• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Double Bass Instrument Insurance

Mgaisbacher

Mgaisbacher

Supporting Member
Oct 18, 2012
575
353
Nashville, TN
www.michaelgaisbacher.com
#1
I'm not sure where this should be but accessories seems to be the best spot. I just got a new bass made by upton and I am pretty sure I want to get insurance on it. I'm not sure were to look for instrument insurance so I was hoping someone out there could point me in the right direction. I'm sure that a lot of you guys have your basses insured knowing that there are a lot of people that have basses that cost four times more then mine.
 
#2
#3
Clarion, indeed! Reasonable rates, helpful people, and they have a fine record when it comes to claims experience.
 
#6
Ok, at the moment I am in college for music and I'm still mostly dependent on my parents. I get a paying gig every once a a while, this month I have more than usual but sounds like the home owners one wouldn't cut it.

I think since I am still dependent on my parents I get around $5,000 of coverage just in general Incase something happened to my place or I got robbed or something but that doesn't even cover just my bass.

Thanks for the info
 
#7
Check with MusicPro and Clarion. At least with MusPro, my carrier, there would be a low cost student rate.

I doubt if homeowner's would cut it, but your parents could check with their agent.

Please insure your instrument. When I attended a university, there were some major thefts of instruments in the practice rooms, one which someone just stepped away for a few minutes.
 
#8
Very happy with customer service at MusicPro. Likewise, have never had a claim. Costs seem comparable and you are allowed to assess the instrument's value as you see fit; you pay based on what you'd like to receive if replacement is needed.
 
#9
MusicPro here. I don't think homeowners will cover the insurance. The problem is that instruments are considered things that can generate an income, and not a home accessory. Renters insurance, which usually covers all sorts of stuff like homeowners, won't cover my bass.

Insurance was about $150 or so for a bass that is just under $10K. Very reasonable.
 
#11
May be of interest to some; one of my (on loan to my son ;)) bass & bow are kept at his high school during the school year and he has studied at a college or university the past three summers. He will be attending IU & FSU this coming summer taking his primary UB, bow and an electric bass with him. Clarion tells me they have a "school exclusion" in their policy and do not cover theft or damage when stored in a school locker, closet, etc., and told me I would be covered for damage only and only when in my son's possession while an instrument is at a school including a college or university.

I do not find this "school exclusion" on their web site nor in their documentation, but it is what they told me on the phone. MusicPro does not have this exclusion and does cover the instruments when in a school environment.

Please take note, I am not knocking Clarion and believe I even gave them a plug above. There was however mention in this thread about school thefts so if in that environment may want to check coverage.
 
#12
I actually just started a policy with Clarion. I did see the school exclusion but it doesn't really effect me. If it is in a school locker or left unattended then they won't cover it. I live off campus and keep my instrument in my house and when I move to Boston next year it will stay in my apartment and when it is at school it will be with me all the time so I feel that that is fine for me.

Thanks for all the input on the different companies. I actually insured all the instruments I own (2 DBs, 1 electric bass, a mandolin, keyboard, and drum set, and my amps) and I thought it was fairly reasonable ($280 for around $15k) . It's nice to have the piece of mind that if something happens to anything I'll be covered.
 
#15
Just want to mention again the importance of claims experience. We hope never to make a claim but, of course, the probability of needing to make one is why we buy insurance. IMO, it's critical to consider a company's claims reputation and process right along with the premium. I've never needed to make a claim but Clarion's claims reputation is why I chose them and why I stay with them. This is not to say that other companies aren't perfectly fine. I just don't have the data.
 
#17
drurb said:
Just want to mention again the importance of claims experience. We hope never to make a claim but, of course, the probability of needing to make one is why we buy insurance. IMO, it's critical to consider a company's claims reputation and process right along with the premium. I've never needed to make a claim but Clarion's claims reputation is why I chose them and why I stay with them. This is not to say that other companies aren't perfectly fine. I just don't have the data.
Click to expand...

That is why I went with Clarion, the school exclusion did worry me a little but then I realized I never plan to leave my bass at a school without me being with it since I live off campus and have no need to store it in a locker or anything like that.
 
#19
I've been with Clarion for 30+ years. They paid every claim promptly and with minimal fuss. All they ever asked for was the estimate and pictures of the damage. I strongly recommend having detailed photographs of everything you plan to insure.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back