How does it work - Contents insurance

gadgeteer_2

Hi all

Yesterday I accidentally dropped my Sony DSLR camera onto concrete whilst I was changing the lens. Stupid really it just slipped out of my hand.

Anyway, there's a mechanism broken inside it now which will need to be repaired and googling around the Internet, I've heard that it can cost £200-£300 to repair. The camera itself is only worth that new now and I'm in a dilemma.

My excess is £150 so if my insurance company chooses to fix it, would I have to pay the excess? Because I'm not sure it would be worth it. In which case would I have the option then of cancelling my claim. If I did that would it still count as though I've made a claim the next year, even though they didn't pay out?

Apologies if this sounds like a numpty question, it's not really my area of expertise.

Quentin

If you report this (ie even if it does not end in a claim) then it will go on your record as a loss, and will have to be disclosed to future insurers. So expect a premium loading.

You can see if it will make any difference by doing virtual quotes online with and without this on your history and see what difference it makes.

Then decide whether or not a claim over the net amount of £150 will be worthwhile. (Your excess will have to be paid)

phill99

You will have to pay the excess regardless. If you can get a new one for around the same price, it won't be worth claiming.

jonesMUFCforever

gadgeteer wrote: »

Hi all

Yesterday I accidentally dropped my Sony DSLR camera onto concrete whilst I was changing the lens. Stupid really it just slipped out of my hand.

Anyway, there's a mechanism broken inside it now which will need to be repaired and googling around the Internet, I've heard that it can cost £200-£300 to repair. The camera itself is only worth that new now and I'm in a dilemma.

My excess is £150 so if my insurance company chooses to fix it, would I have to pay the excess? Because I'm not sure it would be worth it. In which case would I have the option then of cancelling my claim. If I did that would it still count as though I've made a claim the next year, even though they didn't pay out?

Apologies if this sounds like a numpty question, it's not really my area of expertise.

Take care here - a claim is a claim even if they don't pay out.
Once you pick up the phone and they identify you or your policy number in their eyes you have claimed.

Just_Some_Guy

You would have to pay the excess and your premiums might go up by say 20% for a few years. Would be surprised if claiming is worth it for you. Not every insurer loads you for "report-only" claims, but I have no idea if your insurer is one of those nice ones.

Next time buy Nikon!

izools

Just_Some_Guy wrote: »

Next time buy Nikon!

TBH the saving OP has made in being able to use old Konica Minolta / Sigma lenses has probably paid for a replacement body anyway

gadgeteer_2

Thanks all, I've bought a new Sony A65 now instead. It just wasn't worth the excess & hike in premium next year. I've taken out the separate insurance this time with Jessops which covers me for 3 years and has no excess.

Just_Some_Guy wrote: »

Next time buy Nikon!

I seriously doubt a Nikon would have survived a 5ft drop onto concrete. In fact I think the Sony probably fared better because of the fact the mirror is fixed unlike Canon/Nikon.

I have been seriously considering switching to Nikon but once you have lenses & flashes, switching systems isn't a cheap task. I compared the A65 with the D7000 and the only area where it was visibly better is low light performance. But I'd have walked out of the shop having spent £300 more than the Sony with nothing but a kit lens to use. At least with another Sony I can still use my other lenses & flash.

Might reconsider once the D600 comes out and maybe next year after my wedding when I have some more spare cash floating around.