I'm with E&L, £8k 'All Risk' cover for £260 a year.
My kit is covered for being unattended in the boot of the car, 30 days worldwide cover a year, accidental damage etc, as well as public liability insurance for the few weddings I cover each year whether they're paid work or not. It also offers hire charges cover should you need to rent kit following a loss.
Photoguard wanted double that each year, and I couldn't much see what else I'd get for it. Yes, E&L's excesses are higher, but as a worst case scenario cover (ie my kit being stolen from/with the car whilst I'm getting a sandwich at the motorway services or something), then getting £7.2k back would be great!
I've read things about E&L being difficult to pay up, but as long as you adhere to the terms and conditions, same as any insurance really, I can't really see how they couldn't pay. Their service has been very good so far, and they paid up very quickly when my wife's horse died a couple of years ago. (e&l do all kinds of specialist insurance for those who don't know).
They might not be the 'in fashion' insurer right now, but having read all the small print for the major insurers, they seem pretty competitive to me, hence them getting my business.
Best thing is to research what you need, what risks you're likely to need covering and read the small print of the companies you're interested in.
