DAMAGE WAIVER POLICY

*Equipment Damage Protection*

Overview

The damage waiver is an optional add-on that protects you financially if equipment is accidentally damaged during your rental period. When you purchase a damage waiver, you are protected from repair or replacement costs up to your chosen coverage limit.

Important: The damage waiver is not insurance; it is a contractual limitation of your liability for accidental damage, offered by Chromaera Visuals. It is optional but strongly recommended for high-value rentals, and you are responsible for choosing the appropriate coverage tier. The damage waiver never covers theft or loss — only your own equipment insurance does (see "Waiver vs. Insurance" below).

How the Damage Waiver Works

Without a Damage Waiver:

You rent equipment for $500
Equipment is damaged ($400 repair cost)
You owe us: $400 (full repair cost)

With a Damage Waiver:

You rent equipment for $500
You purchase the Standard Waiver ($40, covers up to $500)
Equipment is damaged ($400 repair cost)
You owe us: $0 (waiver covers it)
Total you paid: $540 (rental + protection)

If Damage Exceeds Your Coverage:

You rent equipment for $500
You purchase the Budget Waiver ($15, covers up to $150)
Equipment is damaged ($400 repair cost)
Waiver covers: $150
You owe us: $250 (the overage)
You are responsible for the amount above your coverage limit

Damage Waiver Tiers

Tier 1: Budget Waiver — $15
Coverage Limit: Up to $150 in accidental damage
Best For (equipment replacement value under ~$300):

Individual accessories, cables, and adapters
Microphones and audio accessories
Light stands and modifiers
ND filters, batteries, and small items

What's Covered:

Accidental drops and impacts
Accidental spills or liquid exposure
Up to $150 in repair or replacement costs

What's NOT Covered:

Damage exceeding $150 (you're liable for the overage)
Theft or loss of equipment
Intentional damage
Gross negligence (e.g., leaving equipment in extreme heat, failing to secure it properly)
Water damage from extreme environments
Damage from unauthorized modifications

Example:

Rent a wireless microphone kit
Purchase Budget Waiver ($15)
Kit is accidentally dropped ($180 repair)
Waiver covers $150, you pay $30 additional

Tier 2: Standard Waiver — $40
Coverage Limit: Up to $500 in accidental damage
Best For (equipment replacement value ~$300–$1,000):

Entry-level camera bodies
Prime and zoom lenses
Audio kits and recording equipment
Basic 2–3 item rental packages

What's Covered:

Accidental drops and impacts
Accidental spills or liquid exposure
Up to $500 in repair or replacement costs

What's NOT Covered:

Damage exceeding $500 (you're liable for the overage)
Theft or loss of equipment
Intentional damage
Gross negligence
Water damage from extreme environments
Damage from unauthorized modifications

Example:

Rent a Canon EOS R8
Purchase Standard Waiver ($40)
Camera is accidentally dropped ($420 repair)
Waiver covers $420, you pay $0

Tier 3: Premium Waiver — $85
Coverage Limit: Up to $1,000 in accidental damage
Best For (equipment replacement value ~$1,000–$2,500):

Cinema cameras and higher-end bodies
Camera + lens + support combinations
Drone packages
Full lighting kits and support equipment

What's Covered:

Accidental drops and impacts
Accidental spills or liquid exposure
Up to $1,000 in repair or replacement costs

What's NOT Covered:

Damage exceeding $1,000 (you're liable for the overage)
Theft or loss of equipment
Intentional damage
Gross negligence
Water damage from extreme environments
Damage from unauthorized modifications

Example:

Rent a Sony FX3 with a G Master zoom
Purchase Premium Waiver ($85)
Equipment is accidentally damaged ($800 repair)
Waiver covers $800, you pay $0

Tier 4: Ultra-Premium Waiver — $200
Coverage Limit: Up to $2,500 in accidental damage
Best For (equipment replacement value ~$2,500 and up):

Multi-camera setups and bundles
Full wedding and documentary production kits
Complete cinema packages
Specialized or custom high-end bundles

What's Covered:

Accidental drops and impacts
Accidental spills or liquid exposure
Up to $2,500 in repair or replacement costs

What's NOT Covered:

Damage exceeding $2,500 (you're liable for the overage)
Theft or loss of equipment
Intentional damage
Gross negligence
Water damage from extreme environments
Damage from unauthorized modifications

Example:

Rent a full wedding production kit
Purchase Ultra-Premium Waiver ($200)
Equipment is accidentally damaged ($1,500 total)
Waiver covers $1,500, you pay $0

Note: For rentals where the total equipment replacement value exceeds $2,500, the damage waiver alone is not sufficient — you must provide your own equipment insurance (see "Waiver vs. Insurance" and our Insurance Requirements). The waiver protects against accidental damage only, never theft or loss.

What Counts as "Accidental Damage" (COVERED)

The damage waiver covers accidental damage, including:

✓ Drops & Impacts

Equipment accidentally dropped or knocked over
Accidental collision with objects
Camera falling off a tripod
Lens hitting a hard surface

✓ Liquid Exposure (Accidental)

Water splash during normal filming
Beverage accidentally spilled
Rain exposure during an outdoor shoot

✓ Electrical/Functional Issues from Accidents

Connector damage from accidental yanking
Screen malfunction from impact
Audio jack damage from accidental force

✓ Minor Cosmetic Damage

Scratches and scuffs beyond normal wear from an accident
Minor cosmetic damage from accidental handling

What is NOT Covered

The damage waiver does NOT cover:

✗ Theft or Loss

Equipment stolen during rental
Equipment missing upon return
Equipment lost in transit
You are fully liable — only your own insurance covers theft or loss

✗ Intentional Damage

Deliberately breaking equipment
Misuse for purposes outside normal rental
You are fully liable

✗ Gross Negligence

Leaving equipment in extreme heat/cold for extended periods
Failing to secure equipment during transport
Using equipment clearly against instructions
Ignoring obvious safety warnings
You are fully liable

✗ Extreme Environmental Damage

Saltwater/ocean water damage
Submersion in water
Exposure to extreme temperatures
Dust storms or sandstorms
You are fully liable

✗ Unauthorized Modifications

Opening sealed compartments
Attempting to repair equipment yourself
Removing or replacing internal components
You are fully liable

✗ Damage from Non-Approved Use

Using equipment for purposes other than the rental agreement
Subletting equipment to others
Use not authorized in the agreement
You are fully liable

Choosing the Right Tier

Rule of Thumb: Choose the tier whose coverage limit matches or exceeds the replacement value of the equipment you're renting.

Quick Selection Guide:

Equipment value under $300 → Budget ($15)
$300–$1,000 → Standard ($40)
$1,000–$2,500 → Premium ($85)
$2,500 and up → Ultra-Premium ($200)
Over $2,500 → Your own insurance is also required (see below)

When to Definitely Get a Waiver:

First time using the equipment
Traveling to unfamiliar locations
High-stakes projects (weddings, client work)
Renting higher-value gear
Outdoor or higher-risk environments

When You Might Skip It:

You carry your own equipment insurance
You're very experienced with the gear
You're renting low-value accessories

The Claims Process

If Equipment is Damaged:

Step 1: Notify Us Immediately

Contact Chromaera Visuals as soon as damage occurs
Email: [email protected]
Provide photos of the damage

Step 2: Assessment

We inspect the equipment to determine the damage
We provide a repair estimate or replacement cost

Step 3: Coverage Determination

If the damage is within your waiver coverage limit → the waiver pays, you owe $0
If the damage exceeds your coverage limit → you pay only the overage
If the damage is not covered (theft, loss, negligence, etc.) → you pay the full repair/replacement cost

Step 4: Payment

Covered amounts are paid by the waiver — not from your deposit
Only damage above your coverage limit (or not covered) is charged to your security deposit or invoiced
Any remaining security deposit is refunded after return and assessment

Step 5: Resolution

Equipment is repaired or replaced
You receive confirmation of claim resolution

Important Disclaimers

By booking equipment with Chromaera Visuals, you acknowledge:

Waiver is Optional — you choose whether to purchase a damage waiver, and choosing an inadequate coverage tier is your responsibility.
Coverage Limits Apply — your chosen tier has a coverage limit; damage exceeding that limit is your responsibility.
No Waiver = Full Liability — if you don't purchase a waiver and damage occurs, you are responsible for 100% of repair/replacement costs.
Theft and Loss Are Never Covered — the waiver covers accidental damage only; theft, loss, intentional damage, and gross negligence are your responsibility regardless of tier. Only your own insurance covers theft or loss.
Insurance May Be Required — for rentals with equipment value over $2,500, we may require your own Certificate of Insurance before releasing the equipment.
Equipment Condition — you acknowledge receipt of equipment in good working condition and agree to return it in the same condition, minus normal wear.

Waiver vs. Insurance

Damage Waiver (offered by us):

Covers accidental damage only
Does NOT cover theft or loss
Coverage limit varies by tier
Quick claim process
Purchased at rental time

Your Own Equipment Insurance:

Broader coverage (may include theft and loss)
May have lower deductibles
Requires policy verification
Required for rentals over $2,500

Can I use my own insurance instead of the damage waiver?
Yes. If you carry equipment insurance that covers rental equipment, you may decline the damage waiver. However:

You must provide proof of coverage (Certificate of Insurance)
Chromaera Visuals must be listed as "additional insured" and "loss payee"
The policy must cover at least the equipment's replacement value plus 20%
Insurance must be in effect for the entire rental period

For rentals exceeding $2,500, insurance is required. See our Insurance Requirements for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to buy the damage waiver?
A: No, it's optional. However, we strongly recommend it for higher-value rentals.

Q: What if I don't buy a waiver and damage occurs?
A: You are responsible for 100% of repair or replacement costs, which could exceed the rental price.

Q: What if the repair costs less than my coverage limit?
A: If it's fully within your coverage, you owe $0. The waiver covers up to your limit.

Q: Does the waiver cover theft?
A: No. The damage waiver never covers theft or loss — only your own equipment insurance does. Theft requires immediate notice and a police report, and you are liable for the full replacement cost.

Q: Does the waiver cover my own negligence?
A: No. Gross negligence (extreme heat exposure, unsecured transport) is not covered.

Q: How long do I have to report damage?
A: Report damage immediately when it occurs, not upon return. This helps us document and assess it.

Q: Will the damage waiver affect my rental price?
A: The waiver cost is added to your rental total. It's a separate, optional charge.

Contact Us

Questions about our Damage Waiver Policy?
Email: [email protected]
Location: Santa Rosa, California
Hours: Monday–Friday 9 AM – 6 PM | Weekends 9 AM – 8 PM