Understanding Musical Instrument Coverage and Related Aspects

The bond between a piece of musical instrument and a musician is eternal. And, people who are submerged in the world of music are the only ones to understand and feel it. As a musician or even a musical instrument owner, you can understand the same very well.

Also, you have shelled out a lot of time and hard-earned resources into finding the most suitable instrument. And since then, it has been an indispensable part of your life. Isn't it? Whether you are a noted musician or you play an instrument just because you love to, make sure not to ignore musical Instrument Coverage at all.

If you hardly have any idea about insurance, especially that covers musical instruments, don't worry! This guide will help you decide if buying a musical instrument insurance plan is worth your time and money.

Should you buy a dedicated insurance plan for your gears?

Well, to answer this question, you need to prioritize your needs in the first place. If music and your musical instruments make a significant part of your life as well as living, you should give no second thought and buy a musical instrument insurance plan for your gears right away. Here are some of the crucial reasons:

●    In case your musical instrument is damaged or stolen, you would surely want to get it repaired, get a replacement, or get a new one as soon as possible. Or else, you are most likely to suffer from loss of income. Right?

●    Whether you want to rent an instrument, for the time being, repair your damaged gear, or buy new gear, musical instrument insurance has you covered.

●    Are you a touring musician? If so, then you happen to travel with your gear or the entire paraphernalia quite often. Right? In this case, a standalone musical instrument plan is imperative. It will protect you worldwide.

●    Suppose you injured a guest or someone from the audience during your concert, it can lead you to trouble. Although you did not do anything intentionally, in most cases, you will be regarded as responsible. And, needless to mention, but this responsibility would be a financial and a hefty one involving paying for medical bills and lawsuit settlements. Having proper Instrument coverage will mark you safe.

So, aren’t these advantages sufficient to help you decide if or not you should buy an insurance plan for your gears? One of the most important things to remember here is - even if you own the best of the best home or renter’s insurance policy, you are least likely to get complete coverage for your gears.

Some words of caution!

Understand your policy well

Finally, if you have decided to purchase an instrument-specific insurance policy, spend some time understanding different insurance policies before buying just anything from the available lot.
Do the calculations right

Another vital aspect to note here is - make sure to spend some time doing the calculations when it comes to the value of your gear. Otherwise, you might miss out on getting complete coverage.

Be a responsible musical instrument owner

Also, after buying your musical instrument plan, please do not act careless and indifferent towards your gears. Just because you have the protection of a music instrument plan does not mean you can now keep your instrument unattended and keep it poorly.

Always remember one thing, even an all-risk cover insurance plan would not cover some scenarios. Damage or loss to your gear due to your negligence, improper storage, and regular wear and tear are the top among them. Besides, if your musical instrument has been seized by any government authority, then also you will not get coverage benefits.

Hopefully, this article will help you understand the need to have instrument-specific coverage for your gears.

FAQs While Picking Up the Best Guitar Insurance Policy

The moment you hold your guitar close to your body and move your fingers with pluck over the six strings, the feeling is one-of-its-kind. Isn't it? It shows how much you are in love with your strings gear.

Apart from the hefty fiscal value it has, it also shares an emotional attachment with you. So, have you ensured its protection from perils of all kinds by getting it a Guitar Insurance? Probably, you also know that when it comes to the complete safety and security of your musical instruments and related accessories, your home insurance might not be the correct choice.

In case you have decided to buy an instrument-specific insurance plan. However, if you have a series of questions in your mind, you have come to the right place. Here we have rounded up some of the most commonly asked questions about musical instrument insurance plans.

Regardless of which musical gear you own, play, teach, sell, or collect, these questions, along with their answers, will help you satiate your queries. So, what are you waiting for then? Let's begin with the Frequently Asked Questions!

How much can you expect from a dedicated musical instrument insurance plan?

Whether you own a bassoon or a guitar, a piano or a flute, or something else, your musical instrument-specific insurance plan covers almost all risks and compensates you for the same. For example - if your guitar is damaged in the event of a fire, flood, earthquake, water damage, theft, or robbery, and it needs a repair, you can depend on your insurance plan. Not only damage(s), but even if you lose your string or someone steals it, your insurance plan will also compensate either to get a replacement or a new one.

Will your musical instrument insurance plan cover damage/loss/theft that occurred during transportation?

If you purchase, say, Guitar Insurance from a leading insurance provider in your state, yes, you are most likely to get coverage for instruments damaged, lost, or stolen during transportation or shipping. Most musical instrument insurance providers make sure to cover your gears while they (gears) are on the go. However, it is always wise to learn all the terms and conditions before zeroing in on an insurance plan.

How much money do you need to shell out to buy a comprehensive insurance plan for your guitar?

As far as the cost of an insurance plan for your guitar or any other musical instrument is concerned, it depends on some related aspects. With most insurance providers, the list of factors includes the following:

●    What type of musical instrument do you have?
●    What is the value of your gear?
●    How much sum insured do you need?
●    How much deductible do you want?
●    What extent of cover do you intend to choose?

However, according to the industry standards, a musical gear insurance plan can cost you around a couple of dollars a month or hundreds of dollars a month. So, make sure to work with your insurance provider about all of these.

The all-risk cover is fine. However, will your insurance plan cover all-risk when it comes to a worldwide scenario?

This question is one question in a million. What if we say that the answer to this question is 'Yes'? Won't you believe it? Well, yes! A comprehensive and dedicated musical instrument insurance plan will cover all risks in and around your state, in fact, around the world.

These are some of the crucial and most frequently asked questions about musical gear insurance plans. Hopefully, now you have the answers to the questions perplexing your mind for a long time.

Why Do Musicians Need Specially-Crafted Insurance Coverage?

In a profession where things are always almost uncertain, it is crucial to buy adequate insurance to cover a wide range of eventualities. It might sound a little straightforward, but there are a whole lot of scenarios that deliberately call for the protection of an insurance plan.

Whether it is a case of public liability, an injury to a crew member, theft of a musical instrument, or a state or venue mandate to comply with, insurance protection always comes in handy. So, when it comes to Insurance for Musicians, two of the most prudent insurance covers you are likely to need mainly include musical instrument cover and public liability cover. Let us dive deeper to get a clear insight into it!

What do you mean by public liability insurance?

A public or third-party liability insurance safeguards musicians if any third person (public) files a claim against them. For example - unfortunately, if something goes wrong at an event, such as a podium fell down the stage, injuring someone from the audience, then your insurance plan would protect you against the claim made by the injured person.

Similarly, many scenarios could go wrong at a public event. However, with adequate insurance cover, you can deter these mishaps without having to trouble yourself.

Moreover, most gig spaces, auditoriums, and venues ask musicians whether or not they have their liability cover before allowing them to perform. In some cases, if you do not have this cover, you might not be allowed to even perform. Therefore, it is always wise to carry one.

Is musical instrument and equipment insurance that important?

No situation can be as gutting as recognizing that your prized possessions, your musical instruments have been damaged, lost, or stolen. And knowing that you do not have Insurance for Musicians can make you feel even worse.

In the year 2014, a $5 million string instrument was stolen in one of the states of the US. The string was among one of the finest creations of history. However, the gear was traced and finally found at a local art thief's attic.

It (the case mentioned above) was not the only case of musical instrument theft that happened in the past. There are many more cases that will run chills down your spine. So, being a musical instrument owner and a musician, you should make sure to get it insured. And, for this, you will not have to run extra miles. All you need to do is find a good musical instrument insurance provider and buy a suitable cover.

Are you wondering about your home insurance cover?

Dear reader, the main focus here is to get an insurance plan for a musician. So, aren't you wondering if or not your home insurance policy works here? Well, as far as your homeowner's insurance plan is concerned, it may provide cover to your musical instruments up to some extent. However, the cover it will offer is very less likely to meet your requirements. Plus, it will have its limitations. Therefore, it is not advisable to go that way where your home insurance fails to provide you with enough protection.

What are the limitations of your homeowner's insurance plan?

No doubt, you have got the best insurance coverage for your home. However, when it comes to protecting your musical instruments, here are some of the limitations of your home insurance:

●    It is less likely to offer an all-encompassing cover for your musical gears.
●    It is less likely to cover the accessories.
●    It is less likely to cover public liabilities and worldwide music tours.

The best thing to do here is - getting a dedicated musical instrument insurance plan intricately designed for musicians of all professional standing. So, find the best insurance provider in your state and protect your gears without making any delay.

Look into Audio Equipment Insurance and Its Importance

Audio equipment can cost you hundreds and thousands of dollars, and of course, they acquire even a bigger portion of your heart and livelihood. So, whether you own a music recording studio, a professional orchestra, or a DJ club, protecting your audio equipment and gadgets becomes imperative.

In this regard, buying an insurance policy specially designed for musicians and musical/audio instrument owners can save you a great deal. Such insurance policies compensate for replacing/repairing your musical paraphernalia if, unfortunately, they get stolen, damaged, or lost.

The most frequently asked and obvious question!

If you have a petite or even a large music recording studio in the backyard of your home, you may have this question in mind -

"Won't my homeowners' insurance program come in handy? My studio is right there inside the premises of the insured residential property, i.e., my home, after all".

Here goes the answer, Dear Reader!

Although your concern is understandable, your home insurance, regardless of how expensive it is, has certain limitations. And the same limitations restrict it from covering any property or item that is used for commercial use.

Besides, there are many more caps associated with your home insurance plan, when it comes to protecting your gears. So, to ensure that your musical instruments remain safe and secure, investing in buying dedicated Audio Equipment Insurance is a good idea.

A good insurance carrier means ultimate protection

Most musical instrument insurance providers offer protection programs for a wide range of gears, including woodwinds, strings, keyboards, and crucial audio equipment. So, you can find a good provider in your city to get your gear covered.

As you are looking for a specialist musical instrument protection plan, make sure to select a reliable carrier that can meet your requirements. The one-size-fits-all concept might not work here. Therefore, choose an insurance provider wisely. Make sure to consider the following parameters while doing so. It will help you find the right and the best. Read on:

●    Policy options
●    Inclusions
●    Exclusions
●    Pricing
●    Accessibility
●    Special coverage
●    Terms and conditions

FAQs associated with musical instrument insurance plan

What extent of coverage can you expect from a musical instrument insurance plan?

A standard Audio Equipment Insurance policy is likely to pay for repairs to replacement of your musical paraphernalia against many situations. It includes the following:

●    Water damage
●    Flood
●    Fire
●    Vandalism
●    Theft
●    Earthquake
●    Tornado, and so on

There are many insurance carriers that offer coverage to your gears, even during transportation. It is an added advantage for sure because when your musical instruments are on the go, the chances of accidental damages and theft are more. Get a policy and take a sigh of relief.

What is the cost of a musical instrument insurance plan?

The price of a musical instrument insurance policy depends on several factors. It includes the following:

●    What type of audio equipment do you have?
●    What is the value of your gear?
●    How much sum insured do you want?
●    How much deductible do you want?

Apart from these factors, the insurance provider you intend to choose can also make the difference. So, it is advisable to confirm the pricing and all before zeroing in on a policy.

How to find an insurance provider to protect your musical instruments?

Although finding a reliable and customer-centric musical instrument insurance provider is easy, a plethora of options might make the entire process a bit confusing and challenging. However, you do not need to worry. By doing thorough research about multiple insurance providers and comparing their policies, you can settle on a plan that will perfectly live up to your expectations. So, before something unwanted happens, find an insurance carrier and get your policy copy.

Get a Musical Instrument Insurance Appraisal for your Viola

All set to buy a viola? Buying a musical instrument is a one-of-its-kind experience, regardless of which gear you intend to purchase and how many of them you already have. It is full of fun and excitement. However, sometimes, life takes you through twists and turns of events that might leave you in distress. The same can happen if you lose your musical instruments to accidents, like theft, damage, and loss.

Loss of a musical instrument can break you financially
 
Losing musical gears is not only a financial issue but also an emotional one. Therefore, it is wise to get dedicated musical instrument insurance to ensure your valuable instruments are well-protected from unforeseen and unexpected events in life. 

Viola insurance means complete protection
 
Viola Insurance is designed to protect your gear from scenarios like theft, loss, or accidental damage. So, before your instrument goes beyond repair or encounters a situation involving theft or any kind of damage, get it an insurance policy for sure. Otherwise, you might have to spend a fortune to get it fixed or buy a new one.

Get an appraisal to find the right insurance coverage
 
One of the most important things you should keep in your mind is getting your viola appraised before getting it an insurance plan. It will ensure that you are buying the right policy. You are likely to find a number of musical instrument appraisers in your state. However, to get the best possible appraisal, it is advisable to choose a professional service provider.
 
Have you bought your musical instrument recently? Do you still have the bill handy? If so, then you can get an estimate against the buying price of your gear. In case you intend to purchase your musical instruments from a nearby music store, it is always a good idea to get them appraised at the time of buying. It will help you avoid the extra cost of hiring a musical instrument appraiser on your own.
 
Do consider devaluation
 
Devaluation is one of the most crucial aspects to consider when it comes to buying Viola Insurance. The condition or state of your gear defines the value of your gear. Even a minute scratch or crack can bring the overall value down. And in case your bow's head is damaged or broken, it could reduce the overall cost by around 80%. Therefore, it is always considered wise from your end to make the repairs before appraising your viola.
 
Financial protection for complete peace of mind
 
Having a musical instrument insurance policy in place does not mean that your gears will never come across perils. Accidents always come uninvited. However, it will help you lessen your worries related to all the financial stuff. At the end of the day, you know, your finances are protected. Peace of mind is important, after all.
 
Do your homework and choose the right plan and provider
 
Musical instrument insurance policies under reliable insurance providers are for everyone who owns a musical instrument. So, whether you are just a beginner or a professional, you will find a policy to meet your insurance requirements. In order to find the right plan and the right insurance provider, you should do some research.
 
As many such service providers are operating around, finding the one is easy, as well as, daunting at the same time. However, there is nothing to be worried about. As far as researching your options is concerned, the World Wide Web is the best place to do it. So, do your homework and find the right insurance product from the right musical instrument insurance service provider.

The Reasons Why You Should Get Cello Insurance

A priceless instrument from the 16th Century that adds more emotional and physical connect to a cellist's musical entity, the cello, is something that you can call divine. In fact, it is also regarded as the most human of musical instruments.

If you are a cello player, you have it in your collection of musical pieces, or you teach playing the cello at your shop, you are indeed a fortunate soul.

Besides the eternal covenant it shares with the music lovers, it is one of the integral parts of all musical events. No matter if it is an orchestra, a choir, or a world concert, you cannot even think of it without having a cello in the band.

So, if you own a cello, how do you ensure its protection? Do you have Cello Insurance by now? You need to read this blog, dear reader!

Reasons why cello insurance is important!

Here are some of the top reasons why you should get a dedicated insurance plan:

It won't be an exaggeration to say that cellos are big, and it is not easy to carry them around. Probably, it is why getting it insured is of prime importance. Because if your gear gets damaged, misplaced, or stolen while in transit, you are at least safe from the financial turmoil that is likely to follow the unfortunate event.

Apart from the financial protection against transport-related damages, dedicated musical instrument insurance plans bring along a plethora of benefits.

It covers different types of musical instruments

Specifically crafted for all levels of musicians and regardless of the type of cello you have, a novice, step-up, performer, or professional, instrument-specific insurance plans are made to cover all types of gears. So, when you have an insurance plan by your side, you are safe.

It offers worldwide coverage

As far as covering your instrument for transportation-related mishaps is concerned, you will be elated to know that a standalone insurance plan will cover your musical gears worldwide. Yes, you read the right thing. Unlike your home or renter's insurance plan, a comprehensive Cello Insurance policy will make sure that your instruments are well-protected all across the globe.

It offers all-risk coverage

The all-risk cover is another added advantage of having musical instrument insurance handy. Now, what is this all-risk cover? If you are wondering the same, it is good news for you. It means the same as it sounds. A dedicated musical instrument insurance plan from a trusted insurance provider covers your gears against all possible risks. It includes - fire, flood, rain, thunderstorm, theft, vandalism, and so on. So, you are absolutely safe, no matter what.

It also covers rental instruments

What if you give your instruments on rent? Will an instrument-specific plan still be useful? Well, yes! It will provide you with comprehensive coverage even if you rent your musical instruments. For the related terms and conditions, which are likely to vary from one service provider to the other, you should get in touch with the insurance company you intend to choose.

Make it safe before disaster strikes

So, with so many coverage options, don't you think buying a standalone insurance plan for your cello makes a wise choice? Disasters strike all of a sudden while not giving you any time to do something to deter them. However, you can stay prepared before they strike by getting a complete protection plan for your gears from a reliable and customer-friendly insurance company.

Act before it gets on your nerves

So, before it gets too late and you cannot protect your gears and finances from the mars of misfortune, do get comprehensive coverage right away.

Guitar Insurance and Appraisal Go Hand-in-Hand

Do you own a guitar? After hours of brainstorming, seeking the word-of-mouth recommendations, and doing a lot of homework, you finally decided to buy an insurance policy for your string. It is indeed a wise decision from your end as your gear is not just another music-making machine for you. It is more like an extension of you.

Also, buying a guitar involves quite a hefty investment. Therefore, getting it insured under a reliable insurance plan is crucial.

Get your guitar appraised!

However, before you get an insurance policy, it is imperative to get your guitar an appraisal. Doing so will help you safeguard your investment by confirming the actual value of your string in the current scenario. Having your gear appraised will allow your insurance provider to provide you with the appropriate extent of coverage.

How is an appraisal done?

If you search on the internet, you will find many reputed musical instrument appraisers and valuators in your state who offer both online and offline appraisal services. You can connect with them for the same. In light of the global health crisis, COVID-19, it would be a good idea to get the appraisal done via an online portal.

As far as the online appraisal for Guitar Insurance is concerned, following the below pointers would make the process easy for you. Let us take a quick look at them:

●    Go to the website of a reputable musical instrument appraisal.
●    Open the appraisal form.
●    Keep the photographs of your instrument (both front and back). If needed, you can upload other images. Make sure that the file size should not be more than 25 MB.
●    You will also need the serial number of your musical instrument.
●    Include the details about repair or modifications.
●    Make sure to include your mailing address and email address.

Once the process is complete, your appraiser will send the appraisal document to your registered email id.

What if you file a compensation claim?

In case your guitar suffered a loss or got damaged or stolen, your insurance provider might ask you to provide an appraisal. However, in case of total loss or damage, the reimbursement happens quickly.

What if you have got multiple musical instruments? Should you get all of them appraised?

Well, to get all your gears appraised or not depends on certain factors. It includes the following:

●    You should consider appraising your musical instruments if their price is more than $500.

●    Also, some musical instrument insurance providers do need appraisals, whereas others might not. So, it also depends on the insurance company you choose.

●    How frequently you use your gear and for what purpose are some of the other factors that you need to count on. If you do not play your guitar outside your home, then the risk of theft, loss, or damage is less than a touring artist. However, to be on the safe side, it is better to get your gear appraised.

How to find a reliable appraiser?

If you are looking for a musical instrument appraiser for Guitar Insurance but do not know where to look, you can do the following:

●    Talk to the dealer from who you bought the guitar
●    Discuss the same with the insurance provider you intend to choose, or
●    Get in touch with the Appraisers Association of America (AAA) for recommendations

Some words of wisdom

Dear reader, musical instrument appraisals take time. The process does not happen overnight. It might take a couple of hours to a few weeks to ensure proper and thorough valuation. So, have patience and let the experts do their job for the best results.