I stored my vintage Nikon lenses in a pelican case in the closet for 6 months. When I opened it, spiderweb fungus had eaten into the coating of every glass element. Total loss: $5,000. Insurance denied it. “Fungus, mold, and rot are excluded perils.”
Key Takeaways
- The “Fungus/Mold” Exclusion: Almost every property policy explicitly excludes damage caused by fungus, mold, spores, or wet rot. This is considered a maintenance issue (improper storage).
- Atmospheric Conditions: Damage caused by “dampness of atmosphere” or “temperature extremes” is also excluded. Storing gear in a non-climate-controlled area is negligence.
- Pelican Cases Trap Moisture: Airtight cases keep water out, but they also trap moisture in. If you put a lens away on a humid day, the case becomes a greenhouse for fungus.
- No “Accident”: Fungus takes time. Insurance covers “Sudden and Accidental.” Fungus is “Gradual.”
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Improper Storage.”
You thought you were protecting the gear by putting it in a hard case.
In reality, you created the environment for the loss.
Because the damage happened slowly over months, it fails the “time element” requirement of a claim. It wasn’t an event; it was a process.
The Investigation (My Analysis of Prevention)
Since insurance won’t pay, how do you stop it?
Prevention
- Silica Gel: You need massive desiccant packs in the case, changed monthly.
- Electronic Dry Cabinets: For $200, you can buy a cabinet that maintains 45% humidity. This is the only 100% fix.
The “Flood” Exception
- The Loophole: If the fungus was the result of a covered water damage event (e.g., a pipe burst, soaked the case, and you discovered it 3 days later with mold starting), you might get coverage for the water damage. But you must prove the pipe burst.
Cleaning Costs
- The Repair: Fungus can sometimes be cleaned if it hasn’t etched the glass. Cost: ~$150/lens. Insurance won’t pay, but it’s cheaper than replacement.
[IMAGE: Macro photo of lens glass with white spiderweb fungus patterns growing across the coating]
Comparison Table
| Storage Method | Fungus Risk | Insurance Coverage |
| Open Shelf (AC Room) | Low | Denied (if it happens) |
| Pelican Case (No Silica) | High | Denied |
| Electronic Dry Cabinet | Zero | N/A (Prevention) |
| Leather Bag | High (Traps moisture) | Denied |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Buy a Dry Cabinet: If you own >$5k in glass, spend $250 on a Ruggard electronic cabinet. It uses pennies of electricity.
- Inspect Quarterly: Shine a flashlight through your lenses every 3 months. Catching fungus early saves the coating.
- UV Light: Sunlight kills fungus. Use your lenses. Don’t leave them in the dark forever.
- Don’t File a Claim: It will be denied, and you’ll have a record. This is a maintenance cost.
FAQ
Is fungus contagious?
Yes. Spores spread. Keep infected lenses away from clean ones.
Can I insure against humidity?
Some high-end “All Risk” policies (Heritage for musical instruments) cover humidity, but camera policies rarely do.
Does rice help?
No. Rice has dust and starch. Use silica gel.