Don’t let your or your client’s camera go on holiday on its own!

With the holiday season nearly upon us and your camera, now frequently digital, often expensive and tiny, but ready to record every memento of the holiday, Tony Michell, MD of IT Insurance Services provided The Mole with some excellent tips to ensure that your camera does not go on holiday without you this season, avoiding camera damage and theft.

Irrespective of whether you are a keen amateur or a professional photographer, losing the ability to capture your memories because your equipment has been damaged or stolen whilst on holidays, is equally devastating.

Tony told The Mole, “There could be nothing worse than being somewhere exotic and beautiful without your camera because it’s been stolen or damaged”, adding,  “Accidents can always happen but with a little forward planning you can reduce the risk of spoiling your holiday this season.”

These are IT Insurance’s Top Tips to ensure your camera is kept safe these holidays:

* Utilise a proper carry case with lots of padding at all times. It may be tempting to pop your camera into a normal beach bag or backpack but resist!

*Camera cases these days don’t need to look obviously like camera cases. If you are going somewhere a little offbeat it may be worth investing in this style.

* If you do need to put equipment in the hold of an aircraft, invest in a hard case.

* Remove lenses when carrying the camera.

* Do not leave your camera in a locked car, not only is it a target for thieves, often the extreme heat can damage delicate components.

* Consider uniquely marking or inscribing the equipment to make it less appealing for thieves. If your camera looks distinctive it is less likely to be able to be ‘resold’ easily.

* Don’t drink or place liquids near camera gear. Yes, most people would like to take their camera to Oktoberfest but cameras are rarely waterproof. If in doubt invest in a waterproof cover or don’t take it!

* Make a note of serial numbers and keep them in a safe place at home away from your camera.

IT Insurance Services says that they are the easy way to insure your camera and photographic equipment andif you do have to make a claim, they have an average claim turnaround time of under 48 hours.

They insure over 25,000 pieces of equipment per year (including for overseas trips), protecting the photographic equipment of both keen amateurs and professionals.

IT Insurance Services can be contacted at www.itinsurance.com.au or by calling 1300-COVERIT

Report by The Mole