NEED insurance policy for RED ONE...

[C.H.Haskell]

Anyone please recommend someone who can insure my RED ONE camera?

I am just a couple months away (I hope:blink: ) from delivery and now that I have the finances lined up, I would like to get an insurance policy lined up as well. I am pretty anxious and would get it today if I could and start paying when it delivers. I am interested in some full coverage including theft if it exist.

Any thoughts?

Have a great new year...its going to be big one! :sorcerer:

Best.

[Jeff Kilgroe]

Who insures your stuff now? If you have any homeowners or renters insurance or other business insurance start by talking to them.

[KETCH ROSSi]

Haskell,

I would strongly suggest to stay away from home owners insurance, they will never provide with coverage and if they do they will not be at competitive rates.

You need complete separate insurance that is only related to your business gear.

In the recent theft of over $72,000.00 of photography gear in my home I learned that lesson the hard way.

What is important is that you do your research with various insurances agencies, compare rates and coverages then decide.

*** Very important to all RED owners it is not just to get full replacement insurance coverage, but to get also coverage for "LOST OF REVENUE" till the camera is replaced***

I'm in this process my self as my first camera will be home shortly, the problem with me is that as I will be moving back to Italy some time next year, I have to decide what if it ids best to ensure the gear here in the US or in Europe, so I'm getting different letters out to get info from agencies in both countries.

Be very careful and read the fine print as unfortunately not all agencies are honest ones.

Ciao,

KETCH ROSSI
www.KETCHFRAME.com

[C.H.Haskell]

Yikes Ketch...sorry to here about your loss, I hope you recover well and soon.
I also have had some home theft but I store my gear at my studio where I have renters insurance but what I am looking for is more specific insurance just for my RED package as you suggested.

I will start my searching today...thanks for advice and good luck.

[Jeff Kilgroe]

On the flip-side, my homeowners insurace has great coverage of theft of items, damage, etc.. A few years ago, my homeowners insurance replaced nearly $8K worth of computer gear (half of it was a new Dell laptop) that was stolen from my car. No hassle, they just took a copy of the police report, equipment sales receipts and serial numbers and cut me a check minus my $750 deductible. Just shop around to see what you can find and compare the details of each policy. Just because one policy claims full coverage may not mean they really cover you under every circumstance.

For gear like RED and accessories / lenses, etc.. You will want a specific policy or an add-on to an existing policy (often called a "rider") that specifically lists the equipment and what coverage you have for it.

As for Ketch, he's my hero of misfortune. I think if anything bad has ever happened to someone, it has happened to Ketch. I feel for the guy. He's such a cool guy too and a lot of fun to hang out with. Chicks love him.

[Jeff Kilgroe]

FWIW, I'm not strictly advocating using one's homeowners policy for covering their RED. Just that it could be a good option for owner-operator types who don't have other insurance in place.

I'm putting my RED on an existing commercial policy with all my other production equipment, commercial vehicles, etc..

[KETCH ROSSi]

Thanks Haskell,

don't wary too much, this has happened months ago and I have recovered almost $50,000 from my AAA home owners insurance, (BTW great insurance and very responsible one also) the only reason that I was able to recover such amount was only because none of the gear was ever used professionally as the gear in my house was my personal one.

All the rest of the gear was some place else(very fortunately), but most home owners insurance will not cover any gear that it is used as a business tool, and they will not get you any adds on, you need a completely separate insurance com[any that it is specialized in business insurance, Entertainment insurance even better.

Just absolutely remember to get coverage for "Lost of Income till replacement" as well.

I will share here any findings from my personal research as they respond.

Jeff,

you are way too kind, I enjoy hanging out with you as well and look forward to meet again.

As far as my misfortunes, I truly believe that they are a test of life, and they have made me ever stronger and focused on what is wryly important in life, fueling my Unstoppable Perseverance to the Pursuit of my Dreams.

Ciao,

KETCH ROSSI

[Alexis Hanawalt]

I haven't gotten a quote yet, but I was planning on starting with these guys for insurance:

http://csicoverage.com/entertainment/equipment.htm

[Greg M]

Call Bill Blake at Media Plus
888-204-4364

[C.H.Haskell]

You obviously have a great outlook on life Ketch and this is an excellent start, Thanks for the leads Greg and Alexis...I will also share my findings in the coming week.

[I Bloom]

Call Bill Blake at Media Plus
888-204-4364

Website?

[Mark L. Pederson]

My broker rules -

Jessica Martinez
Ventura Insurance
http://www.vebrokers.com/
(212) 702-3300

[Harry Clark]

Call my guy, Bob Davidson
(800) 826-1504
Or a lot of people in NYC use England Insurance (in the same office as Tamberelli Video) sorry don't have that # handy.
Besides covering the actual equipment, you'll want a liability policy so that when someone trips on you tripod you're covered.
Cheers,
Harry

[Mark L. Pederson]

I use England for my E&O on features - they are great - Tammy is awesome -

Tammy Soto
Assistant Vice President
England Insurance Brokerage Ltd.
(212) 947-6488 ext. 202

[KETCH ROSSi]

This is cool,

now will all benefitting from this post( as usual in this great community).

Ciao,

KETCH ROSSI

[Jaime Vallés]

Thanks for posting all the suggestions, especially the ones in NYC! I'll definitely be looking into this when my time comes.

[Greg M]

Website?

http://www.mediaplus4ins.com/

[C.H.Haskell]

Dennis Reiff is one contact I have for production insurance here in NYC,
you can also ask for Chad Cowen and there number is

212-603-0231

They make it a breeze to get coverage just about any kind of shoot, commercial or feature but I have never inquired about getting full coverage
year round so that I am not sure how they handle. I will call this week and find out.

Thanks for chiming in Mark...more to come.

[Alexis Hanawalt]

I quickly filled out a quote form for coverage from CSI Entertainment Insurance. Here's what they sent back. The numbers I gave them are the absolute minimum value for the equipment I'll have. Does this seem competitive?

The "Major Exclusions" for the policy are: 1. If the person you rent equipment to does not return it to you. 2. Wear and tear, electrical surge, mechanical breakdown, confiscated by government, dishonest acts, intentional damage, damage while being repaired, and mysterious disappearance.

[J.D. Frey]

depends on what you need- but photo.net has pretty good coverage. The premium for a year is about $1,200.00. this covers 5 operators and ~$70,000.00 in equipment replacement (anything above $250.00) and liability (policy cap at 5mil). You have to join photo.net which is 25 bucks or so.

If you want production insurance I have no experience with that.

[Rick Darge]

What about coverage on the West Coast?

[Häakon]

What about coverage on the West Coast?
Try Brandy at DeWitt Stern. She's my rep and they offer extremely reasonable deals with full coverage.

(818) 623-5429

Hope that helps.

[Rick Darge]

That does help, thank you.

[barnstormerfilms]

I second DeWitt Stern. I had a loss of $20k disappear off a production in May (1 case just taken off the truck....damn PAs). It was the first claim I've ever had and they made it so much easier than I ever thought.

~Marque DeWinter
Barnstormer Films

[Rick Darge]

I like the name of your prod. company, Barnstormer.

[Alexis Hanawalt]

Try Brandy at DeWitt Stern. She's my rep and they offer extremely reasonable deals with full coverage.

Just spoke with Brandy McGrew at DeWitt Stern. She was very helpful explaining the policy and the various exclusions, etc. Their quote was MUCH more competitive than CSI.

Thank you for the recommendation!

[Häakon]

Just spoke with Brandy McGrew at DeWitt Stern. She was very helpful explaining the policy and the various exclusions, etc. Their quote was MUCH more competitive than CSI.

Thank you for the recommendation!
No problem - glad it worked out! :-)

[Mark B.]

I'm looking for a company that will insure the camera for professional use on land and water, anywhere in the world, for not much $$$. Anyone have recommendations?

[Rick Darge]

Brandy rocks!

I signed with them.. Very competitive rates

Thanks Haakon

[Paul Leeming]

Anyone know who might insure us here in Japan, since we're in the market for it now?

Cheers,

Paul

[Curran Giddens]

Brandy rocks!

I signed with them.. Very competitive rates

Thanks Haakon

Looks like I'll be going with DeWitt Stern too.

http://online.dewittstern.com

Brandy was very helpful in allowing me to fill out the forms via email and send a check in the mail for payment.

[MikeHedge]

you guys are insuring for a whole year? I will call Brandy thanks

[EFirefly]

you guys are insuring for a whole year? I will call Brandy thanks
I'm waiting for my Red so I'm prematurely doing the research, especially insuring it. I called DeWitt Stern and Brandy was out today, but I spoke with Kat Wong. She was very helpful and their rates are lower than most I've been getting. I would def. recommend them.

She said i can buy it online when i'm ready with a cc
www.insuremyequipment.com

Kwong@dewittstern.com 818-623-5428

Thanks everyone for the info!!!!

[Ken K]

Oh yeah, I forgot to post here too. I signed up with DeWitt Stern a couple days ago. Brandy is well aware of all the Red referrals. :) The process is quick and easy and they actually cover more than some other places I've found. Their yearly rates are definitely reasonable - seems pretty cheap to me actually.

Thanks again for the recommendations everyone!

[MikeHedge]

nice. approx what is a year? are there things it doesn't cover?

like water damage? or being dropped? or stolen?

[Curran Giddens]

I paid $520/year for $33K coverage. It doesn't cover loss of income from rentals. Also, rentals aren't supposed to be more than 50% of income from the camera. I think those options are available though....

[Alexis Hanawalt]

I paid $520/year for $33K coverage. It doesn't cover loss of income from rentals. Also, rentals aren't supposed to be more than 50% of income from the camera. I think those options are available though....

I got an almost identical policy. Read through the fine print several times, strangely doesn't mention the 50% rental income, although Brandy had mentioned that to me as well.

I was pleased to see that transportation is totally covered, so I can ship my stuff DHL and not have to buy the shipper's very expensive insurance. (Somewhat necessary now that United revised their baggage policy.)

[Jason Ing]

Has anyone actually filed a claim with DeWitt Stern? How did it go? Issues? No problems?

I noticed they ask if you have home security that comes to your home. Does that reduce the policy cost? By how much? If it's substantial, I'll get home security as well. :)

[C.H.Haskell]

I did go with Dewitt Stern as well, Brandy is very nice and has made the process a breeze so far. Speak with her and she will explain everything and you can ultimately sign up on there website here. (http://www.dewittstern.com/)

I am actually working it all out now and I believe it will cost roughly 700 for 50k in coverage. I plan on having an entire RED ONE package covered of course and some unscheduled items well, ie stolen laptop and other misc gear. They don't require every item to be scheduled anymore, just items over 5,000 usd. I will post updates on how everything goes through from here on out.

Thanks for all the feedback.

best

[J.D.]

Any recommendations to cover a month long shoot with liability?

[Mitch Deoudes]

Talked to Brandy @ Dewitt Stern just now. Some notes (so that people don't need to harass the poor girl with the same questions over and over)

o insurance is worldwide (!)
o insurance is "replacement cost" - you schedule out everything ahead of time, and that's what they pay you.
o "all risk" (earthquake, fire, flood, dropping it in the ocean, terrorists) No, I'm serious - terrorism is covered. The one thing she mentioned that sort of seemed off was, "If you leave it in your car, and your car is unlocked, and you go off to eat - that might be a problem." i.e. if they can prove that you were negligent, no love. I guess this is the sort of grey area you encounter with all insurance, and it just depends on whether the company / claims adjusters are going to fight you or not.
o along those same lines: Dewitt has an in-house claims team who in turn deal with the adjusters at Fireman's Fund (who underwrite the policies). She says they aim to have a check in your hands in 10 days, when there is a claim.
o policy does *not* cover rentals. Or more specifically, "It's o.k. once in a while, but it can't be the majority of the business you do with the camera." Another grey area. It's been mentioned in this thread that there's a 50% cap on income made from unattended rentals vs. going out with the camera yourself. I'm not sure this is in writing anywhere. Basically, she said it was to deter rental houses from trying to get one of these policies. My guess is that you're probably cool for the first couple of claims either way, and cool in general if you can show that you're going out with the camera most of the time.
o w.r.t. this last point - the renter would generally have production insurance in a case like this anyway. However, if they don't, Dewitt can offer them a short-term policy for your equipment for a few hundred bucks.
o policy does *not* include lost rental income, as has been noted above. However, you can add it to the policy for about $70/year/$5k coverage.
o there *is* a deductible. It's in the $500-750 range, depending on coverage amount.
o in the case of theft, always get a police report!

Hope this helps. Prices were in the $600-700 range for a $40k package. If anyone has experience making a claim, or sees a better deal from another company, definitely post it here.

[Matthew Rogers]

Even though I already have insurance, this is really good info when I am comparing it with what I've already got.

Matthew

[Johann Schulz]

Anyone who leaves their valuables in their car unlocked in North America should lose their citizenship! There are just too many variables; ie: A-holes.

Anyway, the insurance covers worldwide, but can you buy it from anywhere? (I'm a searching!) My Q is, can I buy the policy if I'm a Canadian living in Taiwan? Is it a truely international policy? Or just for Americans? Sorry for my ignorance; I've got about six months to blunder on before I get my goods....

[Caleb Heymann]

Just bought insurance from Dewitt Stern today. You need to have a permanent American address, so sorry Johann.

[jimhare]

Hey Caleb,

Can you tell us anything about the rates and values? Love to get an idea of what it costs and what you get.

I'm a citizen and have a permanent U.S. address, even though I spend most of my professional time in Sydney.

Cheers,

Jim

[Jason Ing]

can you provide contact info (email) of your dewitt stern contact?

has anybody filed a claim with them? any issues?

[Jeff Kilgroe]

Any other recommendations to throw into the mix? I have to start shopping new insurance tomorrow. My policy renews July 1st and the current underwriter is changing their coverage terms in ways I don't like. I guess I'll start with Offhollywood's recommendations, but would like to find an insurance company with a local rep.

[mikeburton]

I too just secured my policy with DeWitt Stern. Jason was my rep, very helpful in explaining everything and the most reasonable rates I found after shopping a few different insurance companies. My Laptop is covered up to $5,000.00 as well under my policy which was unexpected but a nice surprise. No renters insurance but that is something that the renters must provide anyhow so that doesn't concern me.
Also thanks Ketch for endorsing West Bay Financial for financing. Easy, friendly, done deal.
Overall, I would highly recommend these guys to other RED users!

[jimhare]

So with renter's insurance, how will you determine whether they "actually" have it or are just waving a paper they printed off the internet?

I'm not sure I would know the difference, not being my field!

[Jeff Kilgroe]

Call the insurance company and verify the policy / coverage, especially if you have reason to be suspicious.

[Johann Schulz]

I'm having big trouble in little China finding any decent insurance coverage, especially hearing the details in this thread. Earthquakes, floods (typhoons), theft (I had an iMac stolen a couple years ago), we've got it all...wait a minute, I probably WILL NEED the insurance! Insuring me's like lending money to a poor guy with a great idea. "We sympathize, but...NOT!"

[Jason Ing]

What is Brandy's contact info? Thanks.

[Curran Giddens]

What is Brandy's contact info? Thanks.

Brandy McGrew
Account Manager - Internet Business Division
(213) 236-0511 Main
(213) 243-1233 Fax
brandym ( at ) heffgroup ( dot ) com


Got an email yesterday:


We are excited to announce that Effective July 1st, DeWitt Stern Group has sold your insurance policy(ies) to Heffernan Insurance Brokers. The Heffernan Insurance Group is the 9th largest privately held insurance brokerage in the US and the largest in California. Feel free to check out their corporate website at www.heffgroup.com

We promise that your insurance policy(ies) will remain as is, with the same coverages, rates, insurance carrier, and the same great service.

Your policy will continue to be managed by the same service team. Our contact information is attached with a V-card and written below:

[Andrae Palmer]

I called Dewitt Stern.. seems like none of these equipment floater plans are still available. They basically snubbed me off as being too low production. I asked about insurance for the equipment specifically and they informed me that they no longer carry that plan. Seems to me they are looking for productions above 2 million a year.

[David Mutchler]

I called Dewitt Stern.. seems like none of these equipment floater plans are still available. They basically snubbed me off as being too low production. I asked about insurance for the equipment specifically and they informed me that they no longer carry that plan. Seems to me they are looking for productions above 2 million a year.

I'm sorry to hear this, I was going to give these guys a call.

[Jason Ing]

Me too. Damn.

Who are the insurance companies that will insure $40-$80K worth of equipment so I can have peace of mind if it's all stolen?

[Julio Quintana]

I called Dewitt Stern.. seems like none of these equipment floater plans are still available. They basically snubbed me off as being too low production. I asked about insurance for the equipment specifically and they informed me that they no longer carry that plan. Seems to me they are looking for productions above 2 million a year.

I received a quote from DeWitt Stern yesterday for coverage of $38,000 worth of equipment at a $600/yr premium. It doesn't cover me renting out the camera, but they seem willing to cover me. Try this person:

Liz Sidener
lsidener@dewittstern.com
818-623-5438

[A. Clint Litton]

Brandy McGrew
Account Manager - Internet Business Division
(213) 236-0511 Main
(213) 243-1233 Fax
brandym ( at ) heffgroup ( dot ) com




Just called for coverage, myself... apparently Brandy is working at another office location, so there's now a different number to reach her.

213-622-6500 ext. 203

Very helpful, easy to deal with. $45k worth of equipment goes for just over $680 annually, with additional Rental Reimbursement up to $5k for an extra $67.50. $750 total.

I could shop around some more but I liked the ease and immediacy of everything. Plus she seems to be well-versed in the Red user phenomenon, handling lots of equipment policies for Red owners. Never hurts to know your policy owners.

[Ryan Patch]

Holy crap.

This woman is amazing. Call her right now if you want insurance.

You could even skip this step (I personally like to speak with someone in person, obviously, for matters like this) but if you wanted to, you could just proceed directly to www.insuremyequipment.com and be done with it. Great.

My coverage for $52k was $777 (seems like a nice number).

[Jason Ing]

oh, so it's still good. phew. i got worried there. thanks for the info everyone.

[Andrae Palmer]

I spoke to Peter Marshall @ Dewitt Stern and he informed me that he wouldn't be able to take my business. At first I asked about production insurance... and then I specifically asked solely for a equipment floater. He referred me over to Film Emporium... http://www.filmemporium.com/index.html ... I was able to get a quote from Darren Henshaw @ Film Emporium for General Liability (a million dollar limit), Equipment Floater and Inland Marine... that quote was $6k annually. The Equipment Floater was $1683.00 for $150,000 worth of equipment.

[Andrae Palmer]

Would $3000 or less per year be good deal for a million dollars worth of General Liability?

[Tom Lowe]

Okay, so is Brandy still the person to talk to?

[Ed Watkins]

Can't find a number to call Heffernan/DeWitt on, and all the numbers listed on their letterheads are disconnected. My policy is up for renewal at the "bargain" price of $1500, up $400 from last year, for $70,000 in equipment.

Any suggestions on who to go with now?

[C.H.Haskell]

Hey Ed
Last July Hefferman Insurance took over so try getting info on the site www.heffgroup.com or contact Brandy at 213 236 0511.

[Tom Lowe]

BTW, I spoke with Brandy last week, and as reported here by so many, she is very helpful. One question, though: has anyone actually made a claim with Brandy/Hefferman?

[C.H.Haskell]

hey Tom,
I made claim with Brandy when it was Dewitt...great deal, 70k coverage and I have been in a pinch and called up to add rental insurance when I needed it for covering gear I was renting. They are legit Tom. :)

[Tom Lowe]

Hehe... so when I call up and tell them, "Uh... yeah, Hi... I ... like... accidentally knocked my camera off the edge of the Grand Canyon and... " I'm not going to hear laughter followed by a "click"? :)

[C.H.Haskell]

:help: Oh man, no they wont hang up on you for sure but I hope your kidding! Have not spoke to Brandy since they merged but from what I understand my policy stays in effect and I was glad to keep her as contact. Call that number Tom and tell me what happens!

[Matthew Rogers]

I think the quote I got from them (www.buymyinsurancenow.com) for my $85,000 worth of gear was right at $1,000. However, the rental gear quote was the same amount! It's absurd to have to pay as much for rental gear that you may only have for a few days out of an entire year. I also haven't asked them for a quote on liability, but the quote I got from another company was $3k-$4k for the year (depending on my rental insurance.)

Matthew

[Tom Lowe]

Lol Clay, that was only a hypothetical situation with a camera going over a cliff... :)

[Tom Lowe]

I guess Brandy has hit the bigtime now. I was told that she only works on "large" accounts now, so I've been dealing with Kat Wong there at Heffernan. Very friendly and helpful! I got the whole thing sorted out in like 30 minutes.

Her info:

Katherine M. Wong, CLCS
InsureMyEquipment.com
InsureMyRentals.com
Heffernan Insurance Brokers
811 Wilshire Blvd. #1801
Los Angeles, CA 90017
213-785-6912 Direct
213-236-0511 Main
626-379-6280 Mobile
213-623-1388 Fax
Kwong@heffins.com

[Justin O'Neill]

I deal with Kat Wong as well and she has been fantastic!

[Zakaree Sandberg]

hahah kat is also my agent

[Frank Weeks]

and mine.

[John Logan]

Kat is the bees knees...

I don't know a lot about insurance, and she ended up saving me several hundred dollars.

[Tom Lowe]

Welp, first it was Brandy, and now Kat. Both have "moved on". Now I am dealing with someone named Allison. It would be nice if Heffernan could retain their employees so I am not dealing with a new person every 6 months. :(

[C.H.Haskell]

Hey Tom, Heffernan took over Dewitt stern correct? Who do you deal with now? I miss Brandy..sigh.

[Matthew Rogers]

If anyone wants to deal with Kat again, she is now at Francis. L Dean and Associates in El Segundo. While she wasn't able to save me much over my previous policy at Heffernan ($50 a year), the deductible went from $750 to $250! That's huge if I have a claim.

phone is 888-416-9091 ext 106.

Love dealing with her because she's quick and can get COI's out quickly if need be.

Matthew

[Tom Lowe]

Jesus... what is wrong with Heffernan that they go through these people so quickly? :(

[C.H.Haskell]

*Update* Brandy is no longer in this line of business.

I will echo others here, If you want or need insurance for your gear... I also suggest giving Kat a call...she has been very helpful and can get you sorted painlessly. She will also handle insurance waivers for productions and is working on automating it so you can handle it all online.

Office number is 8884169091
Kats mobile is (626) 379-6280

and yes Tom, from what I understand everyone left Heffernan. Time to move on. ;)

[C.H.Haskell]

Reviving this thread cause I am working in France for the next year and hoping someone could recommend an insurer on this side of the pond! Cheers