I plugged my Sony A1 into my computer to update the firmware. The cable wiggled, the connection dropped, and the camera bricked. It won’t turn on. Motherboard replacement cost: $1,200. Insurance denied it: “Software failure and botched repairs are not covered perils.”
Key Takeaways
- “Electronic Derangement”: This is the insurance term for “it stopped working but nothing hit it.” It is almost always excluded under property policies.
- Software vs. Hardware: Insurance covers physical damage. A corrupted BIOS/Firmware is not physical damage (in the eyes of legacy insurers).
- Manufacturer Warranty: This is a gray area. If you admit the cable wiggled, they might call it “User Error.” If you say “It just failed,” they might cover it under warranty.
- The “Power Surge” Angle: If you can prove a power surge caused the disconnect, you might have a claim, but it’s a stretch.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Non-Physical Loss.”
The camera looks perfect. It just doesn’t think.
To an insurer, this is a “Mechanical/Electrical Breakdown.”
You need a policy that explicitly covers “Accidental Damage due to Handling” (ADH) or a specific warranty extension. Standard theft/fire policies do not touch this.
The Investigation (My Analysis of the “Brick”)
I checked how to fix a dead camera.
Sony/Canon/Nikon Repair
- The Cost: Flat rate repair (usually ~
600−600−1,200 for pro bodies). - The Warranty: If within 1 year and you don’t mention the cable wiggle, they often cover firmware failures as “Mainboard Failure.”
Mack / CPS Warranties
- The Coverage: Third-party warranties (bought at B&H) often cover firmware bricks if they result in hardware failure.
Inland Marine Insurance
- The Denial: “We exclude data corruption and system failure.”
[IMAGE: Photo of a camera LCD screen displaying “Update Failed” or a black screen with a red error light]
Comparison Table
| Scenario | Insurance | Manufacturer Warranty | Extended Warranty |
| Drop/Impact | Covered | Denied | Covered (ADH) |
| Firmware Brick | Denied | Likely Covered | Covered |
| Shutter Failure | Denied | Covered | Covered |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Don’t Admit User Error: When sending to repair, state: “Camera failed during update.” Do not say “I kicked the cable.”
- Use a UPS: Always update firmware with the computer plugged into a Battery Backup (UPS) and the camera on a full battery.
- Check Credit Card Warranty: If you bought the camera recently, your credit card might extend the manufacturer warranty, covering the repair cost.
- Pay the Flat Rate: If insurance denies, pay the manufacturer flat rate. It’s cheaper than a new camera.
FAQ
Is a bricked camera a “Total Loss”?
No. A mainboard swap fixes it.
Does Lemon Law apply?
Only if it fails multiple times for the same reason.
Can I claim it as “Lightning Damage”?
That is fraud. Techs can tell the difference between a lightning arc and a software brick.