Rest Insured: ASMP Offers Students Equipment Insurance
By Jessica Gordon
While many photography students own a fair amount of expensive camera equipment,
most schools do not provide any insurance against theft or damage that occurs
outside the classroom. But now the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP)
is helping students rest easy with a new insurance program that’s specifically
designed for photography students and faculty. Below are two ways to retain
your lenses—and your sanity:
- Equipment insurance policy: Valid everywhere in the world and covering the
gamut of photo and computer equipment, it protects against theft, breakage,
water damage and anything else that could destroy your gear. The annual premium
is $295, with a $50 deductible.
- Liability policy: Often a requirement for shooting on private or public
property, this policy includes $1 million for general liability, $1 million
for non-owned and hired automobile liability and $5,000 camera coverage. The
standard minimum premium for a one-year policy is $500 to $700, depending
on state.
To qualify for ASMP’s insurance program, you must be an ASMP student
member and be enrolled in an accredited photography program. (Faculty at an
accredited institution can join as associate or affiliate members.) The process
of applying for the insurance requires basic information including your name
and address; a list of equipment with manufacturers, serial numbers and value;
and a brief description of security precautions where the equipment will be
stored.
More information may be downloaded from the ASMP
Web site. To become an ASMP member, pick up an application form at www.asmp.org/join/—
insurance is just one of the many benefits.
©2006 Photo copyright Jenny Levine, www.jennylevine.com. All rights reserved.
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