What insurance options are available for rental lenses?

Question

I am thinking about renting a couple for expensive lenses ($900+) from Adorama. I'll be visiting NYC from Chicago. They state on their rental page.

We do not provide Insurance. We strongly encourage renters to obtain an insurance policy, especially if you rent frequently or when the replacement value of your orders is high.

Where can I obtain an insurance policy to cover these lenses? Will my (Chicago) home owners insurance cover it? It seems like a weird coverage because I don't technically own the lenses.

Answer 1

Most homeowners policies have a limit to the amount of photography equipment and electronics are covered under the policy, a total of $1000 is common. Also you will take a 'hit' on your homeowner's policy if you do have any sort of claim.

Call your agent or find an agent with another firm and look into getting a rider for your homeowner's policy or an inland marine policy that will cover rented equipment.

Here is a good post that explains the differences http://photo.net/learn/insurance (The comments are great)

Answer 2

Have you tried a place like borrowlenses.com or lensrentals.com that offer insured lens rentals? They have good reputations and can offer the insurance at the time of rental. In general, its an easier option to purchase and, if something happens, to deal with the consequences of.

Answer 3

Your homeowners or rental policy is the place to start.

Call your insurance agent and see if your policy will cover loss or damage to rented property, and specifically rented camera lenses (policies always have a lot of exceptions). Your policy probably likely already does to some extent.

If your existing policy doesn't cover you to what you think is a sufficient level, you can probably get additional coverage for the rented stuff for dates you'll have the lens.