I slipped while hiking and my Leica Q3 slid across a rock face. The top plate is deeply gouged, the paint is stripped, and the lens hood is dented. But… it still takes photos. I filed a claim for the $1,500 repair to replace the top housing. The insurer denied it: “The equipment is still functional. We do not cover cosmetic damage.”
Key Takeaways
- Functionality is King: Standard “All Risk” policies usually cover “Direct Physical Loss or Damage.” However, many have a specific exclusion for “Marring, Scratching, or Chipping” that does not affect operation.
- Resale Value is Irrelevant: You care that the resale value dropped by $1,000. The insurer cares that it takes pictures. They do not insure market value; they insure function.
- The “Seal” Argument: To win this claim, you must prove the damage threatens function. E.g., “The scratch compromise the weather sealing,” or “The dent prevents filters from threading.”
- Leasing/Rentals are Different: If you lease the gear, you are contractually obligated to return it in “good condition.” In that case, insurance might pay to fix cosmetics because you are liable to the lessor.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “The Cosmetic Exclusion.”
Insurers want to avoid paying $500 every time a pro photographer scratches a paint job. Tools get used; tools get scratched.
If the claim is purely aesthetic, it falls under “Wear and Tear” or “Marring.”
You have to find a functional reason for the repair.
The Investigation (My Analysis of the “Scratch”)
I tested the threshold for damage.
TCP (Tom C. Pickard)
- The Verdict: Strict on cosmetics. If it shoots, it shoots.
- The Exception: If the glass (lens element) is scratched, that affects image quality. That is covered. If the barrel is scratched, denied.
PPA (PhotoCare)
- The Verdict: Similar. They won’t replace a camera body because it looks ugly.
Canon/Sony Care (ADH)
- The Verdict: Manufacturer “Accidental Damage from Handling” plans are more lenient. They often promise to fix it “like new.” If you drop it, they usually replace the housing.
[IMAGE: Close-up photo of a deeply scratched magnesium alloy camera body next to a perfect test chart photo]
Comparison Table
| Damage Type | Insurance Payout | Manufacturer ADH Plan | Resale Value Impact |
| Deep Scratches (Body) | Denied (Cosmetic) | Likely Repaired | High Loss |
| Dented Filter Ring | Covered (Functional) | Covered | High Loss |
| Cracked LCD | Covered (Functional) | Covered | High Loss |
| Scratched Front Element | Covered (Optical) | Covered | Total Loss (of element) |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check for Functional Issues: Does the dial stick? Is the weather seal compromised? Does the battery door latch perfectly? Find a functional fault.
- Get a Tech Report: Have a repair shop write an estimate. If they write “Impact damage – Check/Clean/Adjust and Replace Top Plate due to deformation,” the word “deformation” sounds structural, not cosmetic.
- Use Manufacturer ADH: If you care about looks (e.g., you shoot weddings and need to look pro), buy the Canon Care/Sony Pro Support plan. They fix ugly gear.
- Sell “As Is”: If insurance denies, sell it. Describe it as “User” condition. Use the money to buy a clean one. Insurance won’t bridge the gap.
FAQ
Does a cracked screen count?
Yes. You need the screen to operate menus. That is functional damage.
What if the paint wears off?
That is “Gradual Deterioration.” Never covered.
Does a dented prism affect the finder?
If you can see the dent in the viewfinder, it’s functional. Covered.