Ask Aaduki

Insurance questions asked by Societies' members.

aaduki Q: Dear Aaduki,
I am planning on going abroad to take some pictures and want to make sure I am covered correctly. Is there any specific insurance I need?

T, Blackburn

A: Aaduki says: You need to make sure you have coverage for "worldwide" so it is worth checking on your Schedule or with your insurance provider. Some insurance companies want you to tell them if you are going away so it is usually worth a quick call or email just to make sure they are aware of it. Having good travel insurance is key so make sure you spend some time looking at the cover to make sure should the worst happen you will be able to get home and not have to pay the bills for it. Finally, it is always worth checking on www.fco.org.uk that you are not going anywhere the Government recommend against. After all, your travel policy won't rescue you for Iraq!

Q: Dear Aaduki,
The prices of my Canon equipment has gone up 3 times in the last 6 months. Do I need to adjust the sums insured I have?

F, Sheffield

A: Aaduki says: Absolutely! If you know the prices to replace as new have increased significantly, there may be a danger you are under insured. It is always wise to keep a look out for things like this happening but I would suggest you regularly review the sums insured - after all, you don't want to be under insured! You may want to bear in mind though, if you increase your sums insured there is likely to be some additional premium to pay - this shouldn't be to harsh depending on how much equipment you insure and the values.

Q: Dear Aaduki,
I am considering entering the schools photography market and wondered if there is anything from an insurance point of view I should consider over and above what I have now?

J, Cardiff

A: Aaduki says: It is very difficult to answer this as I don't have a copy of what you have now! I would suggest making sure your Public Liability cover is for £5 million - a lot of Schools will have this as a minimum. It is also worth considering a full CRB check ( criminal records bureau ) . Many schools will feel a lot more comfortable if you have this and finally it is always worth getting some guidance and support from the experts. You might like to speak to a photographer that is currently doing this work, or get some advice form your professional body. If you get stuck, advice from photography forums can sometimes be invaluable.

Q: Dear Aaduki,
I am hiring some models from an agency for a photo shoot I am doing for a large client. The models are all self employed and I am paying the agency for them not direct. Do I need Employers Liability?

B, Leeds

A: Aaduki says: Yes! The models will be under your "care and direction" the fact you are not paying them direct is irrelevant in law. Go to www.swpp.co.uk/insurance.htm and click on the Employers Liability tab for more details. Try not to short cut this one - remember it is a criminal offence not to be insured and the maximum penalty is 14 years in jail! For the extra few pounds it isn't worth the risk.

Q: Dear Aaduki,
I want to try out the Canon 5D Mark II Camera before thinking about buying it. Can I hire it in and be covered for insurance on my current policy? Or do I need to pay the hire company?

H, Somerset

A: Aaduki says: This will depend on who your policy is with and what it says on your Schedule of Insurance. With Aaduki, you are able to do this providing on your policy there is some cover for "hired in equipment" Alternatively; we are able to provide a short term policy to cover you for the days of hire. Also, if you use www.hireacamera.com, because of our relationship with them, you just need to give them your policy number and they do all the checks for you saving you time! If in doubt, a quick call to your Insurers should answer this one quickly - get the name of the person you speak to though!

Q: Dear Aaduki,
I have a professional photographers policy with Aaduki and am considering adding some video equipment so I can do videos at weddings as well as photographs. Do I need to tell you about this and will it affect my insurance?

K, Hertfordshire

A: Aaduki says: No. You don't need to adjust your policy as long as your sums insured do not go over what it say on your Schedule and none of the items are valued at £1,000 or more. The only thing you should consider is are you now going to have someone "assist" you and who is that person to be? If so then you may need Employers Liability or to extend your Public Liability to them by adding them onto your policy.

Q: Dear Aaduki,
I was taking some pictures of my children in the bath and I accidentally dropped my camera into the water whilst trying to adjust the lens. My insurance company have denied the claim saying I have no "on water" cover! I am really angry about this, I wasn't on water. Is there anything I can do?

G, Nottingham

A: Aaduki says: This is exactly the sort of claim that makes me angry as well and gives insurance companies a bad name! Without knowing the specifics of your claim I cannot really comment, but if the argument is you have no "on water" cover, then I would go back to them and argue the case since you were hardly likely to be floating in a boat, in the bath, whilst taking pictures of your children! I would ask for a copy of their complaints procedure and complain. If they still refuse to change their minds, then get a final decision in writing from them and take the next step - either to the FSA or Lloyds of London - depending on what is outlined in the complaints procedure. Whatever happens I would advise you look around at renewal and consider insuring with a company that wouldn't quibble over a bath full of water!

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