Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Photography Gear?
If you own expensive photography equipment, you may assume your homeowners or renters insurance automatically covers it. In some cases, that’s true — but how you use your gear and where the loss occurs can make all the difference.
Personal Use vs. Business Use
Homeowners & Renters Policies
- Personal Use — Most standard policies cover personal property, including photography equipment, if it’s damaged or stolen. This can apply whether the loss happens at home or away from home, but off-premises limits often apply.
- Business Use — If you earn money from your photography (weddings, portraits, product shoots, etc.), standard homeowners coverage often excludes business-related losses. In that case, you may need business personal property coverage or a specialized photography insurance policy.
Why the Difference Matters
If your camera is stolen while shooting a family vacation, a homeowners claim might be paid (up to policy limits and deductibles).
If the same camera is stolen during a paid wedding shoot, the claim could be denied if your policy excludes business use.
Common Claim Limitations to Know
Even for personal-use coverage, your homeowners policy may have:
- Sub-limits for electronics or camera gear (sometimes as low as $1,000–$2,500)
- Off-premises limits when the loss happens away from your home
- Exclusions for wear and tear, mechanical breakdown, or intentional damage
- Geographic limits — some policies restrict coverage outside the U.S.
- High deductibles that can make small claims impractical
Activities That May Void Coverage
Coverage may not apply if the loss happens:
- During commercial shoots without business coverage
- While renting or loaning your gear to others
- During extreme activities like skydiving, underwater work, or motorsport photography if excluded by your policy
- Outside the coverage territory listed in your policy (international travel, certain high-risk regions)
How to Protect Photography Gear for Business Use
If you’re a professional or semi-professional photographer:
- Get a photography-specific business policy — often includes gear coverage, liability, and rented equipment protection
- Consider inland marine coverage for equipment used on location
- Ask about worldwide coverage if you travel for shoots
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal or insurance advice. Coverage availability, terms, limits, and exclusions vary by insurer, policy, and location. Always confirm with your insurance provider whether your gear is covered in the situations you need.
