Insuring camera equipment during travels

[Astraeus]

At present, I have about £500 worth of camera equipment in my Lowepro rucksack but I am adding a £400 lens to that small lot and, with a lot of travelling in hostels upcoming, I'm concious of making sure my bases are covered with the items should anything happen to them.

Am I best looking for travel insurance covering the cost of the items? Would they be covered in the loss/theft amount? Or is there anything I should do with my home insurers?

 

[a1ex2001]

My gear is all covered on my travel and home insurance so I could use either, you need to read the small print though and see where the gear is covered. Hostels are not great as you probably won't have your own room and safe and I doubt you will be covered for theft from a shared room.

 

[Tbabe]

Ciaran, my niece is in Europe at the moment from Australia and she just uses hostels, carrying amongst other things her macbook, all she makes sure of is that the hostels that she uses, provide individual lockers, not as safe as a safe, but stop the oportunist grab
Pete

 

[urbanx]

What at you doing leaving it in the hostel? It should be in your hand pressed up to your face

 

[awp]

Would they be covered in the loss/theft amount? Or is there anything I should do with my home insurers?

You would be better advised to talk to your insurance company who are the only ones who can answer your question!

 

[shabba]

My gear is all covered on my travel and home insurance so I could use either, you need to read the small print though and see where the gear is covered. Hostels are not great as you probably won't have your own room and safe and I doubt you will be covered for theft from a shared room.

Yep this is the best bet, travel insurance = rubbish due to stupid 'max single item' values. Get decent home insurance which covers your stuff when you travel abroad, it doesnt cost much more, just make sure you list anything over £500.

I looked into this matter a fair bit as I was worried when I went on hol this year with my gear.

 

[a1ex2001]

travel insurance = rubbish due to stupid 'max single item' values.

I think you mean cheap travel insurance is rubish, I get mine through work and the single item value more than covers anything I'd take on holiday with very low excesses.

 

[shabba]

Ok all the ones I looked at were rubbish, the usual average ones, I'm sure if you pay £100++ per trip you'd get higher levels.

 

[Astraeus]

Thanks for the helpful response guys.

My equipment will be locked in an individual locker in a shared dorm and the only time I'll not have it on me is when I'm sleeping.

Will contact my home and contents insurers to see if they'll add in the high value items without affecting the premium.

Appreciate the advise!