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Camera damaged by rain.. Will I be covered under my photo insurance?

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This is what an "All Perils" policy is for - you may be able to get this coverage as a rider on your existing homeowner's policy, for future peace of mind...
 
It seems that you treated your camera so badly that it preferred to commit suicide ?
This is the first case I heard about.

Does it mean that Canon still puts bits of that old 'fuzzy logic' in their bodies ?
 
flyspeed said:
Fact of the matter is, the insurance doesn't cover for damage caused by climatic conditions. Therefore, if I make a claim saying this, my claim is likely to be refused. This is information I have found out recently and it is wise to be careful when making a claim. This is likely to be an expensive repair or replacement and I came on the forum to get some general input and advice. I am surprised that you bother to contribute if you have nothing constructive to add.
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If you are not covered . . . then you are not covered!

You've already told us you don't think that what happened to your camera is covered by your insurance policy, and that you realize this.

You should think long and hard before you try to get your insurance to pay for something they are not responsible for.

We as human beings have to pay for repairs on all kinds of stuff that we own and cherish . . .

Our cars . . . houses . . . lawn and power tools . . . toys . . . kids . . . our bodies . . . and even our cameras!

Why is it that many get so upset about paying for a camera repair when they do something stupid to their cameras (accidental or otherwise)?



Anyway, assuming it is repairable you are looking at around a $250-$400 repair on a Canon 5D for an overhaul (which is what it will need from the camera doctor) . . . much cheaper than going out and buying another one!

And definately much cheaper than defending yourself against an insurance fraud claim, since you stated on a public (and international) internet forum your intentions.

One of my customers is a PI for an insurance agency and he has been pretty busy lately!

--
J. D.
Colorado
 
flyspeed said:
I am insured for accidental damage with a pro photo insurance company.
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Which pro photo insurance company?
Bill Force said:
In addition, there is no service company I know of will even touch a camera that has been submerged, most have a water damage disclaimer.
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Sagemax says: This Plan covers parts and labor costs resulting from a breakdown, normal wear and tear, failure due to dust, heat, humidity and failures manifesting from power surges. A mechanical or electrical breakdown caused by unintentional and accidental damage from handling of the product is also covered.

My understanding is you're covered if you drop the camera over the side of the canoe but not if you're caught in the rain.

--
Henry Posner
B&H Photo-Video
 
If the insurance agent digs deeper, he/she will recognize that 5D does not have weather seals; therefore, they may see it as negligence.

Without preaching, I mean whether you should have known better....the main thing, however, is having proper insurance. I'd guess that not all of them will treat this the same way. My agent (home-rider program) told me from day 1:"if you drop the rig in the lake anywhere on the globe, we will replace it or pro-rate." Well, it helps that he is a photographer himself.....

Leswick
 
If honesty is not always the best solution an you want a working camera...

You sat on an bench on a sunny day, put your camera bag under the bench and it got stealed. With a couple of your lenses of course... ;)

If you want to be honest, then just tell them the truth.
 
That may well be the case regarding a specific Photo Insurance company but I submitterd my claim through my "homeowners" insurance policy.
--

' You don't have to have the best of everything to get the best out of what you do have'.
 
Bill Force said:
That may well be the case regarding a specific Photo Insurance company but I submitterd my claim through my "homeowners" insurance policy.
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My insurance company told me long ago the homeowner's policy would cover my gear UNLESS I was a professional photog. So an amateur could rely on the homeowner's policy but a pro needs specific coverage for his/her professional tools of the trade.

Your policy may be quite different, of course.

--
Henry Posner
B&H Photo-Video
 
It seems most pro-photo insurers do not cover for damage due to 'climatic conditions'. so yes, it is prudent to be careful as to how one goes about making a claim.
 
flyspeed said:
Had a job outside the other eve. Really started to rain and had my camera (canon 5d) under my rain coat.

Got back to the car and noticed that the camera, although it was switched off, was acting strangely.

Like a fool I took the battery out (wise), And put it in again (stupid, stupid, stupid)... There must have been some moisture or water because as soon as the battery came on the contacts, there was flashing and and sparks..... Today the camera is dead, so of course I have fried the circuits.

I am insured for accidental damage with a pro photo insurance company.

My Q is: How should I go about a claim? I know I have to go and get quotes, etc but can they say I'm not covered for this due to not taking all reasonable due care and attention?

Any input would be much appreciated.
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Was all sorted in the end, thanks all for your advice and the people that were rude and generally unpleasant: Get a life and stop being so angry at what people say on a forum.

I have never been rude or offensive, just sought advice.
 
flyspeed said:
Was all sorted in the end, thanks all for your advice and the people that were rude and generally unpleasant: Get a life and stop being so angry at what people say on a forum.

I have never been rude or offensive, just sought advice.
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Glad to hear it was all sorted out, but how was it resolved? Did your insurance pay for it, or what was the end result? It would be nice to know if Insurance paid for it so maybe others can benefit from the END result also.

--
Conrad 'Bye Bye' Birdie
'Aspire to inspire before you expire'.
 
Are there warnings in the camera instructions promising hell and damnation if the camera gets wet? If they do, you have not taken reasonable care.

How old was your camera? If it is a recent model, it should not be this vulnerable, even when it is not designated 'weather-resistant' or 'water-proof'. The design should forestall such spectacular shortcircuits.

I am assuming that your camera, being under a rain coat, was not totally immersed in water.

Henry

--



Henry Falkner - SP-570UZ, Stylus 9010, Stylus 7020, D-490Z
http://www.pbase.com/hfalkner
 
Gracenrich said:
Honesty is not always the best policy.
Especially when dealing with ins. company

They want your money for the premium and try to rip you off when you have a claim
So the answer is you fell throw the camera in the air.
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Right. Honesty isn't the best policy if like Gracenrich you're a thief and don't mind committing fraud.

--
Patrick T. Kelly
Oaxaca, Mexico
 
Yes Patrick always treats the insurance Company like a friend.
He smiles when they screw him.
Wonder if his world is all flowers and music.
Get real Patrick and come into reality.
 
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