I was shooting a landscape with my Sony A7R V and a 16-35mm lens mounted on a carbon fiber tripod. The ball head locking mechanism snapped. The camera swung down, smashing the lens into the granite rock face. Damage: $4,500. I filed a claim. The insurer said: “We cover accidental damage, but we exclude damage caused by mechanical breakdown of the support equipment.”
Key Takeaways
- Mechanical Breakdown Exclusion: Insurance generally excludes damage caused by the failure of the item itself. If the tripod broke due to a defect, the tripod is not covered.
- Resulting Damage: However, the damage to the camera (which hit the rock) is usually covered as “Resulting Damage” or “Accidental Damage.” The key is how you report it.
- Manufacturer Warranty: The tripod manufacturer might owe you a new tripod, but their warranty almost never covers the camera that fell.
- “Sudden and Accidental”: You must emphasize the impact was the event. If you say “The tripod broke,” they focus on the breakdown. If you say “The camera impacted the ground,” they focus on the accident.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Causation Language.”
Insurers look for the “Proximate Cause.”
If the cause is “Defective Ball Head” -> Defect is excluded.
If the cause is “Gravity/Impact” -> Impact is covered.
The policy usually excludes the part that failed (the $300 tripod head) but covers the ensuing loss (the $4,000 camera), provided you have an “All Risk” policy.
The Investigation (My Analysis of the Claims Process)
I asked adjusters how to phrase this.
The “Wrong” Way
- “My tripod broke and my camera fell.”
- Result: Investigation into tripod age, weight rating, and wear and tear. Potential denial.
The “Right” Way
- “My camera sustained accidental impact damage while mounted on a support.”
- Result: Processed as a drop/impact claim.
Hill & Usher / TCP
- The Verdict: They cover “Accidental Damage.” They understand gear fails. They will pay for the camera/lens. They will not pay for the broken ball head.
[IMAGE: Photo of a tripod with a sheared-off ball head stem and a shattered lens filter nearby]
Comparison Table
| Item | Insurance Payout | Warranty Payout |
| Tripod Head ($300) | $0 (Mechanical Breakdown) | $300 (If under warranty) |
| Camera Body ($3,000) | $3,000 (Resulting Damage) | $0 |
| Lens ($1,200) | $1,200 (Resulting Damage) | $0 |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check Weight Ratings: Ensure your tripod was rated for the load. If you put a 10lb rig on a 2lb travel tripod, insurance can deny for “Negligence/Improper Use.”
- Keep the Broken Parts: Do not throw away the tripod head. The insurance adjuster may want to see it to prove it wasn’t just user error (you forgot to tighten it).
- Get a Repair Estimate: Send the camera/lens to Sony/Canon. You need a “Impact Damage” quote.
- File the Claim: Be honest but specific. “Equipment impact with ground.”
FAQ
Does this count as a “Drop”?
Yes. Drops are the #1 paid claim for photographers.
Will my rates go up?
Likely yes. A $4,500 payout can flag your policy. If your claim is small—say $500—it may be smarter to pay out of pocket to preserve your “insurance credit.”
What if wind blew it over?
That is “Windstorm” or “Accidental.” Fully covered.