We understand that a photographer’s equipment is crucial for the smooth running of business. Not only does your photography kit need to be in working order at all times, ready to shoot at a moment’s notice, but should things go wrong, bumps in the road must be resolved as quickly and smoothly as possible. 

We are often asked about cover for photography equipment, as many variables crop up with shooting in different locations and situations, here we will clear up any confusion. 

How much cover do I need?  

• Everybody’s needs are different, this will totally depend on how much kit you have. 

• Please ensure that the sum insured on your policy is enough to cover the replacement of all of your equipment. That means keeping up with the current value of your kit (not using the price you bought it for). Kit prices are going up.

• Where kit is no longer manufactured, you should base the sum insured on the price of the nearest alternative.

• Keeping a list of all your equipment really helps to get organised should you need to make a claim. 

Is my kit covered wherever I take it? 

• Equipment can be insured on a premises only, UK or Worldwide basis (some insurers also over Europe / EU rates). Make sure your kit is suitably insured for your usage of it.

Are there other considerations for keeping equipment at home?

• Kit kept at home is generally fine although policies will insist on 5 lever locks or equivalent on all external doors and key operated window locks. 

What if I shoot in a shared studio? 

• When keeping kit in a shared studio, make sure you are storing it in a locked area of the premises which is under your sole control e.g. a safe, private room or security cabinet.

• Theft cover will be subject to theft by violent and forcible entry only when kit is left unattended. Always make sure that studio space is securely locked overnight and when empty.

Do I need cover for hired equipment? 

• Yes you still need to insure hired equipment to protect against theft. It will often be cheaper to cover hired equipment under your photographic insurance rather than insuring with a rental company.
• Make sure when hiring kit, you get the replacement value from the rental company. This is the value you will need to insure.

• Make sure your insurance includes loss of hire as part of the hired kit insurance. This covers the loss of earnings of the hire company if any of the kit is damaged or stolen. All Williamson Carson hire cover includes 13 weeks loss of hire.

• Rental companies will often include damage waivers in the cost of hire. If you can provide proof of hire, they will remove this cost.