Hello all,

I have found out the hard way, some vital information that many may not know

If you, like many of us, have an insurance rider for camera equipment and that rider (identified differently by insurance companies) is provide by your Home Owners Insurance... beware.

This is my situation:
For the last several years I have had what my insurance company calls an inland marine rider on my photo equipment.
This I thought, was a prudent thing to do since I have around 15K in cameras, lenses, cases, tripods and the like.
For the last two years, I have kept my insurance coverage at $12,000... which at around $1.25 per thousand I could swallow.
In April of 2008 I had a flash stolen, so for the FIRST time I sent in a claim for $400... no big deal I thought.
In June 2008 my neck of the wood experienced a "once in 100 year" hail storm.
This storm damaged over 8,000 homes in a 5 mile stretch. My damage was around $14,000 for new roof, windows and awnings...
Then in November, my camera was damaged while working with a non-profit group and the whole kit (body, lens and grip) were replace for $1500.
So I have had two claims on the rider (never... NEVER a prior claim) and the obvious hail damage.
This past week I have been cancelled due to excessive claims...
No big deal eh? Yes as I have contacted 4 different insurance companies and was told the following:
If you have more than two claims against your homeowners policy in (depends on the company) three and some, five year period you will be cancelled and assessed a 50% percent surcharge on any future coverage you obtain in the state... for again three-five year period.

So, if I have another claim, even an unforeseeable or unpreventable "act of god" disaster, in the next 5 years, will be cancelled outright and likely NOT get further coverage!!!
Never even conceived of such a predicament.
The final kicker... the $400 dollar claim was the "third strike". They count backwards.

Now, IF your coverage is NOT with your homeowners company and not reported under a "CLUE" report... It may not come back on you. CHECK to be sure.

Finally, just as many of us I have never... NEVER filed a homeowners claim in 30 years.

So be very careful about how you insure your equipment and if it is with your homeowners, call your agent on MONDAY and change it to another non reporting third party.

Bull S#*&% of the highest order
Bob