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Jake, Ihave not a good idea why, except that these bolds were high quality, SKF, made in Germany bolts and maybe the problem lies in the possbility that they are TOO strong, or better, because they are so strong, they could be also brittle.

 

Like with the Titanium mounts that split in two. Maybe it´s better to have - for some applications - a metal that is more flexible.

 

I am now trying to find bolts here in Thailand, which is not that easy. Many things here are made from "Thailuminum", not very trustworthy.....

 

But I need a replacement, I found that with my BM-harnass, I cannot really run well,so I want to reinstate my normal harnass for those shots.

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  • 2 months later...
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Just wanted to let everyone know about the customer service I received from Walter P. Dolle insurance just recently.

 

I was a little worried at first because it was my first claim in the four years that I've had this insurance and didn't know what to expect. Especially after hearing all the horror stories about production companies' insurance not honoring claims like in Osvaldo's case. (I hope you got that straightened out Oz!)

 

Robin, over at Walter P. Dolle, was just terrfic! She explained everything thouroughly and walked me through the claims process. She was just really on the ball and really friendly to talk to!!!!

 

If anyone has doubts about paying for Steadicam insurance, doubt no more!!! For those who are with Dolle, you have Fantatstic coverage.. for those who don't have insurance and are thinking about it...Well, I wouldn't recommend any place else.

 

The one thing you have to keep in mind is that this insurance policy with Dolle insurance was designed around Steadicam operators needs. It's totally worth the premimium you pay!

 

Thanks again Robin and Walter P. Dolle insurance for your fantastic Customer service and lightening fast response!

 

Reminds me of the customer service you get with Walter & Jennifer Klassen and Jim Bartell! Hum, come to think of it, that's all I really needed to say! :)

 

If you would like more info about Walter P. Dolle insurance they have a website.

I think it's www.wpdolle.com ? There is a link to Walter P. Dolle insurance on the http://www.steadicamguild.net website under "Resources" and "insurance"

 

Talk to Robin... she's awesome!

Walter P. Dolle Insurance

Robin Cornelius

(888)-211-0388

 

ADDITION EDIT: New operators... I forgot to mention that if you take out an SBA loan and you buy a rig, you HAVE to have it insured, at least that's what I was told and what I did. Food for thought.

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When Mike left (Walter P. Dolle several years ago) he had that restriction on him "taking" policies to whatever

company he went to, but I think that has expired now. Not sure if he's started

a new Steadicam policy though.

 

In the meantime, Walter P. Dolle is it, I don't think there is any other. I don't think

there's been any other reputable choice in YEARS.

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Just opened a policy over at Dolle. Unfortunately, Robin is no longer there... Fortunately, Staci Ware is. I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with both while setting up my insurance. I was heading out to CA to do some possible tweaks on my 3A. Before I left, I spoke to Robin to start my policy. So helpful and sweet. Walked me through it all. I couldn't wait to get everything finalized when I got home.

 

Well, things ended a little different from what I had imagined and I am now upgrading to a PRO I. After running from Laguna Niguel to start the loan, Santa Clarita to transport the rig, to Newbury Park to have it inspected by Whitehouse A/V, I thought the hard part was over. HELLLL NOOOO!!!!!!! I had to return to NY and run around Brooklyn from courthouse to County Clerk Office to get a Business Certificate, to the bank to open my business account, to the Dept of Finance to get my tax ID #, yadda yadda yadda. So I'm all set, right? HELLLL NOOOO!!!!

 

Like you said, Mr. Grove. If you take out a loan to purchase a rig, you gotta have it insured. Not only that, but the lending organization must also be listed as a loss payee, so be sure to include that information to your agent wherever you get your policy. So after pain-stakingly compiling this two-page Excel spreadsheet of all my 3A parts and accessories, with serial #s and a replacement cost wishlist, I now had to add my "new" PRO rig to the policy b/c I'm still using my 3A.

 

So I call Robin and to my dismay, I am told she no longer works there. Oh my, does this mean she left without even a Dear John letter and took her business with her? No. I get transferred over to Staci and she picks up right where Robin and I left off. Chit chat, fax paperwork, bing bang boom, I'm all set, right? Riiiiight. So now I am in the final funding stage with underwriting and should have the "new" rig sometime next week. I hope.

 

In summation, kudos to Staci over at Walter P. Dolle. She is knowledgeable and full of sass. I love it!!! Give her a call, she's awesome. Just had to share my story.

 

David

 

BTW, I am selling my 3A package very soon...

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Just had a conversation with Staci Ware from Walter P. Dolle insurance. She mentioned that she's been working to get group coverage rates for Owner/Operators under the umbrellla of the SOA for its members.

This would include

Basic equipment coverage(which could decrease current premiums under a group plan)

Liability

Disability.

 

I for one am very interested in Disability and have been. It's just been too expensive.

Staci relayed that she needs to know how much interest is out there for such products. The more interest the more leverage she'll have in procuring the best group rates.

She welcomes any correspondence on this subject. So if these issues are of interest to you please make her aware. The more operators that are involved will only create better rates.

Walter P. Dolle is also capable of providing coverage for the AR.

 

Staci Ware

ware_s@wpdolle.com

513.421.6515

 

 

 

 

 

Ramon Engle

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Hi everyone.

 

I need some help picking replacement value for a rig (and all the bits) I just purchased.

 

Walter P. Dole is (will be) the carrier.

 

Here is the list. I'm under the impression that I need to pick figures that would buy something comparable to what is lost, but new. But no telling, im new to this insurance thing. =)

 

(This Gear is not lost, stolen, or broken. I just need to let WPD know what I have, and what it would cost to replace.)

------------------------

EFP sled w/ greenscreen CRT monitor

Blue spring arm w/soft case

EFP vest

docking bracket w/ T-handle wrenches (2 stage sliding version)

4 Anton Bauer 14.4v Pro-Pac batteries

Anton Bauer dual quick charger

Lent-equip UHF video transmitter w/case

Sony quick release camera plate

Seitz wireless follow focus with 1-Heden motor, 2-transmitter batteries & charger, amp, double set of motor cables, 3 gears, mounting bracket, various camera power cables, j-box for use independent of rig, assorted widgets for mounting.

Universal low-mode cage

Low-mode bracket for video

Jerry Hill low-mode bracket for Arri 16SR's & Arri 35-3's

Viewfinder video tap & camera for Arri cameras (older models)

Custom hard mount for use on tailgate or similar application (has a socketblock)

Baby c-stand w/turtle base (modified to fit in large case)

2 hard shell shipping cases

2 pelican cases

various cables, connectors and screws for the rig (not sure how to price these)

 

thanks!

let me know if i need to post photos.

 

Bryan

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After years of going through an insurance broker and paying film industry premiums I was talking to my bank manager who said as I had my mortgage with them they could offer me a better insurance package. I was dubious at first, when I first started only a few industry friendly insurance companies would insure film equipment, but not only would my bank do it, they gave me an unbeatable offer with premiums well below anything else I could get. Now all my personal and business insurance is with the one bank and it?s saving me a packet.

Sorry if that reads like an ad but I wouldn?t have thought of insuring my rig through a bank.

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Insurance policies can be as different as an other product or service, but it really pays to know what you are buying. Most of the time my gear is triple insured, #1 is my base policy, #2 is my certificate of insurance in my contract that the production underwrites (which is sometimes several layers deep) and finally, #3 is either Delta cargo or Rockit in transit. I have used insurance companies to track down deadbeat directors and I have recovered loss settlements from transit losses. I know of a jib operator that got his faulty rig repaired by a completion bond on a feature, down leave home without knowing who has your back!

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#2 is my certificate of insurance in my contract that the production underwrites (which is sometimes several layers deep)

I've never had a insurance cert given to me that was more than one page. In what instances are they several layers deep? Am I missing out on something?

Edited by grimmett
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What I mean by "Deep" is that a small Motion Picture underwriter will usually be underwriten by another larger company like Chubb or World Banc Suisse, so they are basically resselling insurance to Warners, Fox, Miramax ect at a special rate. On big movies, the policies can run into the tens of Millions, so there are layers of companies sharing the liability.

 

In my experience, if you have a detailed cert for your gear, it is a good sign that you will be getting paid on time, because you can always go after the insurance company for their vitals. Insurance is the life blood of this industry, you can't rent trucks and gear without it.

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