If you rent cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, or other professional gear, having reliable insurance is essential. Whether you're a photographer, filmmaker, or content creator, camera gear insurance helps protect you from expensive losses like theft, accidental damage, fire, and equipment breakdown. Many renters assume the rental company covers everything—but that’s rarely true.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to get insurance for rental cameras and gear, what type of coverage you need, how much it costs, and the best insurers offering affordable and fast protection.
Why You Need Insurance for Rental Cameras and Gear
Expensive camera equipment can cost thousands of dollars. Renting does not remove your responsibility if something goes wrong. Here’s why insurance is important:
✔︎ You’re responsible for damage or loss
Most rental companies require you to return the gear in perfect condition. If it’s:
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Dropped
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Stolen
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Damaged by water or weather
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Broken during a shoot
—you’ll have to pay the replacement value.
✔︎ Rental houses often require proof of insurance
Before handing over equipment, many ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) showing liability and equipment coverage.
✔︎ Peace of mind during travel and outdoor shoots
On-location shoots carry more risk. Insurance ensures you stay protected everywhere you go.
Types of Insurance You Need for Rental Cameras and Gear
To fully protect the rented equipment, consider the following coverages:
1. Equipment Insurance / Gear Insurance
This covers accidental damage, theft, vandalism, and loss of rented or owned equipment.
Typical coverage includes:
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Camera bodies
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Lenses
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Lighting
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Audio equipment
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Gimbals, drones, tripods, stabilizers
Choose “rented equipment coverage” or “inland marine insurance” if offered.
2. General Liability Insurance
Rental companies often require liability coverage in case:
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Someone gets injured during your shoot
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You damage property while using their equipment
Liability insurance protects you from expensive legal and property damage claims.
3. Production or Short-Term Event Insurance
If you only need gear for a single project, short-term production insurance provides quick, affordable coverage for 1–30 days.
How to Get Insurance for Rental Cameras and Gear (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Determine the Value of the Rented Gear
Before getting insurance, check:
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Replacement cost (not rental price)
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List of equipment being rented
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Serial numbers (if available)
Insurance companies will ask for these details.
Step 2: Choose the Type of Coverage You Need
Select one or more of the following:
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Rented equipment coverage
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Liability coverage
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Worldwide coverage (if traveling abroad)
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Short-term or annual policy
Short-term policies are cheaper for occasional renters.
Annual policies are best for professionals or frequent creators.
Step 3: Compare Camera Gear Insurance Providers
Look for insurers that specialize in photography and production coverage. Compare:
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Premium costs
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Deductibles
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Theft and accidental damage protection
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Worldwide coverage
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Ability to add gear quickly
Some providers offer instant Certificates of Insurance—very useful if a rental company needs proof immediately.
Step 4: Request a Quote
Most photography insurance companies let you get a quote online.
You’ll typically need:
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Equipment list
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Value of gear
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Duration of rental
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Business name (if applicable)
After entering the details, you’ll get your estimated premium instantly.
Step 5: Add the Rental House as “Additional Insured”
This is often required by rental companies.
It protects them if something goes wrong and usually comes at no extra cost.
Once added, you’ll receive your Certificate of Insurance (COI) via email.
Step 6: Pay for the Policy and Download Your COI
After purchasing, the insurer sends your COI, which you present to the rental company during pickup.
How Much Does Camera Gear Rental Insurance Cost?
Prices vary based on rental value and coverage level. Typical costs:
Short-Term Camera Insurance
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$30 – $80 for 1–3 days
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$100 – $250 for weekly coverage
Annual Professional Photographer Insurance
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$250 – $600 per year
Includes: -
Liability insurance
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Owned gear coverage
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Rented equipment protection
Deductibles
Usually range from:
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$250 – $1,000 depending on the provider
Best Insurance Providers for Rental Cameras and Gear (2025)
Here are popular options photographers use worldwide:
✔︎ Thimble
Short-term and annual policies with instant COI. Great for freelancers.
✔︎ Full Frame Insurance
Affordable coverage for photographers and videographers.
✔︎ InsureMyEquipment (by Heffernan Insurance)
One of the most popular for renting high-value gear.
✔︎ Hiscox
Annual liability policies suitable for photographers with ongoing clients.
✔︎ Front Row Insurance
Offers production insurance and rental gear protection.
Tip: Always compare quotes because prices vary depending on your location and project type.
Tips to Save Money on Rental Camera Insurance
✔︎ Choose short-term coverage if you’re not a frequent renter
✔︎ Bundle liability and equipment insurance
✔︎ Increase your deductible to lower the premium
✔︎ Ask your rental company if they offer damage waivers
✔︎ Buy an annual policy if you rent equipment more than 6 times a year
What Camera Rental Insurance Typically Covers
Most policies include protection for:
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Accidental drops
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Equipment malfunction
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Fire, flood, or water damage
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Theft from a locked vehicle
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Weather damage
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Vandalism
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Loss during transit or travel
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Gear rented, borrowed, or owned
Always check exclusions such as:
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Unattended equipment
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Cosmetic scratches
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Wear and tear
Final Thoughts
Getting insurance for rental cameras and gear is one of the smartest investments you can make as a photographer or videographer. Equipment is expensive, accidents happen, and rental companies expect full responsibility from users.
With gear insurance and liability coverage, you protect yourself from thousands of dollars in unexpected costs—and you’ll have peace of mind during every shoot.
Whether you're working on a film project, a wedding shoot, or a corporate job, having the right insurance ensures your creative work continues smoothly and professionally.
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