Thursday, 29 October 2020

Do You Have Sufficient Guitar Insurance Cover?

 

Picture this - After an incredible honky-tonk gig at a town located on the outskirts of your city, you wrapped up everything to drive back home and switch to your usual 9-to-5 avatar. As you guys drove all night, by the time the clock said 6 AM, you needed fuel for your car and breakfast for your tummies. What happened next was an expensive lesson, indeed!


You were happy and relaxed as everything went so well and the breakfast was so tasty. However, this phase of post-gig fun almost ended up, unexpectedly, when you saw your vehicle wide open. OMG! A lot of gears were missing, including your super-pricey guitar!!! Didn't you lock the car? Well, you may have locked it, but the miscreants know how to by-pass it. No wonder thousands of musical instrument thefts are reported every year.

Get the right insurance coverage!

To ensure that your investments are safe from such uncertainties, instrument-specific insurance policies, such as Guitar Insurance, piccolo insurance, violin insurance, among others, make the best resort.

Incidences of gear theft and loss or damage are some of the most common stories that musicians discuss among themselves. Sometimes, these cases are so deep-impacting that can lead you to the doors of financial and professional setbacks. This is where standalone musical instrument insurance comes into play to safeguard your profession and hard-earned money.

Stay insured, rest assured!

With adequate musical instrument insurance cover and the guidance of a well-known and reliable insurance provider, the picture after a loss or damage is completely the other way round. With sufficient protection from theft, loss, and damage, easy claim settlement, and impeccable customer service, you can rest assured.

You might be wondering that there are tons of different types of plans and hundreds of insurance providers in the market. So, how can you make the best pick? Right?

Don't worry, we have got your back covered.

Reading through this blog will help you choose the right insurance policy as well as an insurance provider.

The right policy comes with the right insurer!

One of the most important things we often miss out on is - you can always find the right protection plan for your gears. However, finding the most suitable insurance provider could be a challenge in itself.

Until and unless your insurer is good, no matter how much cover a policy promises, you will not find peace of mind. Therefore, apart from looking for, say, the best Guitar Insurance plan, you should also focus on finding an insurance service provider that worths its salts.

Insurance provider - what qualities should you look for?

Allows policy customization

Different people have different priorities when it comes to protecting their musical instruments. Therefore, a customer-oriented insurance provider always makes sure that the expectations and requirements of its customers are successfully met, every time. And to ensure that same, they offer policy customization options. This option will help you tailor your policy according to your needs.

Covers you regardless of your profession

A person or people who own musical instruments is somehow connected to the world of music. However, their proficiency levels might be different. Some can be beginners or amateur artists, while others can be professionals or touring artists. Some might give guitar lessons, while some can be music shops or recording studio owners. A reliable insurance service provider understands that anyone who owns musical instruments needs insurance. Therefore, they cover almost all professions related to music and musical instruments.

Offers range and affordability

If you are wondering about the cost of premiums because you have heard being said that instrument-specific plans are expensive, you can take a sigh of relief. The reason - customer-friendly insurance companies offer affordable premiums.

Offers seamless customer services

Are you buying a standalone policy for gear for the first time? Do you have any doubts in your mind? A good insurance company will help you through the entire process of buying a plan in a step-by-step manner. It will make your policy purchase easy and hassle-free.

The bottom-line

Read customer reviews, look for word-of-mouth recommendations, and choose the right insurance provider and policy to stay protected.

 


Monday, 26 October 2020

What Type Of Studio Cover You Need?

 

Music, be it a source of livelihood or passion, needs you to be devoted to it. However, do you know what is common in both scenarios - being a pro and just-a-hobbyist? Your musical instruments. Isn’t it? And, in case you own a music recording studio, then your belongings go way beyond only musical instruments. Then you have to take care of an entire facility that houses recording gears, musical equipment, woodwinds, strings, keyboards, mixing desk, mic, sound system, and what-not. Right? Is your music recording studio safe from the unforeseen perils? Do you have enough Studio Cover?

 


Your studio. Your Investment. Protect it wisely


If you play musical instruments or record music on a professional level, needless to mention, but there is a lot of time, money, and effort involved. Even if you have a tiny home studio, it can contain several thousands of investments that you have done over the years. While you would never want to think of the ugly consequences of mishaps that can break your business, no one actually does. Disasters do strike. Therefore, it makes sense to secure your investments from all possible uncertainties that life can pour on you cold-heartedly. But how can you do that? With the help of a padlock? Well, not exactly a padlock, but kind of. You can secure your recording studio by getting a standalone studio coverage for your den.

 

Why not your home insurance?

 

When it comes to insurance policies, these are all about covering risks. So, an insurance service provider should be capable of understanding the range of risks you, the policyholder, can come across. If they do not understand the same, they will not be able to cover you properly.

So, now come to the main point, why not your home insurance? It is because such insurance plans are fabricated to protect the perils that your home's building can face, not to protect the home studio that you use commercially. Yes, your home insurance policy can cover your musical instruments up to some extent in some cases. However, that extent is very less likely to help you.

 

What type of cover do you need?


Now let's find out the type of covers you can choose from. Understanding it will help you choose the right policy for your recording studio.

With a customer-friendly insurance service provider, you are likely to avail the following features and coverage options. Take a look -

All-risk cover - It ensures that your music recording studio and its content is safe from all possible risks. It includes - fire, flood, rainfall, theft, robbery, and thunderstorm among others.

Worldwide cover - Being a professional musician means traveling would always be there on the cards. Right? Having this cover ensures that your gears and equipment and your finances are safe, no matter where you go.

Third-party liability - It is one of the most important covers that you should never ever ignore. It protects you from a number of financial hassles, including - lawsuits, paying for medical bills for someone else, and so on. What happens is - if any other person or his or her property is damaged or lost because of your musical instrument, you are likely to be liable for the situation. Therefore, you will have to take care of all the expenses. However, when you have the third-party cover, your insurance provider will take care of everything and you will not have to shell out even a single penny.

Borrowed instrument cover - In case you have borrowed a piece of musical equipment and it is damaged or stolen, then also some musical insurance policies ensure coverage. However, the terms and conditions might vary from one service provider to the other. So, it would be wise to seek assistance from your insurance provider and clear your doubts in the first place.

So, these are some of the many features that you are likely to get with your Studio Cover. Why wait? Get your plan now!

Tuesday, 20 October 2020

How to Protect Your Instruments This Hurricane Season

Owning a musical instrument is one of the most significant investments you can make. Depending on the material it is constructed from, the year it was manufactured, the previous owner's identity, and even its rarity, a musical instrument can end up being worth a lot of money. To help protect your investment, proper instrument protection and care are essential for any dedicated musician or collector. 



Ensuring that their musical instruments are safe and secure from the weather, and natural disasters, is a common concern amongst instrument owners worldwide. Hurricanes and storms are two of the most damagingand common events that can ruin your musical instruments. 

Thankfully, we've created this brief guide to help you stay protected. Read on as we cover everything you need to know about protecting your instrument during this hurricane season.

Tips toKeep Your Instruments Protected

While each musical instrument may require specific procedures and care, some tips can apply to all instruments – essential information that every musical instrument owner should keep in mind. To prolong your musical instrument's life and save on maintenance and repair costs, you should keep it clean and free of dust and debris, as well as storing it away from humidity, heat, and direct sunlight.

However, during hurricane season, you need to be even more alert as extreme weather conditions canirreversibly damage your musical instruments. Tropical storms and hurricanes can cause flooding and extensive damage to your property, and as a result, your musical instruments as well. The number one factor that can affect your instruments during a storm season is moisture, so you must do everything you can to protect them against it. 

So, the first thing you should do to protect your musical instrument during hurricane season is to make sure you store it in a protective hard case,and away from moisture,when you are not using it. Also, always ensure that you have closed and secured your case correctly. Be sure to periodically check your case for any gaps or holes where water can enter, and replace or repair your case as soon as you spot the slightest sign of damage.

Another thing that can save your musical instrument in the event of flooding caused by a hurricane is placing it somewhere elevated off the ground, like on a high shelf. You should also keep it away from places inside your home that could potentially leak during a storm. 

Since humidity can affect your instrument, it would be wise to invest in both a hygrometer and a dehumidifier. The hygrometer will measure the level of humidity in air, and the dehumidifier will help you adjust humidity inside your home when the level rises. 

Moreover, during a hurricane or storm, there is also the danger of heavy objects inside your home falling down or even entire sections of your home collapsing. As such, storing your musical instruments away from heavy items in your home is another good practice you should consider. 

Get Comprehensive Coverage

Unfortunately, sometimes even taking these precautions won't be enough to protect your instruments. Things can rapidly get out of hand during high-risk hurricane seasons, so the best thing you can do to make sure your musical instrument stays protected is by insuring your investment. Comprehensive and customizable coverage from Clarion Associates is here to protect you and your musical instruments from almost anything life can throw at you.

At Clarion, we offer you the protection you need, so that you can work on your music rather than worrying about your instrument. We have developed unique, customizable policies specifically designed for musical instrument owners, with features and benefits you won't find anywhere else, including comprehensive coverage against damages from extreme weather conditions and events.

Get Clarion Insurance

Regardless if you're an aspiring artist, a seasoned musician, or even an instrument collector, Clarion Associates has a solution for you. Our policies are designed to be as flexible as possible while still providing the protection you need to give you the peace of mind you deserve.

At Clarion Associates, we have over 50 years of insurance industry experience. We have spent the last quarter-century focusing our efforts on insuring musical instruments for thousands of musicians worldwide. Contact us for a quote today, and see for yourself why we've been endorsed and recognized by some of the world's leading musical associations thanks to our comprehensive, customizable coverage.


Monday, 12 October 2020

What Are The Costs And Benefits Of Getting Musical Instrument Insurance?

 

Getting musical instrument insurance may feel like an unnecessary luxury to some, but the reality is quite different. Musical instruments can cost a significant amount of money, and repairing them or replacing them can be rather costly as well.

As a musician, you probably consider your musical instrument to be one of your most prized possessions. You value the time and effort put into finding the perfect musical instrument, and you value the money you spent on it. The thought of it getting damaged or lost is a nightmare – especially if you depend on your musical instrument to earn a living.




No matter how careful you might be when it comes to your instrument's protection, life doesn't always go as planned. When things do go wrong, having musical instrument insurancecan help you get back to playing your music and further honing your craft much sooner. 

The Pros and the Cons of Getting Musical Instrument Insurance

Not everyone who owns musical instruments thinks they need to insure them. For example, if you own a violin or viola that primarily acts as a display piece rather than something you play, you may assume that musical instrument insurance is not needed. However, accidents can still occur inside your home, and those valuable or cherished instruments need to be protected.

For professional musicians who depend on their music to make a living, getting specialized insurance for their instruments is necessary. While proper instrument care is essential, it will not guarantee that your valuable musical instrument will last forever. Accidents, theft, and other things that can damage or destroy your precious instrument happen all the time, whether in the safety of your home or on the road. Repairing it or buying a new instrument out-of-pocket can be quite expensive, time-consuming, and stressful.

Musical instrument insurance will save you a lot of trouble and expense, as it offers coverage for both repairing and replacing your damaged, lost, or stolen instruments. If you are a collector of rare, expensive, or irreplaceable instruments, musical instrument insurance is essential for you. It will help cover both the cost of any repairs in case something goes wrong and any resulting depreciation in your instruments' value.

Why Get Clarion's Specialized Musical Instrument Insurance?

Getting musical instrument coverage as a part of your homeowners' insurance policy is an option for protecting your instruments, but it may not be the best one. In most cases, homeowners' insurance is inadequate, as it only covers damage from specific causes stipulated on your policy. These policies also typically only cover a small percentage of the insured instrument's value, meaning that your valuable instruments may receive insufficient protection, and having inadequate insurance is more or less like having none at all.

A specialized musical instrument insurance policy offers you the peace of mind you need, so you can focus on your music rather than worrying about the hassles of insurance. Clarion's specialized musical instrument insurance provides complete comprehensive coverage for all of your musical instruments and equipment. We have developed unique policies designed for owners of musical instruments and recording equipment. We have been serving musicians for more than 40 years, so you can rest assured that we understand your concerns and are committed to alleviating them.

We offer coverage for various factors, including professional usage, accidental breakage, and even earthquakes and floods. We also provide coverage for borrowed or replacement instruments, offer access to a nationwide dealer network, and even offer an option to keep any undamaged parts from your beloved musical instrument after repairs.

Conclusion

Taking good care of your musical instrument is essential if you want to prolong your instrument's life. Unfortunately, it won't necessarily mean that your instrument will last forever. The possibility of theft or loss is always present, and accidental damage can happen at any time.

While you can't predict accidents and other misfortunes, you certainly can be prepared. A good, trusted, specialized musical instrument insurance policy will save you a lot of money and time when things go wrong, and Clarion is here to provide it.

Our musical instrument insurance offers worldwide coverage and a wide range of unique features and benefits that have made us the number one choice for over 20,000 professionals, amateurs, collectors, symphonies, instrument sellers, and dealers. Contact us for a quote today, and find out for yourself why Clarion's musical instrument insurance is synonymous with instrument protection.

Sunday, 27 September 2020

Who Needs Musical Instrument Insurance?

 


A high quality, finely crafted, or rare musical instrument can cost a significant amount of money. Depending on the materials used, the year it was made, the number of same instruments available, or even the previous owner's identity, a musical instrument can quickly become quite expensive. Given the amount of money and time one spends to find and purchase their ideal musical instrument, it's no wonder that musicians often form a special bond with them.

A musical instrument is undoubtedly a precious asset, for both professional and sentimental reasons. With this in mind, it's easy to understand why instrument protection and insurance is so important. Like with other valuable items, the owner of a musical instrument can get an insurance policy that will provide coverage in the event of damage, loss, or theft. So who needs musical instrument insurance? Let's find out in this brief article.

Who Is Musical Instrument Insurance Really For?

A musical instrument can be priceless and irreplaceable for many people. For a professional musician, a musical instrument is likely something they depend on to make a living. If their musical instrument were to get lost or damaged, they would have to repair, or replace it quicklybecause they won't be making any money while they are unable to perform.

The same thing goes regardless of whether you're an independent artist or even a member of a band or orchestra. Many professionals will also be traveling frequently with their instruments to perform in various venues around the world. Anything can happen on the road; you never know if your instrument will get tossed around while traveling, or get lost or stolen. Without your musical instrument, you won’t be able to performance.

Additionally, if you're a music teacher and something goes wrong with your instrument, there will be nothing for you to teachwith. If you're a music student and need your instrument to attend your courses, being left without it could be quite detrimental. Even if you're just a dedicated hobbyist, a damaged or stolen instrument can be a significant personal and economic loss.

Another group that would benefit from musical instrument insurance are collectors. Instrument collectors tend to own significantly expensive, rare, or even vintage instruments. Anything can happen in life, and it's best to be prepared. Should the unexpected occur, a good insurance policy will cover the cost of any repairs needed and help cover the cost of renting instruments in the meantime.

Whether you're a professional, an independent musician, a hobbyist, or even a collector, securing your artistic investment is imperative. If you own an instrument you can't afford to replace, or simply want to safeguard it, you should strongly consider protecting your investment with musical instrument insurance today.

Why Get a Specialized Musical Instrument Insurance Policy?

The benefits of specialized musical instrument insurance go far beyond those of an ordinary homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Household insurance will sometimes exclude musical instruments outright or offer coverage for specific named perils but only inside your home. Furthermore, it typically tends to cover only a percentage of the insured instrument's value, meaning it won't offer sufficient protection for rarer and more expensive instruments.

On the other hand, specialized musical instrument insurance is different. It offers protection from accidental damage, loss or theft for all kinds of musical instruments and other equipment, whether you're at home or on the road. Musical instrument insurance gives policyholders the peace-of-mind to focus on their art, rather than worrying about the world's what-ifs.

Conclusion

Accidents can happen anytime, and a specialized insurance policy that offers sufficient coverage for your musical instruments can be a lifesaver. We at Clarion have developed unique, customizable policies designed for musical instrument owners. We offer benefits you won't find anywhere else – including worldwide coverage to protect your instruments while you’re traveling with them and against natural disasters like earthquakes and floods. We also provide coverage for replacement or rented instruments, ensuring you're protected no matter what.

At Clarion Associates, we have over 40 years of experience insuring musical instruments for thousands of musicians worldwide. We offer access to one of the largest networks of authorized dealers and repairers in the industry. Not only that, but we understand your concerns and will settle your claims quickly and fairly. Reach out for a quote today, and see for yourself why Clarion is a trusted partner you can count on for your musical instruments' protection.

Monday, 21 September 2020

Why Is Musical Instrument Insurance Necessary?

As a musician, you've probably invested a considerable amount of money on your musical instrument – let alone the time you spent researching and finding the one that best suits your needs. You have also developed an emotional bond between you and your musical instrument over time. Given the deep feelings you may have for it, you naturally want to protect your instrument.

It doesn’t matter how careful you are, if you're playing your instruments, there will always be the possibility ofaccidental damage – or even worse, theft and loss. Insuring your musical instruments against the unexpected with musical instrument insurance is the best way to stay protected. Read on tolearn why.



Accidents Happen

Instruments can easily be damaged, even in the safety of your own home. Exposure to direct sunlight and heat is one of the most common factors that can cause varnish and joints to degrade. Moisture and temperature changes are additional factors that can significantly affect your instruments' quality and sound. Dust and dirt are other things to avoid if you want to protect your instrument and prolong its life. Damage from failure to store and maintain your musical instruments properly can be extremely expensive to fix, or be irreversible.

An easy way to safeguard your high-quality musical instrument is to always store it in a weatherproof case, away from sunlight, heat, moisture, dust, and dirt. Whenever you’re traveling with your instrument, always make sure you’re securely transporting and storing it to avoid any damage. However, even the proper precautions and instrument care may not always be enough to protect your instrument, because accidents can always happen.

Whether you're practicing at home, or performing on tour, all it takes is one freak accident, or mistake, to damage your instrument irreversibly. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, storms, or floods canalso damage your instrument and ruin your investment, not to mention the destruction caused by fires. Another unfortunate issue musicians may face is having their instruments stolen. The risks are too high not to protect yourself.

So if you prefer to focus on honing your craft rather than worrying about what could happen to your instruments, getting them insured is the best answer, and choosing the right musical instrument insurance is the key.

Homeowners Insurance May Not Be Enough

Household insurance policies often impose limits on the total property damage claim, or evenclaim limits per item. Some exclude musical instruments or offer per-item coverage that is lower than their actual cost. This means you would need to request a rider on your policy that would specifically provide coverage for your instruments, which often significantly increases the insurance premiums.

There are some additional pitfalls here as well. Homeowners insurance is usually not ‘all-risk’, meaning it will only cover damage from named perils such as theft or fire, but not necessarily natural disasters. It also may not cover professional use. Furthermore, homeowners' insurance policies will most likely not cover your musical instruments once they leave your home. Which for any professional or training musician is simply unacceptable?

The Benefits of Musical Instrument Insurance

When choosing insurance for your musical instruments, you should pay attention to the specific features and benefits each policy offers. An excellent specialized musical instrument insurance policy will cover professional usage, breakage, and even damage from natural disasters such as earthquakes or floods. It will also provide coverage for borrowed or rented instruments while yours are being repaired.

Clarion Associates proudly offers our clients all these coverages and more, as well as access to one of the nation's largest networks of authorized dealers. Our specialized musical instrument insurance offers a wide range of benefits that will allow you to focus on your art, rather than worrying about your instrument’s future. Clarion Associates is proudly here for you and your instruments.

Conclusion

Purchasing a musical instrument can be a significant investment, both personally and financially. This is true for anyone, but it's especially true for professional or training musicians who play valuable and delicate instruments. Unfortunately, even with proper care and maintenance, your instrument isn't guaranteed to be safe and protected. Accidents happen all the time – even at home. Thankfully, Clarion is here to help you when they do. 

Our specialized, and comprehensive, musical instrument insurance plans are trusted by thousands of musicians all over the world. Contact us today and speak to our team for a quote and find out why Clarion is the perfect solution for protecting your musical instruments.

 

Sunday, 13 September 2020

Buying Viola Insurance - Some Critical Aspects to Take In Account

You simply cannot put a price tag on everything you have in life. Isn’t it? The same goes for your musical instruments. Yes, you shelled out a certain amount, a huge one, to be precise, to procure your viola. But you can’t define its importance in your life based just on how expensive it is. Can you? So, no matter if it is your first one or you have added another to your collection, your voila holds a very special place in your heart that is probably beyond any money. Right? 

However, your love, care, and daily cleaning rituals are not enough to protect your much-loved instrument(s). So, how do you ensure that your viola is well-protected against the possible yet unexpected scenarios? Well, the answer is - by purchasing a Viola Insurance you can ensure that your gear is safe and secure and your finances are in place.

Some aspects to count in when buying a policy

When it comes to buying an insurance policy, there are some crucial aspects that you need to consider. These will help you choose the right cover with no room for discrepancies in the future. So, let us take a quick look at the pointers given below - 

Make sure to get your viola appraised before signing an insurance agreement. It will allow you to get the right extent of coverage. Most reputed musical instrument insurance providers agree with the same and ask their customers for music gear appraisal beforehand. It is for your good only. 

Devaluation is another vital aspect when buying an instrument-specific insurance plan. Always remember, the condition of your gear is a critical determinant of its value. Most importantly, a slight crack or dent can reduce the value (overall) of your instrument to a great extent. Therefore, it is highly advisable to get your viola repaired before asking for an appraisal. 

Your home insurance might not be the right choice for your musical instruments. There are a number of reasons behind the same. First of all, it will not provide a comprehensive cover. Secondly, it will not cover your gears outside your home. Thirdly, home insurance policies do not cover things that are used for commercial purposes. Fourthly, it will not provide worldwide cover to your gears. Do you need more reasons not to include your viola under your home insurance? So, go and buy a dedicated one right away.

Who is the right candidate for getting an insurance policy?

Everyone who owns a viola needs a separate Viola Insurance, regardless of his or her professional status - an amateur or professional. The reason - an insurance policy can cover a wide range of risks, including - fire, flood, hurricane, earthquake, rainfall, theft, and robbery, among others. Plus, you are likely to get worldwide coverage with a dedicated insurance policy for your viola.

Claim settlement is another critical side of insurance

With a reputed insurance provider, claim settlement is easy, especially if you have the right coverage. However, in order to make sure that you get what you deserve, you need to file the claim timely. So, if you damage or lose your instrument, it is important to get in touch with your insurance provider as soon as possible and tell them everything. It will ensure that you get the right compensation.

Do not overlook public liability cover

Accidents are sometimes inevitable. And, it can take a coarse turn if you are at fault and someone else is injured or his or her property has suffered any loss or damage. Such scenarios are known as public liabilities. However, if you have a comprehensive music instrument insurance policy, you are covered against public liabilities.

So, what are you waiting for? Find the best insurance company in your state and cover your viola under the most suitable insurance plan.