Insurance and Astrophotography Equipment

In my case they said it was covered under homeowners for the stuff in my roll-off and my  remote site host has insurance to cover that stuff.

One dopey agent suggested I needed a commercial policy until I told her that the total images I have sold amounted to less than .01 % of the cost of the equipment! 

Covered as an outbuilding on my homeowners policy. I made sure to verify the outbuilding % was sufficient to cover what I have out there.

@Dale Penkala mine is the same which is why I mentioned the %...pretty sure that is common for outbuilding coverage on most homeowners policies.

Hi Folks,

Over the past several years, I have been fortunate enough to build up a solid armament of astrophotography equipment that is stored in my roll-off roof observatory.

How have folks gone about insuring their equipment? Is this through your homeowners policy, or did you take out a separate policy just for your astro stuff?

Clear skies,
Ben

My carrier told me it is covered as part of homeowners protection, but I could add a rider for astro and photography stuff that would also cover accidental drops, scratches, etc. It was pretty cheap to add and covers traveling as well.

I added a rider to my hangar policy when I had my big scopes out there prior to shipping them to Chile.  It wasn't very expensive.  As most folks have indicated, most home owner polices will cover it; however if your equipment is pretty expensive (like maybe over ~$50k), I'd recommend talking with your agent about it.  They may want a list of what you've got and to call it out on your policy.  I agree totally with Lynn that you should photograph everything and make a list.

John

I might add to some not to overstate value which may draw attention to yourself. Here in California, homeowners insurance is next to imposable to get from anyone but the state which offers very limited coverage for very high rates. (In my case it costs just over $9000 per year for fire coverage.) No theft coverage.

While I'm not to concerned about theft, fire is a concern. 

If I ever have to evacuate again, had to in 03, the first thing going in the car after the pets is all my astro gear.

Scott

I sure hope my policy doesn't have a $5000 cap per item. The mounts are much more than that!

I sure hope my policy doesn't have a $5000 cap per item. The mounts are much more than that!

Exactly!  My two AP mounts and 3 telescopes are all much more than $5k, so I would really like to get a legit appraisal and put them on a rider.  Bad enough that I would have to wait 1-2 years to replace them if something happened.