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A huge gust of wind knocked over my tripod, killing my 18-200 lens. My homeowners insurance, which covers wind damage, said I would have to send the lens somewhere, although they don't know where, to confirm that it is broken and unrepairable. The cost and time, and the $500 deductible, just aren't worth the effort or expense. I was going to add all my equipment on a rider to the policy, but now I don't think this is the kind of insurance I want. Does anyone know of a company that covers photo equipment when you are not a pro photographer with a studio?

I have wondered about that with a custom guitar I own. At one time I was told the homeowner's insurance covered it. But years ago, I used to insure it specifically.

I used to insure my camera gear with a rider on my renter's insurance. I think State Farm called it an 'inland marine' policy. Retarded, but it was pretty cheap and covered the equipment. Somehow they got the idea that I 'might' go commercial or make money on the side with the gear which caused them to extort me for higher commercial rates. Even then, it was only around $120/year for $6,000 worth of insurance.

I've since dumped the policy since I just didn't see any value in it after the 'wow all this gear is expensive and brand new!' factor wore off. Oddly enough, my lenses have gone UP in value over the last couple years, but I still don't think it's worth it to insure it all seperately. I still carry a 70-200 2.8L IS and 24-70 2.8L lens (and older 40D body, and 580exII flash) around with me just about 24/7 and can't say that it bothers me not having it insured seperately anymore.