Last updated: June 2026

Camera insurance, manufacturer’s warranty, or Novatech Direct Total Care Package — which is best for you?

For many photographers, their camera and accessories are among their most prized possessions — a significant financial investment that tends to gain sentimental value over the years. Thankfully, there are several options for protecting your gear. But what’s the difference between them, and which is right for you? Here’s a breakdown of camera warranty, insurance, and Novatech Direct Total Care Packages.

Manufacturer’s Warranty

All cameras purchased through Novatech Direct and other reputable retailers come with a manufacturer’s warranty, typically lasting between 1 and 5 years. The exact scope varies by brand, but policies from Canon, Nikon, Sony, and other major manufacturers generally cover technical support, firmware upgrades, and some repairs for the specified period.

That said, manufacturer’s warranties have limitations. Common exclusions include accidental damage, electrical faults, moisture damage, normal wear and tear, leaking batteries, and damage sustained during shipping or transit.

It’s also worth noting that manufacturer’s warranty is void if the camera was not purchased through an authorised retailer — yet another reason to avoid grey market stock.

Camera Insurance

Because manufacturer’s warranties have a limited scope, many photographers pair them with camera insurance. The most common types are:

• Contents insurance as part of a combined home and contents policy
• Portable contents insurance, which typically covers loss or damage in Australia or New Zealand, with limited overseas coverage
• Travel insurance, which provides basic cover for damage, loss, or theft of personal belongings including cameras
• Specialised camera insurance, which covers the value of the camera and specified accessories

Like most warranty policies, camera insurance usually comes with a range of exclusions. You may not be covered if your camera is stolen while travelling, or if it sustains water damage in the field. As a result, many policyholders find they don’t get full value from their camera insurance.

Novatech Direct Total Care Packages

If you’re looking for wide coverage and genuine value for money, Novatech Direct Total Care Packages are worth considering. They give you access to our expert camera repair service in the event of a fault or defect during the coverage period, along with a range of additional benefits:

• Complimentary annual camera check-up at any Novatech Direct store
• Priority repair service
• Loan camera for the duration of any repairs
• One complimentary lens clean during the coverage period

Novatech Direct Total Care Packages are available for mirrorless and DSLR cameras, camera lenses, flashes, drones, and gimbals — including secondhand cameras purchased from our range. Coverage options include:

• Mirrorless & DSLR cameras: up to 7 years
• Lenses & flash: up to 7 years
• Drones & gimbals: up to 4 years
• Secondhand cameras & lenses: up to 2 years

Simply add your chosen Total Care Package to your cart when purchasing a camera or eligible accessories online or in-store, and you’ll be covered for a single one-off payment — no instalments, no hidden exclusions.

Get peace of mind with a Novatech Direct Total Care Package

Protect your photography gear and enjoy our signature customer service with a Novatech Direct Total Care Package. Access expert repair services, priority treatment, and a range of other benefits without worrying about a long list of exclusions.

Browse Novatech Direct Total Care Packages online, or visit your local Novatech Direct store to find out more.

For answers to the most common questions about coverage, eligibility, and how to add a package to your purchase, visit our Novatech Direct Total Care Packages FAQ guide.