I was just curios if forum members have their guiatars insured and if so is it throught there home owners policy or and outside agency. I called my agent about whether my guitar were cover and of course they are not and I have to jump through hoops to have them added. What are the forum thoughts on this issue?

Alan,

I recently got a rider on my homeowners policy with State Farm. It may not be ideal, but that's what I did. I think State Farm would cover my guitars against fire/theft/loss as they would cover any my possessions in the house against catastophic loss. But, the rider will cover them against theft from a car, against any physical damage inflicted at home or away from home, as in an auto accident or being dropped down a staircase. (Though I should read the fine print in the policy.) I think I'm paying about $0.65 per $100 of coverage per year.

My State Farm renter's insurance does cover my guitar, at home and away.

Be careful! If any of you are using your gutiars professionally, that is, getting any type of compensation to perform, they may NOT be covered!

If you're not getting paid to play, a personal articles policy is the best way to insure your guitars and other 'fine arts' type stuff. There's no deductible and the coverage is far more inclusive. Check with your agent for details.

I have had my guitars covered under a Personal Articles Policy, and they are NOT covered at gigs.

Read the fine print or call your agents, please!

David

This message has been edited. Last edited by: dberch,

The greatest fear I have is traveling by air. I have had times when the airline would not let me "carry on" my guitar (because of the size) and required me to check it. They will not be responsible for theft or damage. I have had to sign statements that acknowledges this policy.

And - according to what I have been told, the guitar is not covered by homeowners except as a result of some event that occurs at the home (i.e., fire, theft, etc.)

Does the policy or rider you purchased insure against theft and damage during air travel - or away from home (not necessarily for paid performances)?

I have State Farm too. I'm not paid so my instruments are covered. They are covered both home and away. Actually, all things considered, State Farm seems to have a very good policy. I've compared....

Alan, It does depend on how you use the guitar. If you get paid, your HomeOwners will not cover the guitar. I can get you the name of a company that deals with professionals and it is all "risk". You do not need written appraisels. They will cover for anything except normal wear and tear and theft from an UNLOCKED vehical. Everything else you can think of will be covered - even if you lend the guitar to a friend and he/she drops it a a show. It is also covered for "replacement" value. To give you an idea of cost, I have 9 guitars totaling approx. 25,000.00 and their quote to me is $250.00 a year. All I had to do was provide a list of serial numbers, make and model of the guitars. I could not find anyone to beat them. They were also great to deal with. Let me know if you are interested in more info. - phone number etc.

I had my instruments insured through a company called Clarion located in Huntington New York which specializes in musical instrument insurance. It's very reasonable. You probably can find them on the web.

Alan - the name of the insurance comapny I refered to is Heritage Insurance Services, Inc. The person I dealt with is Joan Gallo, VP - her e-mail address is: joang@musicins.com. The phone number is 1-800-289-8837, ext. 112. Let me know if you have any questions.

State Farm has me covered without needing a specific rider.

I have Allstlate deluxe homeowner's and
have checked with my agent and he said that
I was covered for replacement cost on any
of them up to the limits of the policy
and all I need is pics and receipts which
I did digitally put on a Cd and stuck it
in my SD box at the bank. That is all I need
I think . Kinda makes you nervous don't it.

I'm pretty sure if a tornado hit me I'd not get
everything covered with the limits but if they
are stolen or something like that.

Like someone else mentioned, they are covered under the home , the car, but not at gigs.

quote:

Originally posted by elambo:
State Farm has me covered without needing a specific rider.

I'd check on that Elambo if you get paid to play.