PPA Insurance for camera gear

Posted by Dennis Hernandez on the Big Photo Hunt community board.

I have several camera bodies and lenses, and the value of my primary kit alone is several thousand dollars. Considering how expensive camera gear has become, I imagine many of us are in the same boat.

I’ll be traveling overseas with my camera equipment and want to make sure it’s properly insured. I’ve been told that a regular PPA membership includes equipment coverage of up to $15,000.

Does anyone here use the insurance that comes with a PPA membership? If so, how has your experience been? If not, what insurance company do you use instead? I’d appreciate any recommendations—as well as any companies you think should be avoided.

For what it’s worth, I’m not a professional photographer and don’t earn income from my photography. From what I’ve been told, though, PPA membership is still available to hobbyists. If that’s incorrect, I’d appreciate any clarification.

Thank you.

Replies

Ken Deckinger

Hey Dennis! Great Question!

I've subscribed to PPA off and on over the years - for the specific purpose of the insurance. I've used it when I've traveled to places that I worried about my gear. But then I wound up cancelling the PPA membership each time because I didn't find it valuable beyond the insurance. That's just me but the insurance was the only thing really interesting for my needs.

My experience was fine because nothing ever happened to my gear (phew). Maybe someone else has needed to make a claim on it and can speak to that? For me though, the peace of mind was really nice.

Hope this is helpful!

Dennis Hernandez

Hi Ken, Thank you for the reply. I didn’t even think about joining and then cancelling. Is that easy to do and do they question you if you when you reapply for membership? My trip isn’t until spring so I have some time to decide the best course of action.

Is it correct to assume you’ve travelled to the Philippines? A Tarsier is the mascot for the site. Did you take those pictures? That’s where I’m going though I won’t be visiting Bohol where the Tarsiers are. I’m going to see and photograph birds on another island.

Ralph Berrett

I have thought of using PPA, but other than insurance their was no benefit for me. It caters heavily to portrait, event, and wedding photographers; commercial or editorial shooters often prefer organizations like the American Society of Media Photographers.
Here is a decent article for insurance.
https://petapixel.com/best-photography-and-camera-insurance/

Ken Deckinger

@[Dennis Hernandez](1ec4ec0c-c781-46b2-8d2c-cbf8fc795f73) that's what I've done in the past. I genuinely wanted to stay a member to support them but just didn't get value from it beyond the insurance. Cancelling wasn't entirely easy. But I sent them an email and they eventually responded.

A tarsier, yes! Ha! So, unfortunately no, I haven't been to the Philippines. Been to many places in Asia but it's still on my list. In fact, I told Karen, the woman who designed the Big Photo Hunt log that we have to go there just for that purpose. :-)

I'm excited to see your photos! Bohol is only my list; both for tarsiers and because it just looks absolutely amazing!

Ken Deckinger

@[Ralph Berrett](ed0d35cf-31b3-4406-ab3b-5087b32c2f89) thanks for sharing that article! Yeah... I find it too bad about PPA because I want to support them but can't place the value for me, personally. Love the insurance though! :-)

Dennis Hernandez

@[Ralph Berrett](ed0d35cf-31b3-4406-ab3b-5087b32c2f89) Thank you for the information. It’s helpful and gives me a lot to think about. The cost for PPA membership seems very reasonable and after looking at a few of the other companies listed in the article, PPA still seems like a decent choice for insurance alone. I even asked ChatGPT to compare the insurance companies against PPA and it recommended PPA over the others. Like I said, a lot to think about but as of now I’m leaning toward PPA.