Insurance(UK)- Boring but a necessity for business

[Glugwine]

Hi all,

Looking for insurance for my fledgling photography business that is doing OK. I now need insurance, had a very competitive qoute from AUA Insurance with indemnity (not sure if I really need but you never know) and public Liability.

Tried PhotoGuard seem very expensive, anyone use AUA they seem rather cheap - and that concerns me?

 

[KAllen]

I am with Towergate for my equipment (cameras, computers and HD'a etc), my Library of images and Public liability. I have had two claims and they paid up without a problem. For equipment they just want a total value and max value you are likely to travel with, no list of lenses and serial No. etc. I'm insured for leaving in a vehicle if the equipment is out of site.
They have a form designed for photographers.

Kevin.

 

[Glugwine]

Hi Kevin,
Thanks for that will try them out - you did not take indemnity?

Not sure whether I need it or not - if your T&C's are tight enough and they sign a contract would have thought that would be enough?

Chris

 

[philm5d]

Try winsover howden, they were the best quote by mies and settled a first year claim in double-quick time,

http://www.winsoverhowden.com/

discounts for being in the mpa,swpp, or bipp

 

[philm5d]

by mies? Meant miles of course (or kilometres if in Europe!!!)

 

[Glugwine]

Thanks for that I will give them a call. AUA added about £80 when I rang up and asked for a formal quote. E & L are now the lowest but I will calls yours tomorrow.
Have to get something in place in next few days.

 

[regam]

Try Aaduki.com I have not made a claim yet but know of people who have had good service from them. Check if your gear is still covered if it is left in your car unattended.

 

[Glugwine]

AAduki gave a very good price so gone with them thanks to all for suggestions.
Chris

 

[Mr_Cynical]

Hi Kevin,
Thanks for that will try them out - you did not take indemnity?

Not sure whether I need it or not - if your T&C's are tight enough and they sign a contract would have thought that would be enough?

Chris

Depends on whether there will be people present other than the clients. For example at a wedding, such a clause would cover the bride and groom (assuming the contract is with both) but would NOT cover any of the guests (because they are not parties to the contract, and a contract cannot impose rights or obligations on third parties).

Assuming your clients are consumers (ie you're not selling to magazines etc.) there are also consumer protection laws to consider - to cut a very long story (and a fair number of acronyms) short, 'exclusion of liability' clauses are frowned upon.

In summary - yes, get liability insurance!

EDIT: On the point of AUA, their policy does not cover professional use and (just as big a deal) DOES NOT cover scratching or smashing of lens elements. Which is arguably the equipment damage a photographer is most likely to suffer.