Why Should Musicians Invest in Music Gear Insurance?

For musicians, musical instruments make a significant part of their lives. With the right musical gear in place, they get the freedom to do a lot of good things. Spreading happiness and pleasing their audience is one of them. No matter whether you are a part of a band, a singer, a flutist, a pianist, or something else, your gear is one of the top priorities of your life and work. Isn't it?

Not only important but is one of the priciest investments you have made so far.

Have you ever thought about it?

Have you ever thought - what could be the consequences of losing or damaging your gear?

Have you ever imagined - what will you do if someone steals your musical instrument?

What if you have to pay out-of-pocket to repair or replace the gears?

God forbids, but it could lead you to the doors of bankruptcy. One of the main reasons is - musical instruments, especially professional-level ones, are pretty expensive. However, a comprehensive Music Gear Insurance policy purchased from an experienced and reputed service provider can save you a great deal. It will protect you from shelling out your hard-earned money for repairing or replacing your musical equipment if something unexpected happens to them.

A separate musical instrument insurance plan should be your go-to

Dear reader, just like you safeguard your health, car, and home under health insurance, auto insurance, and home insurance plans, respectively, and separately, your musical instruments also need separate protection. With a reliable insurance provider that understands and values the needs of its customers, you can also tailor your insurance copy according to your insurance requirements.

With an all-encompassing musical instrument insurance product, you can protect the accessories and related attachments too. It is one of the added advantages because ancillary equipment, such as a turntable, a laptop, a mixing desk, cases, and sheet music, among others, are also critical to a musician. So, there could be nothing better than it if your musical instrument insurance plan also protects them. 

Buying a Music Gear Insurance policy is an excellent move if replacing or repairing an instrument would be quite heavy on your pockets. Although a musical instrument insurance policy is for all, professional musicians should not take it for granted because there are many risks associated with their profession that involves numerous processes and heads.

Can home insurance be another resort for protecting your gears?

Yes, you can always include your musical instruments under your home or renter's protection plan. However, it is critical to understand the extent of coverage you get for your musical gears. These insurance products often offer a policy maximum on the portion of damage they are likely to cover. The cost of your musical instrument, irrespective of the type and family, maybe less than the value for per-item protection under your home insurance. Besides, damage or loss from named perils, such as theft and fire, is most of the time covered partially.

So, even if your home insurance policy offers protection to your musical instruments, it is a good idea to buy a separate policy for your beloved musical gears. The most important thing - your home insurance cover is least likely to cover your instruments if you use them in paid performances or take them out of your home. So, you are wise enough to understand the role of a separate and comprehensive musical instrument insurance plan in your musical career. Right?

What does public liability cover mean?

Liabilities inflicted by lawsuits and similar claims, such as medical bills and property repair expenses for a third party, can rip your finances apart. As the name suggests, a public liability cover protects you against such liabilities. If a third party (it could be anyone - your student or someone from the audience) files a negligence complaint and lawsuit in your name, your public liability cover that often comes with comprehensive musical instruments insurance plans will protect you.

To conclude

So, now that you know about some of the most imperative aspects of getting a dedicated musical instrument insurance plan, you should buck up and buy one for your gears as well. Having the appropriate protection plan in your musical arsenal will make your musical journey even more musical.

A Walk-Through Different Types of Flutes Instrument and an Interesting Quiz

Whether it is the first day of your flute lessons, you have a decent hold over the instrument, or you are a pro at it, wishing to upgrade your gear is always a good idea. Having that said, with a world of flute types and brands available in the market, choosing the one that will live up to your expectations can be a tough feat.

In this blog, you will walk through the varieties of flutes. Hopefully, it will help you make the right pick. So, without wasting any more time, let's get started!

Flutes for beginners

These flutes are crafted with ease of playability as the prime consideration. Plus, these are also durable and suitable for every pocket size. Generally, beginner-level flutes are made from silver-coated nickel. They feature a C foot joint minus one key and closed-hole keys. It makes it easy to handle and play.

Flutes for intermediates

These variants are transition instruments between beginner and professional level flutes. They come with open holes and handmade head joints. These are available in the mid-price range.

Flutes for professionals

It goes without saying that professional flues are pricier than beginner and intermediate level woodwinds. These are usually handmade, which adds to the cost, and come with soldered tone holes and solid silver-made keys. These flutes can be customized according to the preferences and requirements of the player. You can find flutes in different types of materials.

So, these are the three basic categories of the oldest woodwind instrument, the flute. So, before you decide on which flute to purchase, do remember to consider your needs as a flute player in the first place.

What's next after purchasing the flute?

Do you know which is the next thing you need to buy after getting the best flute for yourself? Mmm, is it a case or a service and maintenance guide? Well! Although your answer is correct, you are missing something more critical. What's that?

Let's play another quiz. By the time the quiz ends, you will have your answer right in front of your screen! So, how about having some fun?

Here are some scenarios in the form of questions below. You will have to choose an answer that will protect your finances if you have selected it before the event took place. You will get the answer!

What would be the first thing you would do if your flute is damaged?

●    Sit and cry
●    Take it for servicing and repair
●    Buy a new flute
●    Buy a musical instrument insurance policy

What if someone steals it from your car?

●    Go to the police and file a missing complaint
●    Do nothing and buy a new one
●    Forget about the incident
●    Buy a comprehensive Flute Insurance plan

What would you do if a transportation service provider misplaces your flute?

●    File a lawsuit against the transportation service provider
●    Protect yourself in advance by getting an insurance plan
●    Sit and repent
●    Do nothing

What if you get involved in a public liability case surrounding your woodwind?

●    Reimburse the third party for the loss
●    Do nothing
●    Protect your flute even before the accident happens
●    Sit and cry

If most of your answers hint at getting the right musical instrument policy, you have your answer, i.e., buy a Flute Insurance policy from a reliable insurance provider.

Wouldn’t your home insurance policy come in handy?

If you consider your home insurance plan to protect your musical instruments, there might be some loopholes in your decision. Take a look at the below pointers:

●    Your home insurance plan, regardless of the hefty premiums you pay, will not cover your flute outside your home (the covered property).
●    You may say, alright, it would not provide coverage outside the covered property. What if my flute suffers damage beyond repair inside the home? In that case, my gear will get coverage. Right? Yes, right! However, that coverage is most likely to be limited by some caps, unlike musical instrument insurance plans that offer comprehensive protection.
●    Your home insurance policy will not cover your flute if you pay it at professional gigs in exchange for money.
●    Any accidental damage to your musical instrument, inside or outside, will not be covered by your home insurance policy.

Therefore, do not delay and buy a dedicated musical instrument insurance policy for your flute before you are too late.

Why Public Liability Insurance is Important for musicians?

The pandemic followed an array of shutdowns and restrictions has almost incapacitated the entire world. The musicians are no exception to it. With gigs put on hold and auditoriums and arenas shuttered for a long time, it feels great to see the world reopen with a new zeal. As far as the music industry is concerned, bookings are again filling up for various occasions. Given the scenario, you are probably rehearsing hard for your upcoming gig, perhaps a long overdue one. However, amidst all the excitement and apprehensions, you should not forget an imperative consideration - your musical instrument insurance plan.

More venues are asking for public liability cover than before.

When it comes to getting insurance for musicians, you should be aware of a crucial piece of information. Owing to the global health crisis, more and more venues are now asking the performers to have sufficient public liability cover than ever before. Some even do not allow the musicians to make a booking or perform if they do not have a copy of public liability cover. The reason? Read on!

The cost of a third-party accident can be heavy on your shoulders.

The cost of a lawsuit can tear your savings apart if, unfortunately, you get entangled in an accident involving any third party. And a public or third-party cover protects you against the consequences. However, you should not get this cover just for the sake of rules. You should make sure to buy it for your own good, instead. Always remember, accidents are unpredictable. And no matter how careful you are, you can get involved in one at any point in time. Whether you are a professional performer, a music composer, a teacher, a curator, or simply own musical instruments, a third-party liability cover protects you all the time.

Live performances are a one-of-a-kind experience for the performer as well as the audience. However, things can take a downward turn if someone from the audience gets injured due to tripping over a wire. They could file a lawsuit against you, and you would be held liable for paying off their medical bills and, of course, the legal fees.

A concert involves more than only your audience.

Moreover, it is not only the viewers you need to take care of at your show. There are many scenarios involved related to the property of the venue. For example, you accidentally damaged the venue property, and you are asked to compensate for the same. Damage can be as minor as a dent to as severe as massive deterioration to the property. With appropriate Insurance for Musicians, you are protected against all such scenarios.

Are you a music teacher as well?

If you are a professional musician who is also a music coach, passing on your knowledge and expertise to your students, then also public liability coverage is essential for you. If you take the lessons at your home, you might think - what could go wrong here. It is your home, a safe and private property. Right? However, you might not be correct this time as the risks remain there. What if a student gets injured due to tripping over a carpet? What if they demand compensation? In the same way, what if a student damages your property, leaving you with a big-figured repair bill? These are the situations when public liability insurance comes to your rescue.

Protect your finances and take a sigh of relief.

A reputed and customer-friendly insurance service provider knows that the last couple of years have been tough on you and your career, especially in terms of finances. So, when someone suggests you get an insurance plan for musicians, you may not take it seriously. You might think that if you skip this, you may save a little and invest it somewhere else. However, this move may land you in trouble if you get involved in an accident. Therefore, you should not ignore getting a specialized insurance plan to protect your interests.

One of the best ways to find a suitable insurance plan for musicians is searching the World Wide Web. You will find a lot of relevant and useful information on the internet about insurance policies and providers. So, finding a plan to meet your needs should not be a hard nut to crack.

Helpful Tips for Buying a Fiddle Instrument Insurance

When is the right time to buy an insurance plan for your musical instrument? It is - right when you purchase the gear. Here, the adage, make sure to hope for the best and get ready for the worst, fits aptly. A musical instrument insurance plan is one of the key components to shield your investment from unforeseen misfortunes.

Thankfully, there is no dearth of musical instrument protection plans. So, you can choose one according to your requirements to cover your Fiddle. If you find it confusing to pick a suitable Fiddle Insurance plan, keep reading. Here, we have rounded up some pointers in a checklist to help you find the right protection plan for your bowed string!

Traveling frequency

If you are a touring performer and need to go to different places in and outside your country, you might be worried about the safety of your weapon. Right? What if it gets damaged in transit? What if someone steals it? What if it breaks beyond repair? Questions like this are likely to cross your mind, and it is pretty understandable. However, with a suitable instrument-specific insurance plan in place, you can fly with peace. Just make sure that your gearcase is airline-approved.

Pro Tip: Mention your instrument as high value to get maximum coverage.

The current value of your bowed string instrument

Although you must be pretty familiar with the value of your musical gear, considering it while purchasing a cover ensures that you can compare the policies well. If you wish, you can also get your fiddle appraised by a local and reputable dealer if your gear is expensive.

A suitable deductible

The deductible depends on what insurance plan you choose. However, the higher the deductibles, the lower will be the premium amount. You can select a musical instrument insurance plan that covers loss, damage, or theft. However, if the deductible is high, you are less likely to get a claim in case of minor damages.

The extent of musical instrument coverage

Depending on the type and value of your musical instrument, you can select from different extents of protection. For example, Although the dedicated cover is crucial, if your gear is not expensive, you may choose to include it under your home insurance plan. However, if it is pricey, you should make it a thumb rule to include it under a comprehensive musical instrument insurance plan.

Your insurance provider

Fiddle Insurance is a specialized domain in the world of insurance policies. Therefore, you should make sure to choose a service provider that is experienced in dealing with such policies. Otherwise, you might not get sufficient coverage and assistance at the time of need.

Public liability cover

A professional musician needs to have adequate public liability coverage in place. It protects them if someone, a third party, is injured or their property suffers damage during a gathering or musical concert. This cover includes the medical bills and legal fees, as and when needed. Moreover, some facilities allow musicians to perform, only if they have the public liability cover. So, you are wise enough to get to the crux of the matter and act accordingly.

Filing a claim

You should choose a company that offers hassle-free claim settlements. Most policies have caps on the last day of filing a claim. So, make sure to read your policy documents carefully beforehand. Most importantly, it is imperative to follow the claim procedure to ensure that you get the best possible benefits out of it. So, be careful and do the needful. After an event of accident or theft of your fiddle, make sure to report the cops and your insurance provider as early as possible.

Know your requirements and choose a plan wisely

These are some of the most important things that you should keep in your mind when planning to buy a musical instrument insurance plan. Dear reader, the market of musical instrument protection may seem complicated to you in the first go. However, if you know what you need from your plan and understand which policy can live up to your needs and financial requirements, buying a musical instrument insurance plan will be a cakewalk. So, without further ado, find a suitable plan, and cover your gear.

How About Learning Some Fascinating Facts About the Viola Instrument?

The viola belongs to the violin or stringed instrument family. However, unlike its oh-so-famous brothers and sisters, not many of us are familiar with it. Are you interested in learning the viola, or are just curious about this musical instrument?

Without much ado, let us delve deeper into knowing this unique stringed cousin of the violin. However, before getting started, it is crucial to keep in mind that every viola owner should make sure to have an adequate amount of musical instrument insurance in place, no matter what.

History of Viola’s Origin

Let us start with leafing back through the pages of history when and how violas first saw the light on the Earth.

The present-day violas originated back in the mid-16th century. The viola was created and played for the first time in the Northern part of Italy. Although some conceptions about the viola are unclear, two people, Gaspare da Salo and Andrea Amati from Brescia and Cremona, respectively, contributed highly to the creation of violas.

You probably know that the names of the members of the string family are derived from the phrase viola da braccio. In Italian, it means on the arms. This phrase is used to differentiate between the viol and violin.

The Unique Way of Crafting the Viola

The process the artisans use to craft a traditional viola is still the same as before. The one thing that makes this musical instrument unique is - it needs different types of carefully selected pieces and materials to craft a viola to maximize the output and performance of the same.

●    The top of this musical gear is made using spruce wood.
●    The neck, rips, and back use maple or ebony wood because the variants of woods render a distinctive beauty to the viola while adding to its durability and sturdiness.
●    Before the string instrument is varnished, the pieces are made and attached together with the help of glue. Then, the strings (four in number), the bridge, the tailpiece, and the chinrest (optional) are added.

Strengthen Your Arms While Creating a Bright Career

Although the viola is a bit larger than the typical violins, there is a significant difference in the weights of these two musical instruments. As the former is also heavier than the latter, they are capable of strengthening your arms.

Moreover, the style of playing the viola is pretty intricate. So, it works wonders on your muscles, including wrists, triceps, biceps, and fingers. Therefore, a large number of parents encourage their kids to learn to play the viola.

However, still, it is one of the most underrated musical instruments. It has a plus side too. When the number of players is less, the competition will also be less. Right? Therefore, it is likely to offer a more promising career option. The most important thing - all viola players and owners must buy Viola Insurance for the safety and security of their musical instruments and, of course, their finances.

The middle ground pitches

Do you know what makes the viola stand out in the crowd of other stringed musical instruments? This musical gear has got a unique pitch. The pitch of the viola is around one octave higher than the cello. Therefore, it does not produce a mournful sound like the cello. Also, its pitch is one fifth below than the violin. So, its tone is also earthier. Therefore, many musicians consider the viola as the middle path.

The most expensive viola

If you are planning to purchase a viola, do remember that this cousin of the violin is slightly pricier than its counterparts. The reason? There go years of experience, care, eye for detail, and craftsmanship to carve out the viola. Do you know the price of the most expensive viola ever sold and who made it? One of the master luthiers of the world, Stradivarius MacDonald one, made the most expensive viola. It was sold for a whopping $45 million.

So, if you have purchased a viola, make sure to get it the comprehensive protection of a dedicated Viola Insurance plan.

Dear reader, a musical instrument insurance plan may seem unimportant in the first place. However, if, unfortunately, bad luck strikes, it would be the first thing to come to your rescue.

Do You Need Travel Insurance for Saxophone Instruments?

If you own a saxophone, regardless of what your professional standing may be - an amateur, a student with intermediate skill, or a high-end musician, you should be particular about safeguarding your instrument and investment.

Some of the best ways to do that are -

●    First of all, by installing a decent home security system in your home or recording studio
●    And, secondly, by purchasing a suitable Saxophone Insurance plan

Home or renter insurance plan

When deciding on the right insurance policy for your musical instruments and related accessories, the best stand, to begin with, is your home or renter insurance. Charity begins at home, you know. Jokes apart, your home insurance or renter protection policy is more likely to cover your gears if something unwanted happens to them inside your home.

Make sure to check with your insurance service provider if there exists a designated limit for each item. Do you understand what it means? With your home insurance plan, your saxophone might not be fully protected.

Another crucial thing to be aware of here is your homeowners' insurance policy is applicable only when the damage or loss is caused by one of the many perils, such as vandalism or fire. Issues as a result of earthquakes and floods are least likely to be covered.

Plus, you get coverage for your main musical instrument only. Home or renter insurance does not cover accessories. However, when it comes to musical instrument insurance plans, they offer all-risk cover. And, they also include your accessories.

Add-on or rider on home insurance

You can also schedule your musical gear. It means that you can purchase an add-on for your saxophone on your home or renter insurance plan. Although it may increase the extent of coverage a little, the protection will still not be all-encompassing.

Travel insurance plan

If you are worried about any kind of damage or loss during travel or transportation, you can choose another option, i.e., travel insurance. Travel insurance plans that come with baggage loss benefits are likely to pay for a lost, misplaced, or damaged musical instrument.

The reason - if you have bought a travel insurance plan that offers baggage loss benefits, all your bags, along with your instruments are likely to be covered. However, then it will depend on the type and price point of your musical instrument.

Do not forget to check the amount of coverage given on your coverage confirmation document. Remember, it is the maximum sum insured that your insurance company will pay you for a covered loss.

Dedicated musical instrument coverage

If your saxophone is high-end or if you want complete peace of mind, considering a standalone Saxophone Insurance plan is the best thing to do. Most musical instruments and accessories are likely to travel with you both long and short distances and domestically and internationally. It is especially for you if you are a touring artist. In such cases, having a comprehensive musical instrument insurance plan is vital.

Moreover, if you see the reports, you will find that most frequently, the losses or damages to musical gears are caused due to breakage. Although the instances of water damage, fire, etc., are not so frequent, they can end up being very severe and heavy on your wallet. Therefore, being prepared in advance is always a wise thing. Precaution is better than cure, after all.

Some tips to protect your saxophone while traveling

●    If you are traveling via air, make sure to keep your woodwind into the cabin. In case you are carrying large musical instruments like a cello, you may book an extra seat next to you.

●    Make sure not to leave your musical gear unattended, whether it is your car, a bus, a train, or any other vehicle or place.

●    Do not forget to take pictures of your saxophone before and after your journey. It will help you if you have filed a claim settlement case.

●    If your musical instrument is lost or damaged during transit, make sure to inform your airline and insurance provider within 24 hours of the accident.

Now that you have a fairly clear idea about the insurance options you have, you are wise enough to understand if or not you need travel insurance for your saxophone or get a comprehensive musical instrument insurance plan.

Specialist Musical Instruments Insurance Plans for Orchestras

Orchestras and musical bands are often exposed to a wide range of perils. And to handle and mitigate them single-handedly could be a tough feat for the band members. Therefore, specialist insurance coverage is crucial to take care of all these. Why specialist coverage when you already have general business protection?

Being a musical band, getting a general business insurance cover is not a big deal. You can get it from any decent insurance provider operating in your state. However, there are a plethora of good reasons to get standalone coverage for your business, an insurance policy that can understand the nature of your business.

Non-specialist vs. specialist insurance provider

When you are into performing art, you go on tours, manage events, and do a whole lot of things. So, when you choose a non-specialist insurance provider, they have pre-set notions and not-so-accurate ideas about the music industry. Therefore, they happen to charge more on premiums, and often the coverage is not adequate.

The same happens to people who simply rely on their home insurance for protecting their musical instruments - incomplete coverage against hefty premiums.

However, when you choose a comprehensive Orchestra Insurance plan, the insurer knows what you need and offers realistic coverage options.

Most non-specialist insurance providers have the least knowledge about musical instruments. Therefore, they fail to understand the connection you share with your musical instruments.

However, when you choose a specialized insurance provider, they understand musical instruments and their values in the market and your life too. So, they happen to provide comprehensive coverage.

As non-specialist insurance providers do not have much knowledge about musical instruments and their values in the market, claim settlement can be a hard nut to crack with them.

However, the scene is completely different with a specialized insurance provider who deals with musical instruments. 

Insurance benefits to avail

With a good musical instrument insurance provider, you can avail of the following insurance benefits:

Property insurance: It includes all your electronic and non-electronic instruments and equipment, mics, stands, cases, sheet music, hired gears, audio-visual gears, and programs, to name a few.

Loss of income cover: It protects your income flow in cases of technical or physical problems, including lighting and sound problems, telecommunication error, issues caused due to elements of nature, theft, and robbery.

Comprehensive public liability insurance: It pays for the payments you have incurred towards compensating a third party due to their physical injury or property damage caused by you.

Workman's compensation insurance: It covers freelancers, managers, and ticket sellers along with your temporary and permanent workers. Always remember, your goodwill in the music industry is not going to cover you for compensating a worker for an injury. However, a comprehensive Orchestra Insurance plan will.

Insurance against omissions and errors: This cover is especially important when you belong to the professional world of music. It will protect you against the allegations of copyright infringement, slander, breach of confidentiality, and similar problems.

So, these are some of the crucial coverage options that you are likely to get with a dedicated insurance plan designed for orchestras, musical bands, and ensembles. Make sure to check these out when buying an insurance plan.

Finding a trustworthy insurance provider

So, you have finally decided to buy a dedicated musical instrument insurance plan for your orchestra. Now it is time to choose a reliable insurance provider. Choosing a good service provider is crucial because it decides how your policy will end up helping you at the time of need. Although you will find many insurance providers in the market, finding a reputable option might feel like a challenge to you. However, there is nothing to worry about. Just follow the steps given below, be careful, and that’s it! Let’s take a look at the pointers given below:

●    Search the World Wide Web with relevant keywords, and you will find a list of insurance providers operating in your state.

●    Once you have the list handy, visit their websites one by one and collect all the useful information, such as the types of policies they offer, the extent of coverage you may likely expect, etc. Then, you should ask for price quotes from each one of them, compare them, and then decide on a plan.

●    Make sure to choose a licensed and certified insurance provider.

Once you have the assurance of a dedicated insurance plan, you can take a sigh of relief.