Horn Insurance

[TubaCoopa]

I'm going to be going off to college next year, and of course, will be bringing the horn along to keep playing. While I am not too concerned about theft, as I would keep it locked in a locker most of the time, my parents are understandably concerned about me losing their expensive investment. I was wondering what my fellow Tubenetters have as horn insurance, or if such a thing is even common or worth my while.

[Dan Schultz]

Although you can buy stated value insurance for a tuba.... insurance rules/laws vary from state to state. You should check with the agent your parents have their homeowners insurance with. In all likelihood, the horn will be covered as personal property... provided you aren't making a living playing it.

[jon112780]

Clarion.

I have all 3 of my horns insured for around $21,000 for about $190/year.

[The Big Ben]

Clarion.

I have all 3 of my horns insured for around $21,000 for about $190/year.

Theft *and* damage or just theft? Repairing damage on a 'premium' tuba could easily run $2K+ . Would be great to insure for that sort of loss.

[MaryAnn]

When I looked into Clarion some years ago, they wanted me to fill out and mail in a form that had the receipt or value from the music store I bought the instrument from. I did not buy hardly any of my instruments from music stores; I bought them from individuals, and do not have receipts as such. Some of them have appreciated in the decades since they were purchased, and for an insurer of musical instruments to assume that they depreciate just like a car would, makes that insurer useless to me.

MA

[Jeff Keller]

I just went through all of this. My homeowner's insurance is through State Farm. There were a couple of loop holes on having it cover my horn. Only if it were damaged or stolen from the home would it be covered through homeowners - not from your car, school, dorm... Most insurance providers want either a proof of purchase or an appraisal for the horn. My repairman was more than qualified for the appraisal and State Farm had no issues with the validity of the appraisal. My policy on 2 horns through State Farm covers damage and theft (from anywhere including airlines) and I pay roughly $135 a year. If you have any questions what so ever, feel free to email or pm me and I will be glad to answer any questions.

J

[pgym]

I have a classical instrument policy from MusicPro Insurance. It's an "all risks" policy, meaning that anything that is not explicitly excluded is covered. (Per the mice type in my current policy, the only exclusions are for normal wear and tear and dishonest acts by me, my employees and agents, or those entrusted with my covered equipment, other than common carriers for hire.)

No appraisal or receipt is required, except for single items valued over $25k each. The premium is $104/year for $22,500 coverage, with a $100 deductible per claim.

The insurance underwriter is Hanover Insurance Group, which is "A" rated by A. M. Best. (Clarion's underwriter is StarNet Insurance, which is also "A" rated by A. M. Best.)

[Alex C]

My State Farm policy covers my instruments inside and outside the home. Insurance laws differ from state to state. I have to pay about 50% extra because I use them professionally. It's still under $200.

We should have Congress pass a law that will automatically cover everyone who owns a tuba. If you don't own a tuba the new law should specify that the government will give you one. We might want to think about including a vehicle energy-efficient and large enough to transport the tuba (also with insurance)... and regular government gigs to transport the tuba to!

This is a really great idea unless Guam tips over.

[Dan Schultz]

..... This is a really great idea unless Guam tips over.

I heard a sound clip of this incident on my way to an Easter egg hunt today. Hilarious!

[1895King]

Are you sure that wasn't a beer hunt, Dan?

[Chriss2760]

My MetLife H.O. policy wouldn't cover my horns because they are played professionally. Had to go independent.