how to deal with insurance company... any advice?

[Bill Ward]

I'd recommend working the Sony repair rep a little more, and get a detailed "worst case" cost analysis for replacing all the potentially damaged components.

The goal you're shooting for is to have the Sony guy note that the cost of fully restoring the unit likely exceeds the original value of the camera...in insurance parlance: a "total."

[Shaun Roemich]

Does your insurance cover full replacement value or depreciated value? If the latter, the repairs certainly are more than the depreciated value of the camera, which can be bought on the used market for a bit over $2000 (camera only). Down side is that with the $1000 deductible, you'd get $1000 - 1500 for your camera,.which despite functioning like brand new, was in fact heavily depreciated.

[Malcolm Hamilton]

Hi Shaun et al,

Just took a closer look at my policy, and it says: "30,000 - Replacement Cost".

Sounds good to me. But I just got an email from the adjustor saying: "Your policy owes for repair or replacement whichever is less"

Bill—I will take your advice, and phone the Sony guy first thing tomorrow to see what he says about this.

Regards,
Malcolm

[Robin Probyn]

Just need the Sony guy to be on your side and calculate the repair costs to be more than replacement .. ie a right off.. they may demand a second opinion .. but its not huge amounts.. so hopefully not..

[Gabor Heeres]

I'm afffraid you'll loose money anyway. Problably the insurance company will only pay the value of the camera to date. As the EX1 is at least a few years old that will be less than what it will cost to repair the camera. I guess you must be happy to receive $2000....

[Malcolm Hamilton]

Quick post to report a happy ending to this affair. After the guy in charge at Sony Service told me (and more importantly, then told the insurance adjustor) that the front-end repair (whole new lens unit) was, potentially, just the start of things... that they wouldn't know until they attached a new lens whether more parts and pieces (read 'sensors', etc.) might also need to be replaced or fixed... my insurance adjustor decided that replacing the camera was the better option for all concerned. I'm getting a PMW-200 first thing next week.
I mention this as a way of ending this thread, on a happy note (for me at least), and as a way of giving a big thankyou to State Farm Insurance for doing the right thing for someone whose livelihood depends on a trustworthy camera... also, forum-members will now understand if I post the odd question about the PMW-200!
Thanks again to all of you who advised me re all of this.
Regards, Malcolm

[Andy Wilkinson]

Excellent news! Enjoy your new camera.

[Phill Pendleton]

Wow! Great result. Be interested to hear your thoughts on going from EX1 to PMW200 (ergonomics quality etc). From the posts I've read, its awesome.

[Shaun Roemich]

Congrats, Malcolm! My faith in humanity is somewhat restored... for now... <sly wink>

Can't say I'm not a bit jealous of your new "baby"...

[Robin Probyn]

Originally Posted by Malcolm Hamilton

Quick post to report a happy ending to this affair. After the guy in charge at Sony Service told me (and more importantly, then told the insurance adjustor) that the front-end repair (whole new lens unit) was, potentially, just the start of things... that they wouldn't know until they attached a new lens whether more parts and pieces (read 'sensors', etc.) might also need to be replaced or fixed... my insurance adjustor decided that replacing the camera was the better option for all concerned. I'm getting a PMW-200 first thing next week.
I mention this as a way of ending this thread, on a happy note (for me at least), and as a way of giving a big thankyou to State Farm Insurance for doing the right thing for someone whose livelihood depends on a trustworthy camera... also, forum-members will now understand if I post the odd question about the PMW-200!
Thanks again to all of you who advised me re all of this.
Regards, Malcolm

Glad that worked out.. yeah sounds like you have a decent agent.. stick with him.. !!

[Malcolm Hamilton]

I suspect I'm going to miss the rotating grip I had on my EX1, but I'm sure there'll be plenty to like about the PMW-200. It's a great line of cameras—from the EX1, EX1-R, EX3 and now the 200, no doubt about it. I will be adding a thread or two about the 200 in the next week, I'm sure.
Once again, thanks for your support!
Malcolm

[Doug Jensen]

Personally, I don't miss the rotating grip. The PMW-200 is better ergonomically designed and doesn't need it. The camera simply feels better balanced and easier to shoot with than the EX1R. But that's just my opinion.