. As I learn more about this, I can perhaps find better solutions over the longer term...
I'm pretty fortunate. My HO carrier offers a "Home Based Business" endorsement that extends the limits of my personal property and liability coverage to my "home based business." Pretty sweet.
Natural selection is responsible for every living thing that exists.
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You're getting warmer . . .
Natural selection is responsible for every living thing that exists.
D3s, D500, D5300, and way more glass than the wife knows about.
OTOH, PPA is one of the big proponents of SOPA/PIPA, so take it at a face value.
Who is wise? He who learns from everyone.
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I'm sure I can do better if I shop around, but I was really pushed for time and just needed SOMETHING before the string of shoots I had a couple of weeks ago; I really wanted to be covered for those, so speed and ease in setting up were the prioritiese. I'll use this year to research more thoroughly and reassess options when it's time for renewal.
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Personal article floater. Coverage holds for "pro" but only covers gear (fine for me). Full replacement value. Worldwide coverage. No deductible. Cost $30/year!!! For $4500 of gear.
Will add new gear to push that to $7000 and will carefully review updated paperwork but that looks like an awesome deal.
The have also been great to work with when we had a car accident and really garnered my trust during that incident.
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For liability, my agent said it is covered via the personal liability on homeowners and auto.
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I'm not sure you can put business gear on a homeowner's or renter's policy. If you're a hobbyist, there's no issue. I could be wrong, but that's just my understanding.
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As we all know, insurance companies will take any avenue open to them to deny your claim when you actually need it. More importantly...what exactly do you want covered? Your gear or the liability that you may have? I would say liability is more an exposure than your gear that you need account for.
I went on a "free" baby photo shoot when i started and the baby fell and bumped her nose and had cuts on the face. This was not my mistake, but, you can imagine my heart stopping...not only cause of the baby but also thinking.."Oh shit!".
Do you really want to trust your "agent" that your home owner's policy with special coverage will be there for you? I highly doubt it. There is a reason why there are special policies created for special needs...this time, don't cheap out. And they are not expensive..I am paying $900 a year for full coverage that is very specific to my photography needs. They know that i do this part time and they know the risk with kids photography and wedding photography. I had mine reviewed by a risk management specialist whose job is to understand the lingo...he told me to stay far far away from home policies.
As they say, trying to save 10 cents may actually end up costing you 100!
WildViper
From Nikon D70s > Nikon D300s & D700
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I do need to re-visit the insurance realm again. I'm sure I can find a policy that fits everything now.
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I looked into a business policy with State Farm and have chosen to go with them. Their business policy is $41 per month for $1 million liability coverage and $10,000 in equipment coverage which should be fine for me at this point in the game.
Deep South Focus Photography
Mobile, AL
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