Originally posted by grahame That is great! anyone here in US heard any insurance like this? I will switch to tonight!
The cost to add my approximately $5000 worth of camera gear to my homeowners policy in Indiana was $53/year. According to my agent, it covers "almost anything that would happen" and there is no deductible. My home insurance is through Western Reserve Group. Thankfully I have not had to use it, and probably wouldn't unless something really bad happened.
I posted more detailed information in the following thread, and others also contributed, so you may want to check it out:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/303777-get-...ce-policy.html
It should be noted that I only use my cameras for personal use and do not shoot for profit. Otherwise, it might require some kind of business insurance policy instead of just adding it onto my home-owner's. The warranty is also transferable, which can help you get a better price when selling your old gear.
And in regards to after-market warranties, I had a very good experience with Mack Camera warranties when a home theater projector a few years ago.
It took a few weeks, but without much drama they cut me a check for the full replacement price for a new projector. It's funny because I only paid $300 used for the projector on eBay with a known issue, and I transferred the Mack Warranty to my name. I then reported the issue to Mack, and after I sent the projector to their service center, they deemed the issue too expensive to repair. So they sent me a check for $1000 to buy the new equivalent model. I was very impressed.
Here's a link to a Mack Camera 3-warranty for cameras up to $2000:
http://www.amazon.com/Mack-Diamond-Warranty-Certificate-1311/dp/B002BTMKUQ
It looks like it covers accidental damage, and even includes a couple free sensor cleanings. It specifically mentions that impact, sand/grit, and liquid damage are covered. Not bad for $129, if they live up to it.
Oh, and something else I just thought of is the protection that some credit cards offer. Did you buy your camera with a credit card? If so, then they might offer some kind of complimentary warranty/accident coverage.
Here is the coverage provided by my Amazon Visa Rewards card from Chase Bank. Note the part I bolded:
Per "Chase Card Services" on 03-20-2013 23:01:14 through the Secure Message Center: "Upon review, I see that your card provide purchase security and extended protection. It Protects many of the
new retail purchases of personal property" including -- "Purchase Security will replace, repair or fully reimburse
you up to a maximum of $10,000 per consumer product and
$50,000 per cardholder for eligible i
tems purchased
entirely with your credit card for the first 90 days from
the date of purchase in the event of loss,
theft, damage or fire.
"Extended Protection doubles the time period of the
original manufacturer's written U.S. warranty up to one
full year on warranties of three years or less up to a
maximum of $10,000 per consumer product.
Additional terms and conditions must be met in order to be
eligible for this benefit. Please call the Benefit
Administrator at 1-800-874-7702
for further details or to file a claim.