Insurance

Daniel Morris · Post by **Daniel Morris** » 20 May 2010 1:35 pm

I don't know exactly where to put this post, but it does relate directly to my pedal steel.
Back in the '70s, when I started playing out, I was able to add a rider policy to my home insurance, called something like "inland marine". Whatever. It allowed me to feel safe playing out for profit, as otherwise theft or damage would not be covered.
I've had my current insurance man check, and he says he cannot find anything like that now.
Any of you pros or weekend warriors have some sort of insurance on your steel, amp, etc? I'm covered through Farmers Insurance, and although I don't know if I'd switch everything for this, I am certainly considering the need for insurance, now that I'm playing live again (still little money in it, but now I can enjoy it for the music).

Sam Lewis · Post by **Sam Lewis** » 20 May 2010 1:39 pm

Everything I own except my amplifiers. is insured by Allstate, including my steel guitars. I can't find anyone to insure them.

Jeff Hyman · Post by **Jeff Hyman** » 20 May 2010 2:59 pm

Sam,
Many of the big Insurance companies have limitations on Musical equipment, Art, Jewelry... and other items that are hard to prove a value, and a target for thieves.... and even with this info provided, have a high deductible, and a ceiling on pay out. It may be worth taking a look at the following websites.

https://www.musicproinsurance.com/default.aspx
http://www.clarionins.com/

Jerry Roller · Post by **Jerry Roller** » 20 May 2010 3:46 pm

I would suggest you ask your Farmers agent to check with the claims department or Underwriting. I know your instruments are covered if you don't play for pay and they are also covered if you don't earn over a certain amount in a year and I think that amount is 6,000.00. Of course this is not good enough for the pro musician but many weekend warriors would fall under this. I have been out of the business as a Farmers agent for 3 years and I know things change.
Jerry

Will Jaffe · Post by **Will Jaffe** » 20 May 2010 4:06 pm

Check out Clarion Associates Inc. http://www.clarionins.com/ 1-800-848-2534

I've got a affordable musicians policy with them. The coverage looks good. I've never put in a claim, though a friend did and it worked out good for her.

If you play pro, home owners ins. generally will not cover it. You need a separate insurance policy.

If you don't play pro it may be covered under home owners, but you better check with your agent and get it listed.

Larry Bressington · Post by **Larry Bressington** » 20 May 2010 4:16 pm

State farm will cover $15,000 for $160 a year as a blanket for music gear for being in a trailer and live work

I called them this year and i specified, 'No home use' ALL ROAD, and the response was that quote above.

Sounds very reasonable and they said they 'would not' want an itemized list!
I would definatly give them some 'Scotland yard ' type interrigation before buying it though, make sure there is no SMALL PRINT!

Daniel Morris · Post by **Daniel Morris** » 21 May 2010 2:29 am

Thanks for all the tips, gents.
Yes, I'm pretty sure my equipment would be covered by my home owner's policy, as long as I don't use it for profit.
Jerry:I will contact my agent again to be sure of this, and to see if there is still anything like you mention.
Will: I hadn't heard of Clarion, so I will pursue that one further.
Still open to additional comments - any full time pros have reasonable policies?

Matthew Keon · Post by **Matthew Keon** » 21 May 2010 4:10 am

Check out http://www.musicins.com/

They cover all my stuff. Full policy that covers everything - includes depreciation of value due to breakage/repair. My "regular" insurance guy would have charged me an arm and a leg - and the policy he offered was pretty much useless. I highly recommend Heritage Insurance!

John McGuire · Post by **John McGuire** » 21 May 2010 8:57 am

I have everything insured with Clairion 3 psg all amps speakers mics cabels everything cost about 135.00 per year for I think 16,000 worth of coverage. No deductible, automatic coverage for a new item or instrument, rental instrument if needed, restoration if possible and alot of other things. Never had a claim and hope I don't but it seems reasonable to me. My homeowners agent could not even get a rider or inland marine on my gear. I heard aboy clairion her on the forum 2 years ago and did it. Interestingly my agent has some guitars and called me to see who I ended up with. He now has his gear with Clairion.

Benton Allen · Post by **Benton Allen** » 21 May 2010 9:27 am

I guess there are some around, but the pros I've known thru the years have never insured anything.

Benton

Daniel Morris · Post by **Daniel Morris** » 22 May 2010 1:10 pm

Thanks again, guys.
Looks like I'll be in touch with Clarion and musicins.
I goofed - my insurance is State Farm (can't get the farmers straight....).
At any rate, it took my agent several days, and he couldn't find anything, so I really appreciate the tips.