Insurance doesn't have to be hard!

OPTION 1:

Obtain insurance through a third-party insurance agency.

We have a partnership with Athos Insurance. Click below to get a quote:

Other Third Party Insurance Companies:

OPTION 2:

Camera Ambassador Protection Plan

Don’t feel like dealing with an insurance company, but still want equipment coverage? Camera Ambassador has your back. We are proud to offer in-house protection on smaller productions!This option is great for DSLR cameras and most accessories. Coverage is only valid with Camera Ambassador equipment. You can purchase this on a per-rental basis. Maximum replacement value of entire rental order cannot exceed $10,000.

Policy fee = 1% of entire order replacement value. The policy fee is the cost to cover your rental through the Camera Ambassador Protection Plan. 

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Navigating insurance options can be confusing!

That's why Camera Ambassador is here to help. We've collaborated with Katherine Wong, the founder of Athos Insurance, to create a comprehensive guide that will assist you in making informed decisions to ensure you have the coverage you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Browse our full inventory at www.cameraambassador.com. Once you’ve picked the gear that’s right for you; submit a quote request on our website, e-mail us at rentals@cameraambassador.com, or give us a call at (773) 791-6522 to complete your reservation.

  • Gear can be picked up the day before your shoot date anytime between 4PM - 5PM. Gear is due back between 10AM - 12PM the day after your shoot date.

  • Yes! Every order comes with a detailed Inventory form. Before the gear leaves Camera Ambassador, all gear must be inspected and initialed on the inventory form. By initialing you are confirming that you have inspected all of the equipment and it has been examined or tested acknowleding it is in good working order.

  • 100% of your order payment is due at pick up. Although, we do require a credit card to be placed on file at time of rental reservation confirmation to hold the gear. 

  • Yes of course! At Camera Ambassador, we would be thrilled to ship your order. You must provide full and complete payment for all costs to ship the equipment with full insurance.

  • You will have one hour from the time of delivery to inspect your equipment and email Camera Ambassador an initialed, dated, and signed Inspection of Inventory form.

  • You must either obtain a Certificate of Insurance for the full replacement of all equipment rented from Camera Ambassador or purchase Camera Ambassador's Protection Policy

  • Short answer- YES!

    Long answer- Camera Ambassador does not offer any warranties. Equipment is rented AS-IS. However at Camera Ambassador we offer full technical support on all of our rentals. This means that while you have the gear you will have 24-hour access to technical assistance by the Camera Ambassador Technical Assistance Hotline: (773) 791-6522

  • Yes! Check out our bundles & social media for our current deals. Additionally, check out our Community Partnerships to see if you are eligible for any additional discounts. At Camera Ambassador we try our best to make all of our equipment accessible to everyone.

  • Let us know as soon as possible! We realize that life comes up on set, and sometimes, unavoidable complications happen. As soon as you think you think you might be late with your gear, call us and give us an ETA. This will help us better serve the next client getting the gear, and provide options to keep any late fees down!

    Per our Terms we may enforce the following policy if you are not in good communication with us:

    1 hour past return time set forth by the Rental Order Agreement: 10% of the order total will be charged as Late Fee.

    2 hours past return time set forth by the Rental Order Agreement: 20% of the order total will be charged as Late Fee.

    3 hours or more past return time set forth by the Rental Order Agreement: 50% of the order total will be charged as Late Fee.

  • Cancelations are subject to a 25% fee of the total order. We understand that outside factors can affect if a shoot is no longer possible on the original confirmed dates. If this is the case and your shoot is postponed, we’re happy to adjust your dates depending on gear availability and waive the cancelation fee. Depending on the situation a 25% deposit may be required to do so.

  • Camera Ambassador accepts credit card, wire, check or cash for payment. Credit card is our most traditional form of payment, so if you plan to pay by wire, check or cash please let your booking manager know at confirmation so that we can easily accommodate you. Please note: transactions over $5,000 are subject to a 3% credit card processing fee.

  • You are tax exempt if you are able to provide a not-for-profit tax exempt letter from your state or a tax exempt certificate from the city of Chicago. Both must show an effective and expiration date and the name of the individual or organization must match your rental order name.

  • We’re closed on the weekends, so we try to accommodate all clients by offering our 1 day weekend rate and having weekend pick-ups on Friday afternoon and returns on Monday morning at no extra fee. If scheduling is an issue still and you cannot pick up or return during our regular business hours we offer an After-Hours option where you can schedule a time to come to our studio and meet a tech for $75. This must be pre scheduled and depends on availability.

  • No, if you trust someone else to pick up your gear order and inspect it for you, just let us know their name and we’ll check ID when they arrive.  

  • Short Answer – No

    But the grip trucks are larger vehicles and can be tricky to drive. We highly recommend that you have a driver with experience driving, parking and navigating Chicago’s pass ways in a vehicle of this size. Remember all Grip truck orders must have third party insurance and you as the client is liable for any damages to the trucks, gear and passengers.

Forms & Downloads

Camera Ambassador End Credits Logo

White logo with transparent background

Download

Camera Ambassador End Credits Logo

Black logo with transparent background

Download

Camera Ambassador Logos

A variety of logo options including colors and file types

Download

Camera Ambassador W9

2025 W9

Download

LEASE/RENTAL AGREEMENT TERMS & CONDITIONS

Equipment and Vehicles

1. Indemnity: Lessee/Renter (hereinafter designated as You or Your) agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold Camera Ambassador LLC, its parent, subsidiary and affiliated companies and their owners, officers, and employees (hereinafter designated as Us or We or Our or Camera Ambassador) harmless from and against any and all claims, actions, causes of action, demands, rights, damages of any kind, costs, loss of profit, expenses and compensation whatsoever including court costs and reasonable attorney fees (Claims), in any way arising from, or in connection with, the Vehicles and Equipment rented/leased (which vehicles and equipment, together, are referred to in this document as Equipment), including, without limitation, as a result of its use, maintenance, or possession, irrespective of the cause of the Claim, except as the result of Our sole negligence or willful misconduct, from the time You take care, custody or control of the Equipment, until the Equipment is returned to Our care, custody and control. For the avoidance of doubt, You shall be deemed to have care, custody or control of the Equipment immediately upon arrival to Our premises and while You are handling the Equipment on Our premises.

2. Payments and Rental Price: The Rental Agreement shall set the schedule amount, and manner of price that You owe to Camera Ambassador. A credit card must be placed on file to confirm booking status. 100% of payment is due at Pickup. All cancelations are subject to a cancellation fee without exception. This fee is 25% of the order total and will be charged at time of cancelation. Camera Ambassador reserves the right to charge 25% of the order total to Your credit card placed on file at time of order confirmation.

3. Pick Up and Return of Equipment: Acceptance by Camera Ambassador of the returned Rental equipment does not waive any claims Camera Ambassador may have against You, including, but not limited to, claims for latent, patent, or hidden damage. Equipment must be picked up and returned at the time set forth by the Rental Order Agreement. If You need to pick up or return any equipment at a different time than the time set forth by the Rental Order Agreement, they must contact Camera Ambassador to make arrangements.
1 hour past return time set forth by the Rental Order Agreement: 10% of the order total will be charged as Late Fee.
2 hours past return time set forth by the Rental Order Agreement: 20% of the order total will be charged as Late Fee.
3 hours or more past return time set forth by the Rental Order Agreement: 50% of the order total will be charged as Late Fee.

4. Loss of or Damage to Equipment: You are responsible for loss, damage or destruction of the Equipment, including but not limited to losses while in transit, while loading and unloading, while at any and all locations, while in storage, while on Your premises, and while being used by You in any manner whatsoever, except that You are not responsible for damage to or loss of the Equipment caused by Our sole negligence or willful misconduct. You are also responsible for actual and verifiable loss of use and You shall fully compensate Us for the loss of use of the Equipment during the time it is being repaired or replaced, as applicable. You agree to use and maintain the equipment, according to the Manufacturers Instructions, and per Our instructions, if any. You may not make any modifications to the equipment without Our prior written consent; such consent may be withheld in Our sole discretion. We must handle any and all repairs. You agree that You will not misuse or abuse the Equipment or use it in any unlawful way. You must obtain prior written consent from Us to remove the Equipment from the state of Illinois or from the U.S.; such consent may be withheld in Our sole discretion. Our logos and identification numbers must never be concealed or removed. Tripods must be approved for a payload equal to camera + rig.

5. Protection of Others: You will take reasonable precautions in regard to the use of the Equipment to protect all persons and property from injury or damage. The Equipment shall be used only by Your employees or agents qualified to use the Equipment.

6. Equipment in Working Order: You will not leave Camera Ambassador with the Inventory until a full Inspection of Inventory form is completed and initialed by You and a Camera Ambassador representative. Upon execution of said form You acknowledge that the equipment is in good condition and working order. All third party operators and handlers of equipment will be bound to Terms and Conditions. If You request it, Camera Ambassador will ship the contents of Your order to an address verified by Camera Ambassador. All shipping costs will be provided in full by You and fully insured overnight shipping is required. Within one hour of delivery, You must notify Camera Ambassador of any issues. If Camera Ambassador does not receive any notification, You shall be deemed as in acknowledgement that all equipment is in good condition and working order. Inventory must be returned to Camera Ambassador by the date specified on the Rental Agreement. An Inspection of Inventory must be completed before return shipping.


7. No Warranties: You are solely responsible in completing a detailed Inventory Checklist provided by Camera Ambassador. Equipment is rented AS-IS. All media management is in the sole responsibility of You and Camera Ambassador is not responsible for any data loss. Camera Ambassador makes no warranties, express, implied, or otherwise, as to the performance of equipment, services, supplies, or film. Furthermore, Camera Ambassador makes no warranties, express, implied, or otherwise, of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

8. Property Insurance: You shall, at Your own expense, maintain at all times during the term of this Agreement, all risk perils property insurance (Property Insurance), covering the Equipment from all sources (Equipment Rental Floater or Production Package Policy) including but not limited to coverage for loss of use of the Equipment, from the time the Equipment is picked up by You or a shipper at Our place of business or placed upon a common carrier for forwarding to You, as applicable, until the Equipment is returned to and accepted by Us. Policies with locked vehicle warranties, unattended vehicle exclusions or any other limitations on theft from vehicles are not acceptable. The Property Insurance shall be on a worldwide basis and name Us as the loss payee with respect to the Equipment and shall cover all risks of loss of, or damage or destruction to, the Equipment. The Property Insurance coverage shall be sufficient to cover the Equipment at its replacement value but shall, in no event, be less than $1,000,000. The Property Insurance shall be primary and non-contributory coverage over Our insurance.

9. Workers Compensation Insurance: You shall, at Your own expense, maintain workers compensation insurance during the course of the Equipment rental as required by applicable law and employers liability insurance during the course of the Equipment rental with minimum limits of $1,000,000.

10. Liability Insurance: You shall, at your own expense, maintain commercial general liability insurance (Liability Insurance), including coverage for the operations of independent contractors and standard contractual liability coverage. The Liability Insurance shall name Us as an additional insured and provide that said insurance is primary and non-contributory coverage. Such insurance shall remain in effect during the course of this Agreement, and shall include, without limitation, the following coverages: standard contractual liability, personal injury liability, completed operations, and product liability. The Liability Insurance shall provide general liability aggregate limits of not less than $2,000,000 (including the coverage specified above) and not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence.

11. Vehicle Insurance: You shall, at Your own expense, maintain business motor vehicle liability insurance (Vehicle Insurance), including coverage for loading and unloading Equipment and hired motor vehicle physical damage insurance, covering owned, non-owned, hired and rented vehicles, including utility vehicles such as trailers. Coverage for physical damage shall include comprehensive and collision coverage. We shall be named as an additional insured with respect to the liability coverage, and as a loss payee with respect to the physical damage coverage. The Vehicle Insurance shall also include coverage for pollution, if caused by accident, caused by any vehicles. The Vehicle Insurance shall provide not less than $1,000,000 in combined single limits liability coverage, actual cash value for physical damage to standard vehicles and replacement cost value for trailers and other customized vehicle and shall provide that said insurance is primary coverage with respect to all insureds, the limits of which must be exhausted before any obligation arises under Our insurance.

12. Insurance Generally: All insurance maintained by You pursuant to the foregoing provisions shall contain a waiver of subrogation rights in respect of any liability imposed by this Agreement on You as against Us. You shall hold Us harmless from, and shall bear the expense of, any applicable deductible amounts and self-insured retentions provided for by any of the insurance policies required to be maintained under this Agreement. In the event of loss, You shall promptly pay amount of the deductible amount or self-insured retention or the applicable portion thereof to Us or the insurance carrier, as applicable. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the fact that a loss may not be covered by insurance provided by You under this Agreement or, if covered, is subject to deductibles, retentions, conditions or limitations shall not affect Your liability for any loss. Should You fail to procure or pay the cost of maintaining in force the insurance specified herein, or to provide Us upon request with satisfactory evidence of the insurance, We may, but shall not be obliged to, procure the insurance and You shall reimburse Us on demand for its costs. Lapse or cancellation of the required insurance shall be deemed to be an immediate and automatic default of this agreement. The grant by You of a sublease of the Equipment rented/leased shall not affect Your obligation to procure insurance on Our behalf, or otherwise affect Your obligations under this Agreement.

13. Cancellation of Insurance: You and Your insurance company shall provide Us with written notice prior to the effective date of any cancellation or material change to any insurance maintained by You pursuant to the foregoing provisions. If Your insurance is cancelled or sustains a material change that reduces coverage below Our requirements indicated in sections 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of this Agreement, You must return Our Equipment prior to the cancellation or material change.

14. Certificates of Insurance: Before obtaining possession of the Equipment You shall provide to Us Certificates of Insurance confirming the coverages specified above. All certificates shall be signed by an authorized agent or representative of the insurance carrier.


15. Drivers: Any and all drivers who drive the Vehicles You are renting/leasing from Us shall be duly licensed, trained and qualified to drive vehicles of this type. Although We may, from time to time, recommend certain qualified drivers with whom We are familiar, We do not supply drivers. You must supply and employ any driver who drives Our Vehicles and that driver shall be deemed to be Your employee for all purposes and shall be covered as an insured on all of Your applicable insurance policies.


16. Operators: Any and all Operators of the Equipment shall be duly experienced, trained and qualified to operate Equipment of this type. Although We may, from time to time, recommend certain qualified Operators with whom We are familiar, We do not supply Operators. You must supply and employ any Operator who operates the Equipment and that Operator shall be deemed to be Your employee and acting under Your supervision or control for all purposes and shall be covered as an insured on all of Your applicable insurance policies.


17. Compliance With Law and Regulations: You agree to comply with the laws of all states in which the Equipment is transported and/or used as well as all federal and local laws, regulations, and ordinances pertaining to the transportation and use of such Equipment. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing and by way of example, You shall at all times (i) display all necessary and proper placards; (ii) obtain all necessary permits; and (iii) keep all required logs and records. You shall indemnify and hold Us harmless from and against any and all fines, levies, penalties, taxes and seizures by any governmental authority in connection with or as a result of Your possession or use of the Equipment including, without limitation, the full replacement value of the Equipment in the event of seizure or impound, including Our reasonable costs and reasonable attorney fees.


18. Valuation of Loss/Our Liability is Limited: Unless otherwise agreed in writing, You shall be responsible to Us for the replacement cost value or repair cost of the Equipment (if the Equipment can be restored, by repair, to its pre-loss condition) whichever is less. If there is a reason to believe a theft has occurred, You shall file a police report. Loss of use shall be calculated at the rental rate provided for in this Agreement. Accrued rental charges shall not be applied against the purchase price or cost of repair of the lost, stolen or damaged Equipment. In the event of loss for which We are responsible, Our liability will be limited to the contract price and We will, in no event, be liable for any consequential, special or incidental damages. In the event of loss for which You are responsible, You will, in no event, be liable to Us for any consequential, special or incidental damages, other than loss of use damages which may be owed by You to Us.


19. Bailment: This agreement constitutes an Agreement or bailment of the Equipment and is not a sale or the creation of a security interest. You will not have, or at any time acquire, any right, title, or interest in the Equipment, except the right to possession and use as provided for in this Agreement. We will at all times be the sole owner of the Equipment.


20. Condition of Equipment: You assume all obligation and liability with respect to the possession of Equipment, and for its use, condition and storage during the term of this Agreement except as otherwise set forth herein. You will, at Your own expense, maintain the Equipment in good mechanical condition and running order. The rent on any of the Equipment will not be prorated or abated while the Equipment is being serviced or repaired for any reason for which You are liable. We will not be under any liability or obligation in any manner to provide
service, maintenance, repairs, or parts for the Equipment, except as otherwise specially agreed by Us in writing. All installations, replacements, and substitutions of parts or accessories with respect to any of the Equipment will become part of the Equipment and will be owned by Us.


21. Identity: We will have the right to place and maintain on the exterior or interior of each piece of property covered by this Agreement a logo or identifying mark confirming Our ownership of the Equipment.


22. Expenses: You will be responsible for all expenses, including but not limited to fuel, lubricants, and all other charges in connection with the operation of the Equipment.


23. Accident Reports: If any of the Equipment is damaged, lost stolen, or destroyed, or if any person is injured or dies, or if any property is damaged as a result of its use, maintenance, or possession, You will promptly notify Us of the occurrence, and will file all necessary accident reports, including those required by law and those required applicable insurers. You, Your employees, and agents will cooperate fully with Us and all insurers providing insurance under this Agreement in the investigation and defense of any claims. You will promptly deliver to Us any documents served or delivered to You, Your employees, or Your agents in connection with any claim or proceeding at law or in equity begun or threatened against You, Us, or both You and Us.


24. Default: If You fail to pay any portion or installment of the total fees payable hereunder or You otherwise materially breach this Agreement, then such failure or breach shall constitute a default (Default). Upon the occurrence of any such Default, and in addition to all other rights and remedies available at law or in equity, We shall have the right, at Our option, to terminate this Agreement and cease performance hereunder. You further agree that the continuation of Our performance hereunder after a Default shall not constitute a waiver or operate as any form of estoppel with respect to Our later assertion of Our right to cease such performance at any time so long as such Default has not been cured.


25. Return: Upon the expiration date of this Agreement with respect to any or all Equipment, You will return the property to Us, together with all accessories, free from all damage and in the same condition and appearance as when received by You.


26. Additional Equipment: Additional Equipment may from time to time be added as the subject matter of this Agreement as agreed on by the parties. Any additional property will be added in an amendment describing the property, the monthly rental, security deposit, and stipulated loss value of the additional Equipment. All amendments must be in writing and signed by both parties. Other than by this amendment procedure, this Agreement may not be amended, modified, or altered in any manner except in writing signed by both parties.


27. Entire Agreement: This Agreement and any attached schedules, which are incorporated by reference and made an integral part of the Agreement, constitute the entire agreement between the parties. No agreements, representations, or warranties other than those specifically set forth in this Agreement or in the attached schedules will be binding on any of the parties unless set forth in writing and signed by both parties.


28. Applicable Law: This Agreement will be deemed to be executed and delivered in Cook County, Illinois, and governed by the laws of the State of Illinois.


29. Severability: If any provision of this Agreement or the application of any of its provisions to any party or circumstance is held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement, and the application of those provisions to the other parties or circumstances, will remain valid and in full force and effect.


30. Rights in Recordings: All rights of every kind in and to all photographs, film and recordings made by Lessee shall be and remain vested in Lessee, its licensees, successors and assigns, including, without limitation, the right to use and reuse all such photographs, film and recordings (Recordings) in all manner and media now known or hereafter devised, in perpetuity, throughout the universe, and in connection with advertisements, promotions, publicity, clips, etc., related to the photographs, film and recordings made by Lessee.


31. Waiver of Injunctive Relief: Lessors sole and exclusive remedy in connection with Lessees breach, termination or cancellation of this agreement or any term hereof, shall be an action for damages. In no event shall Lessor be entitled to enjoin, restrain or otherwise impair in any manner Lessees production, distribution, exhibition, exploitation, advertising, publicity or promotion of the Recordings.


32. Facsimile/Scanned Signature: This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and by facsimile signature or signature that is scanned and transmitted by e-mail; such forms of signature shall be deemed to be original and fully binding.