I was switching lenses during a fast-paced wedding reception. My sweaty grip slipped, and my Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II hit the marble floor. The sound was sickening—a crunch of glass and metal. The mount was bent, and the internal elements rattled. I called Canon Professional Services (CPS) first, then my insurance agent.
Key Takeaways
- “Drops” are the #1 Claim: Accidental damage is far more common than theft. You need “All Risk” coverage, not just “Named Perils” (which usually only covers fire/theft).
- Repair vs. Replace: Insurers will always try to repair first. With precision optics, a repair might leave the lens “soft.” You must fight for “Total Loss” if the optical axis is misaligned.
- Depreciation on Glass: Lenses hold value well, but standard policies might try to give you “Actual Cash Value” (used price). You need “Replacement Cost” to buy a new one.
- No Police Report Needed: Unlike theft, a drop is simple. You just need a repair estimate from an authorized center.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Cosmetic vs. Functional Damage.”
If the lens barrel is dented but it still focuses, insurance might deny the claim as “Cosmetic Damage” (Excluded).
You need a tech to certify that the drop impacted the functionality (autofocus motor alignment, element centering).
Also, if you admit “I was cleaning it and dropped it,” some policies cover it. If you say “It just fell apart,” they deny it as “Mechanical Breakdown” (Wear & Tear).
The Investigation (My Analysis of 3 Carriers)
I looked at how they handle the “Butterfingers” scenario.
Sony/Canon Care (Manufacturer Plans)
- The Verdict: Best for drops.
- The Process: You pay a flat fee (e.g., $100). They fix it or send a refurb. No insurance claims record.
- The Catch: Must be bought at purchase.
Hill & Usher / TCP
- The Verdict: They cover drops under “Accidental Damage.”
- The Deductible: You pay your deductible ($500). If the repair is
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PPA
- The Verdict: Good for drops.
- The Deductible: Often lower ($50 or $350 depending on tier).
- The Catch: They might use a third-party repair house rather than factory service.
[IMAGE: Photo of a lens with a bent mount ring and cracked front element lying on a tiled floor]
Comparison Table
| Feature | Manufacturer Care Plan | Pro Insurance Policy | Standard Business Policy |
| Deductible | $0 – $100 | $250 – $500 | $500 – $1,000 |
| Impact on Premium | None | Rate Hike | Rate Hike |
| Repair Center | Factory Authorized | Authorized or Third Party | Lowest Bidder |
| Turnaround | Priority (3-5 days) | Slow (Approval needed) | Slow |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Do Not Mount It: If the mount is bent, do not try to force it onto a camera. You will damage the camera body flange.
- Get an Authorized Estimate: Send it to the manufacturer (Sony/Canon/Nikon). Get a written estimate stating “Impact Damage – Uneconomical to Repair” if you want a replacement.
- Do the Math: Repair Cost minus Deductible. Is it worth the “Claim Strike” on your record? If the payout is <$500, pay out of pocket.
- File the Claim: Upload the estimate and photos of the damage.
FAQ
Does insurance cover the filter I had on it?
Yes, list the filter value in the claim. A high-end UV filter is $100.
What if the lens is discontinued?
Replacement Cost coverage pays for the “current equivalent model.” (e.g., EF version breaks, they pay for RF version cost).
Can I buy a used lens with the money?
Yes. If they cut you a cash check, you can buy whatever you want.