Do you need insurance for your horn?

[Bari Sax Guy]

At the suggestion of Chitownjazz, I want to advise that I posted some discussions of available insurance options under the thread:"Another stolen Mark VI Tenor".
I am experienced in Homeowner and Commercial Insurance.
To sum it up, I do not believe that any additional insurance is needed (in most instances) except when you are paid to perform. This is assuming that you have a homeowner, tenant, or condo owners policy (HO-3, HO-4 and HO-6).

Feel free to check my suggestions with your agent. Let me know if you are advised otherwise .

[Sigmund451]

My home owners covers it but if the strap snaps Im done for. Its against theft....generally home owners offer only 500 deductable.

My agent said they would write an instrument policy for my VI for 30 bucks a year. Zero deductable and insured against damage.

[gary]

When you insure under your homeowners' insurance make sure there are not separate categories and coverages for amateurs and professionals and that you don't inadvertently fall into the "wrong" group or you could pay for that dearly down the line.

[BarrySachs]

A professional needs to get proper insurance. You can get it through the AFM, ASCAP, BMI and American String Teachers Association.

A music store or other horn dealer can write up an appraisal for the value of the horn. Vintage horns will often increase in value so you must update it periodically.

[Matt Otto]

I use Clarion, very good...http://www.clarionins.com/

[drakesaxprof]

I use Clarion, very good...http://www.clarionins.com/

Ditto here--Clarion is very thorough coverage (loss, damage, theft, and no deductible), and both AFM and North American Saxophone Alliance (http://www.saxalliance.org/) members receive a discount. No double-discount, though...

[Pete Thomas]

There are all kinds of hidden problems if you don't check exactly what you are covered for and in what circumstances. Locked/unlocked dressing rooms - unattended vehicles overnight or not - vehicles alarmed or not etc. The best thing is to speak to the company and let them know under what circumstances you take the horn out (pro, amateur, semipro) and find out about the security stipulations.

Get some Smartwater or similar and make sure you have the serial no and photos.

Oh yes, and ask about replacement. If you have a valuable vintage horn you must be able to prove it's value. You may want to replace a vintage horn with something similar or at least get what it's worth in money, not just get a new "equivalent" replacement horn which is what some policies will give you.

[gary]

Pete brings up some good points. On my German musical-instrument insurance, it specifies that theft is not covered on instruments left in an auto between 24:00 - 06:00.

Also, get those appraisals NOW and keep them in a safe place. Update them periodically.
For example, my Rottenburgh recorder and flute have gone up in value a good 20% since I initially bought them.

[jnicktch]

I think everyone above makes excellent points.

If you are a professional you really need to have specific insurance to cover your instruments. If you think your homeowner's policy is enough, you will be disappointed when the time comes. Anderson Group has a pretty comprehensive FAQ with common questions about homeowners policy and musical instruments: http://www.anderson-group.com/faqs.html

I really recommend this company Anderson Group over Clarion or Merz Heuber. They are very nice and their website has a ton of information on it... check out the FAQ link above and their homepage www.anderson-group.com