2004Legal / Business Practices forum
Insurance options and coverage details for Steadicam equipment
22 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The Walter P. Dolle Steadicam program is underwritten by Fireman's Fund Insurance Company with an A rating and covers equipment on a full replacement cost basis worldwide without depreciation deductions.
- The Dolle program offers two deductible options of $500 or $1,000 with a 10% premium discount for the higher deductible.
- Leased or rented equipment is covered up to the value of owned equipment or $100,000 whichever is less, and mechanical breakdown coverage is included at no additional charge.
- Loss of use coverage of $5,000 is included for rented equipment when your rental agreement makes you liable for downtime.
- Optional rental reimbursement coverage is available in $5,000 or $10,000 limits.
- The program had approximately 130 participants nationwide and has been operating for about six years as of 2004.
- Insurance costs are substantial compared to individual incidents but protect against catastrophic losses that may exceed the cost of replacement equipment.
- Regional insurance brokers like Arts and Entertainment Insurance and independent agents also offer Steadicam coverage options.
- International coverage requiring worldwide scope is available through some providers, though coverage while working abroad may require advance notification to the insurer.
Depends on
- Information about international coverage from Dolle and other providers was not confirmed in the thread.
- Availability of coverage for operators working in specific countries like Taiwan was uncertain.
- Premium rates were not specified in detail except for the $1,000 minimum and down payment requirements.
- The thread discusses experiences from 2003-2004 and may not reflect current insurance offerings.
- Coverage options and pricing from alternative providers were mentioned only briefly without detailed comparison.