I have a case with 20 CFExpress Type B cards. Total value: $4,000. I lost the case. Insurance said: “Memory cards are consumables/accessories. Sub-limit $500.”
Key Takeaways
- Consumable vs. Asset: Old insurance logic treats film/tape/media as “consumables” (expendable supplies). Modern CFExpress cards are durable assets worth
300−300−600 each. - “Unscheduled” Limits: If you lump cards into “Misc Accessories,” the payout is often capped (e.g., $500 or $2,500 total).
- Schedule Them: To get full coverage, you must list them: “10x Sony Tough 128GB Cards – $2,000.”
- Theft Only: Usually, these are covered for theft/fire. If they just “wear out” (reach read/write limit), that is maintenance.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Bulk Valuation.”
You have $4,000 of cards in a pouch the size of a wallet.
It is a high-theft target.
If you didn’t itemize them, the adjuster assumes you mean “SD cards” worth $20 each.
You must prove the value and the quantity.
The Investigation (My Analysis of Media)
I checked how to insure the “Digital Film.”
TCP / Hill & Usher
- The Advice: List “Memory Cards” as a line item with a total replacement value. e.g. “Digital Media: $5,000.”
- The Payout: They pay replacement cost for the blank media.
Data Value
- The Distinction: They pay for the card ($200). They do NOT pay for the photos on the card (unless you have Re-Shoot/EDP coverage). See “Wedding Data Loss” article.
[IMAGE: Photo of a Pelican memory card case filled with CFExpress cards]
Comparison Table
| Item | Unscheduled Limit | Scheduled Value | Coverage |
| Card Hardware | Low ($500 cap?) | Full Value | Theft/Fire/Loss |
| Data on Card | $0 | $0 | Needs EDP Rider |
| Dead Card (Failure) | $0 | $0 | Manufacturer Warranty |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Count Your Cards: Calculate the replacement cost. It’s higher than you think.
- Update Your Policy: Add a line item: “Digital Memory Media – $X,XXX.”
- Label Them: Put your phone number on the cards/case.
- Use the Warranty: Sony/Sandisk/ProGrade often have lifetime warranties for dead cards. Use that for failure. Use insurance for theft.
FAQ
Are hard drives covered?
Yes, same rule. Hardware is covered. Data is not.
What if I drop a card in coffee?
Accidental damage. Covered (if policy allows). But check deductible vs. card value.
Is it worth insuring SD cards?
Only if you have a lot. A $500 deductible makes a $200 claim pointless.