Double Bass Instrument Insurance Options?

[Keith Rawlings]

Good evening All,

I’ve been doing a deep dive into the search results here on Talkbass and I can’t seem to find anything on recommendations for instrument insurance? When I picked up my new bass from Trevor Davis he suggested Clarion as a good instrument specific insurance for double bass.

I’m curious to hear TB Nation’s thoughts on the subject. Have any of you all had to make claims on insurance policies and how did these companies handle it? Who do you all use? Thanks.

 

[QweziRider]

I've used Music Pro Insurance for years, but haven't made any claims yet. Happy with them so far.

 

[BassFalcon]

The International Society of Bassists has a group rate with an insurer.

 

[s_wood]

I am a big fan of Heritage Insurance. I’ve used them for years. They specialize in MI insurance. They allow you to set the replacement value of an instrument (within reason), and their policies cover theft, loss, accidental damage and loss of value due to damage wherever and however it occurs. I had to make a claim once when the headstock of a brand new Alembic snapped off after the bass dove off a guitar stand, and I had a check for the replacement value of the bass in about three weeks. I recommend them highly!

Heritage Insurance | Musical Instruments & Equipment | Free Quote

Also, check out this sticky thread for more info:
The Gear Insurance Thread

 

[fu22ba55]

I am a big fan of Heritage Insurance.

Another vote for Heritage Insurance. They were recommened to me by Barrie Kolstein. Very easy to deal with.

 

[TheOldFlatwound]

I am a big fan of Heritage Insurance. I’ve used them for years. They specialize in MI insurance. They allow you to set the replacement value of an instrument (within reason), and their policies cover theft, loss, accidental damage and loss of value due to damage wherever and however it occurs. I had to make a claim once when the headstock of a brand new Alembic snapped off after the bass dove off a guitar stand, and I had a check for the replacement value of the bass in about three weeks. I recommend them highly!

Heritage Insurance | Musical Instruments & Equipment | Free Quote

Also, check out this sticky thread for more info:
The Gear Insurance Thread

I use them as well and have had a good experience.

 

[slappahdabass]

Heritage here as well. Great people.
Also heard good things about Music Pro, and mixed things about Clarion from my time in New Orleans/gulf coast. They seem to have a handful of clauses they use as loopholes in natural disaster type claims, but otherwise heard good things.

 

[g-dude]

I've used Music Pro Insurance for years, but haven't made any claims yet. Happy with them so far.

It’s the claims part that one needs to always keep in mind.

I liked my homeowner’s insurance provider until I had to fight them tooth and nail to get an insurance claim paid.

 

[Ketbass]

So I’m confused. Doesn’t a regular homeowners insurance policy rider cover these things? Like jewelry or fine art? I have riders for these things on my policy. Never had to make a claim yet, but…?

 

[Eli Brockway]

A lot of homeowner's insurance won't insure anything that you use to make money with. So, if you go out and play gigs, get compensation for it, and they manage to find it by digging through, they'll refuse to cover the instrument. Same thing a lot of people have run into through the years with their tools.

 

[g-dude]

So I’m confused. Doesn’t a regular homeowners insurance policy rider cover these things? Like jewelry or fine art? I have riders for these things on my policy. Never had to make a claim yet, but…?

I will tell you the only correct answer: read the documents, and then read them again.

What you will probably find is that certain exclusions exist.

 

[Anne Millington]

A lot of homeowner's insurance won't insure anything that you use to make money with. So, if you go out and play gigs, get compensation for it, and they manage to find it by digging through, they'll refuse to cover the instrument. Same thing a lot of people have run into through the years with their tools.

Of course if you declare your earnings, MI insurance is deductible, so there is that.

 

[Ketbass]

A lot of homeowner's insurance won't insure anything that you use to make money with. So, if you go out and play gigs, get compensation for it, and they manage to find it by digging through, they'll refuse to cover the instrument. Same thing a lot of people have run into through the years with their tools.

Makes sense I guess. I always had a separate inland marine (no idea why it’s called that) policy for all my tools, trailer, etc… I wonder what the compensation threshold is for playing music as a business vs. a hobby gig or two

 

[Lee Moses]

So I’m confused. Doesn’t a regular homeowners insurance policy rider cover these things? Like jewelry or fine art? I have riders for these things on my policy. Never had to make a claim yet, but…?

Homeowner's insurance only covers it if it happens in the house, right?

 

[Carl Hillman]

Good evening All,

I’ve been doing a deep dive into the search results here on Talkbass and I can’t seem to find anything on recommendations for instrument insurance? When I picked up my new bass from Trevor Davis he suggested Clarion as a good instrument specific insurance for double bass.

I’m curious to hear TB Nation’s thoughts on the subject. Have any of you all had to make claims on insurance policies and how did these companies handle it? Who do you all use? Thanks.

Mercer will insure a $15K bass for $168 a year, with a $100 deductible. You do have to be a union member though.

I've used them for years, but can't speak to their customer service, as I've never had to make a claim.

Invalid Link Removed

 

[g-dude]

Homeowner's insurance only covers it if it happens in the house, right?

Not necessarily.

Again, and I cannot emphasize this enough...you absolutely, 100% need to read your policy. What you pay for is the policy. The policy could literally say that you only get paid if you are struck by lightning, and the only way you know that is to read it.

Anything that someone speculates on here doesn't actually carry any weight. In fact, even your own policy benefits may not apply to someone who has a different policy form or endorsements.

 

[Anne Millington]

Not necessarily.

Again, and I cannot emphasize this enough...you absolutely, 100% need to read your policy. What you pay for is the policy. The policy could literally say that you only get paid if you are struck by lightning, and the only way you know that is to read it.

Anything that someone speculates on here doesn't actually carry any weight. In fact, even your own policy benefits may not apply to someone who has a different policy form or endorsements.

You might want to call your agent. This is what they do. If they can cover something out of the ordinary, or something ordinary in an unusual context, they will quote you the cost. I have been very pleasantly surprised by what I was able to add to existing bundled policies.

 

[dperrott]

Do not rely on just home owners insurance. Get proper music instrument insurance. I assume you have one of Trevor's basses. It's worth it. Personally I'm with Anderson insurance

 

[s van order]

Makes sense I guess. I always had a separate inland marine (no idea why it’s called that) policy for all my tools, trailer, etc… I wonder what the compensation threshold is for playing music as a business vs. a hobby gig or two

I had an inland marine policy out of State Farm for some years, but switched to Music Pro two years ago. I was taking expensive bows and cellos out on more gigs and it got a bit scary not having the specific coverage for home and away situations. I have not had to make a claim.

 

[g-dude]

You might want to call your agent. This is what they do. If they can cover something out of the ordinary, or something ordinary in an unusual context, they will quote you the cost. I have been very pleasantly surprised by what I was able to add to existing bundled policies.

Yes, it's always important to talk to your agent, and ask them questions. Then, as a follow up, read everything.