What is Equipment Floater/Radio and Television?
Equipment floater and radio & television insurance are property and liability products designed to protect portable broadcasting, production, and technical equipment whether on-site, in transit, or at temporary locations. Coverage typically fills gaps that standard property or commercial auto policies don’t address, protecting against theft, accidental damage, and some transportation risks for cameras, transmitters, mixing boards, and similar gear.
Who needs it
This coverage is commonly purchased by broadcasters, production companies, event organizers, and independent contractors who move valuable gear between venues. Clubs, associations, operators, retailers, and manufacturers that loan or rent equipment also commonly seek this protection. If you rely on portable technical equipment for revenue or events, an equipment floater can reduce interruption risk and help with replacement or repair costs.
What it typically covers
Typical protections include physical loss or damage to covered items, transit coverage while equipment is being moved, and protection while equipment is at temporary locations. Some policies offer broadened coverage for rented or leased equipment and optional participant accident or event liability add-ons. For related equipment-specific policies, see AV/Equipment Floaters Insurance and Radio and TV Insurance for more detail.
Smaller or specialized exposures—like gear used for sports broadcasting—may be addressed by bespoke products such as Equipment Floater / Sports and Leisure Coverage to match the unique operational hazards of those industries.
Common exclusions or limitations
- Wear and tear, gradual deterioration, and mechanical breakdown (unless specified)
- Uninsured dents or cosmetic damage that don’t affect function
- Losses resulting from intentional acts or fraudulent claims
- Some policies limit high-risk transit methods or require specific packing/transport procedures
Underwriting factors and specific policy endorsements determine many of these limits, so review exclusions carefully with your broker.
Factors that influence cost
Premiums depend on declared equipment values, frequency of transit, distance and mode of transportation, security measures, claim history, and whether the equipment is rented or loaned. Geographic risk (e.g., storage in high-theft areas), the presence of commercial liability or event liability exposures, and optional participant accident coverage can also affect pricing.
Proof of insurance & compliance
Venues and clients often require certificates of insurance or additional insured endorsements for events and rentals. Policies can usually provide a certificate showing limits and the name of the certificate holder; ask your provider about specific wording or waiver of subrogation requirements for contracts or venue agreements.
How to get a quote
Compile an inventory with serial numbers, replacement values, typical transit modes, and loss-control measures. Discuss these details when you talk to your agent so they can match coverage limits and endorsements to your exposure. If you need a fast comparison, you can also request a formal quote directly online by choosing to talk to your agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do equipment floaters cover theft from a locked vehicle?
Many policies cover theft from a locked vehicle but may require certain security measures (e.g., locked cases, out-of-sight storage). Check your policy terms and any transit endorsements for specifics.
Is rented or borrowed equipment covered?
Some floaters include rented or borrowed equipment, but coverage can be limited. You may need to add a rented equipment endorsement or obtain the owner’s waiver of subrogation.
How quickly can damaged equipment be replaced?
Settlement timelines vary by insurer and claim complexity. Prompt reporting, clear documentation (photos, receipts, serial numbers), and cooperation speed up the process, but timelines are set by the policy and insurer procedures.
Still have questions? Talk to a local insurance expert.