For professional photographers and videographers losing or damaging important items of equipment can lead to a very immediate crisis.

When temporarily deprived of working tools of trade to perform contracts, which can be time critical engagements, a Photographer is facing loss or delay in income plus there is also the potential for reputational harm. This in turns puts pressure on future commitments already in the diary.

In these circumstances the Photographer immediately turns to their unofficial disaster recovery and business continuity plan……their insurance policy……if they have one.

This is often untested, fleetingly scanned, under-scrutinised and misunderstood.

When disaster strikes is not the time to be carefully checking policy covers or terms and conditions of cover or exclusions.

Much better to do this before something bad happens. Understand beforehand what is covered, what is not covered.

This ensures compliance with any conditions of cover (do’s and don’ts) to ensure the policy works when needed &/or you understand completely the times, circumstances and scenarios that are not covered.

Sometimes uninsured scenarios can be avoided or limited and controlled in other ways.

It is useful to put yourself in the shoes of an insurer by trying to understand that when you take out a business insurance policy you might be transferring risk from your balance sheet to theirs, but you are not transferring responsibility for the safety of the items insured.

Please be warned the current economic hardships will inevitably lead to an increase in thefts.

You can do something to avoid theft risk by being more alert to the risks.

Perhaps the most important ‘something’ is do not assume that everyone whose path crosses yours will not be tempted to relieve you of your valuable kit when presented with  temptation and opportunity.

Always remember the most expensive insurance policy is the one that fails to pay claims.

Take care and stay safe.