Author Topic: Travel Insurance (Read 149 times)

jalevinemd · « **on:** June 22, 2009, 12:03:27 PM »

Okay...I'm gearing up for the California gathering, but I'm getting nervous about traveling with the guitar. I got a flight case from Jan-Al, who Alembic recommended. The thing is 7 3/4 thick and built like a tank. I don't think there's any way I'm going to be able to carry it through to the gate. It'll have to get checked as baggage. Has anyone ever purchased insurance for a checked instrument? I'm having trouble getting through to someone at AA who can help me.

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** June 22, 2009, 12:22:50 PM »

Do you have a musical instrument insurance policy?

jalevinemd · « **Reply #2 on:** June 22, 2009, 12:34:31 PM »

No, I don't Dave. Do they cover damage during travel? If so, I might try to get some in the next few days if possible. Any good company you could recommend?

Apparently the airline limitation is $3000 and additional insurance doesn't cover damage - only loss of the item.

Regards,

Jonathan

john_judge · « **Reply #3 on:** June 22, 2009, 12:40:19 PM »

1-800-848-2534 Clarion and Heritage are the best going but be sure to ask about travel distance that is Covered, when I toured overseas, I had to take out an additional coverage plan because of time and distance, hope this helps Johnathan P.S Doc don't say anything about living to close to the water or near heavy brush, they will sock it to you for fire and flood unless you really do and want that protection, but to give you an example I pay $228.00 annually on $20,000 coverage and dont say you leave the instrument in your car overnight fee's fee's fee's and stipulation's that they won't pay on

(Message edited by john judge on June 22, 2009)

jalevinemd · « **Reply #4 on:** June 22, 2009, 12:51:22 PM »

John,

Thanks. I've already left a message with them and Anderson as well.

Regards,

Jonathan

jalevinemd · « **Reply #5 on:** June 22, 2009, 01:12:28 PM »

John,

Check your e-mail.

keith_h · « **Reply #6 on:** June 22, 2009, 02:11:19 PM »

You should check with your home owners insurance on coverage. If you are not a professional it might be covered. I have checked on my policy in the past and I am covered for loss and damage as long as I am not playing professionally (which at the moment I'm not). In my case I have a replacement cost rider so all I pay is my deductible. Even if you don't have coverage under the basic policy they might be willing to write up a rider for the instrument.

Keith

olieoliver · « **Reply #7 on:** June 22, 2009, 02:18:32 PM »

Most homeowners will cover but for only up to about $1000.00 I have a rider policy my home owners that has my instruments covered for full value. Covers against breakage, fire, water damage or theft. And as Keith said only if you DO NOT play profesionaly.

OO

bassman10096 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 24, 2009, 04:20:41 PM »

I'd take the not playing professionally to mean not ever taking money for playing. As an insurance lawyer (Couldn't get that nice job selling crack at the Middle School...), I can tell you - homeowners carriers split hairs over situations like this that they don't see every day.

BTW - I've been pleased with Heritage, both for the relative clarity of the policy and the modest cost for the $20K minimum. I haven't checked for travel damage and loss, though.

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #9 on:** June 25, 2009, 05:59:20 AM »

I'd take the 'not playing professionally' to mean 'not ever taking money for playing'.

Allow me to verify that, at least with State Farm. My agent has told me in so many words that my homeowners' policy covers my instruments, and in fact also covered my son's when he was in college, but that said coverage was voided by so much as playing for beer.

Peter

olieoliver · « **Reply #10 on:** June 25, 2009, 06:26:35 AM »

That's absolutely correct Peter. AND you standard homeowners policy will only cover up to a certain amount, usually between $1000 to $3000 dollars. That's why I have a rider policy on my homeowners. Of course I haven't played for money in almost 10 years. Everything I do now is volunteer work.

OO

LMiwa · « **Reply #11 on:** June 25, 2009, 02:55:25 PM »

Unfortunately, I found this out the hard way a long time ago. I specifically called my (State Farm) insurance agent's office and asked the question I know my musical equipment isn't covered when I'm on a gig, but what about when it's just sitting at home? and was told It's covered when it's in your home. I assumed he knew what he was talking about, but didn't get it in writing.

Shortly thereafter, our home was broken into and everything was taken. Since I was in a band and actually made a few bucks playing, they refused to cover it. I said My agent told me it was covered. But of course, my agent developed a sudden case of amnesia, claiming not to remember ever having had such a conversation.

No more State Farm for me!

Loch