ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

13 years ago - Matt Jamie

Hey
You can cover the kit on your home insurance but I'd recommend using a specialist insurer as they'll cover repairs as well as covering you for equipment in transit (optional) and public liability insurance which is essential. I use http://www.photoguard.co.uk and it works out about £250 p/a to cover a lot of cameras/lenses and a laptop. They do a zero premium option (i.e. you pay a bit more then they cover 100% or repair / replace cost). You can get an online quote by entering the values of your stuff as you did in your post and it will tell you the cost.
All the best
Matt = mattjamie@hotmail.com www.mattjamie.co.uk

13 years ago - SP User

Hi Emma,

I would agree with Matts advice. Have a chat with a specialist insurer and aslo take up Public Liability insurance. As well as the company Matt recommended have a chat with Neil Harle at Essex Insurance Brokers Ltd who I originally found out about through Shooting People. Their number is 01708 524416. I think you will be surprised at how affordable this type of insurance is. If you are planning to work abroad mention that, we are now insured throughout Mainland Europe. They also offer a option of paying the premium over a three month period.

13 years ago - Hamish Scadding

Hi Emma, my house insurance won't cover my kit/equipment so it's worth checking. I insure my kit through AON in Leicester. If you join Bectu you get a very good rate on PLI (in my case the saving more than paid for the premium in)

13 years ago - Mark van Klaveren Harris

Yes - do NOT include on home contents insurance, you will not get such good cover options as on specialist stand alone insurance. As others have said, unless you are covered by anyone else when working, you should have you own Public Liability Insurance. I have had cover in past from Essex Insurance Brokers, but this time found Towergate to offer a more comprehensive cover at far better price. If you like I can pass you direct number/email for the guy at their office who I deal with and I am sure he will look after you. They offer good choice of packages, depending whether you do as hobby, part business, full business. Good luck

13 years ago - Tom Harburt

Everyone else is correct, but just to hammer the nail firmly in the coffin, contents insurance will not cover anything that could be considered professional equipment (used for business purposes, not personal) and furthermore the insurance doesn't tend to cover much once it's taken off your premises, i.e. outside your home, which is pretty useless for film equipment. Another thumbs up for Essex Insurance Brokers. I've had my kit insured with Neil there for years and he's always been an absolute pleasure to deal with.

13 years ago - Emma Dove

Righto, thanks very much folks - pretty unanimous answers there then! Thank you for all your suggestions as well, I'll get on the phone today and see what is going to work out best for me.

13 years ago - Paul Gilbert

I use Towergate, they seem good and reasonably priced. Also if you join BECTU you get public liability insurance.