I rented a RED Komodo package for a music video. While swapping lenses, I slipped and gouged the sensor glass. The rental house charged my card $2,500 for the repair and “Loss of Use” (rental fees while it was being fixed). My insurance company said, “We cover your gear. Did you add Hired/Non-Owned coverage?”
Key Takeaways
- Owned vs. Non-Owned: Your base policy covers equipment you own. It does NOT cover equipment you rent unless you have a specific “Hired / Non-Owned” endorsement.
- The “Damage Waiver” Scam: Rental houses offer damage waivers (10-15% of rental cost). These usually have high deductibles and exclude “Gross Negligence” (like scratching a sensor). Insurance is better.
- Loss of Use: Rental houses will charge you the daily rental rate for every day the camera is in the shop. Standard insurance often excludes “Loss of Use” fees unless endorsed.
- Certificate of Insurance (COI): You cannot rent pro gear without giving the rental house a COI naming them as “Loss Payee.”
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “The Certificate Gap.”
You buy insurance to get the COI so the rental house releases the gear.
But if you bought the minimum liability policy to get the certificate, you might have $0 property coverage for the rented item.
You need “Inland Marine” coverage specifically for “Rented Equipment” with a limit high enough to cover the replacement cost of the rig (e.g., $20,000), not just the rental fee.
The Investigation (My Analysis of Rental Insurance)
I compared options for a weekend shoot.
Athos / Heffernan (Short Term)
- The Verdict: Best for one-off rentals.
- Cost: ~$150 for a weekend.
- Coverage: Covers the gear, Loss of Use, and Liability.
Annual Policy Rider (Hill & Usher)
- The Verdict: Best for frequent renters.
- Cost: Add “Misc Rented Equipment” (
25klimit)for 25klimit)for200/year. - Benefit: Always ready to rent without buying a new policy each time.
Rental House Waiver
- The Verdict: Expensive and limited.
- Cost: 15% of rental price.
- Risk: Often excludes theft from vehicles or scratched glass.
[IMAGE: Graphic showing a rental invoice with a large “Damage Charge” and “Loss of Use Fee” highlighted in red]
Comparison Table
| Feature | Rental House Waiver | Short Term Insurance | Annual Non-Owned Policy |
| Cost | High (15% of rental) | Medium (~$150/event) | Low (bundled) |
| Loss of Use Coverage | Rare | Yes | Yes |
| Theft Coverage | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Deductible | High | $500 | $500 |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check Your Limit: Before renting, make sure your “Rented Equipment” coverage limit protects the full replacement value of the equipment—like a RED camera (~$6,000)—not just the rental fee (~$300).
- Add “Loss of Use”: Ask your broker: “Does this cover the rental fees while the camera is being repaired?”
- Inspect Upon Pickup: Take photos of the sensor and lens glass at the rental counter. Prove the scratch wasn’t there before.
- Don’t Admit Fault in Writing: If you damage it, say “Damage occurred during operation.” Don’t write “I was an idiot and poked it.”
FAQ
Can I use my credit card insurance?
No. Credit cards cover rental cars, not rental cinema cameras.
What if I rent from a friend (ShareGrid)?
ShareGrid has its own insurance integration (Athos). Use it. Personal policies might exclude “Peer-to-Peer” rentals.
Is the lens covered?
Yes, if the limit is high enough. Lenses are often more expensive than the camera.