Instrument Insurance

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Mark Preece
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Instrument Insurance

Post by Mark Preece »

Can anyone recommend a reliable insurance company for insuring my tubas? Clarion has been recommended to me, but their webpage is so faulty I have a really hard time trusting them. http://www.clarionins.com

Any suggestions would really help me out.

Thank you.
Mark Preece
Principal Tuba, Regina Symphony Orchestra
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Phil Dawson
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Post by Phil Dawson »

I use State Farm. I get about $23,000 of coverage including pro use (money making) for about $115 a year. If you don't use your horns to make money then they should be covered under your homeowners or renters insurance.
Good Luck, Phil
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Post by Mark Preece »

Phil Dawson wrote:I use State Farm. I get about $23,000 of coverage including pro use (money making) for about $115 a year. If you don't use your horns to make money then they should be covered under your homeowners or renters insurance.
Good Luck, Phil
Would a company like State Farm include coverage worldwide? I live in Japan, but to get coverage at a Japanese cmpany is not possible, because I cannot read the Japanese contract. Even getting a translator is not allowed! I must be able to read the original contract before signing. Any American companies that can help me out? (Is State Farm an American or Canadian company?)
Mark Preece
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Phil Dawson
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Post by Phil Dawson »

They are American. I don't know what world wide coverage they offer. You also might check with the musicians union. In the US they offer quite reasonable coverage. There are also a fair number of musical organizations that offer coverage availability with membership.
Phil
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Post by scottw »

Phil Dawson wrote: If you don't use your horns to make money then they should be covered under your homeowners or renters insurance.
Good Luck, Phil
Homeowners, yes, but you must file for a separate rider to get coverage on a horn. I think it costs about $40. a year for my 186.
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Re: Instrument Insurance

Post by Norm Pearson »

Mark Preece wrote:...Clarion has been recommended to me, but their webpage is so faulty I have a really hard time trusting them...
I know several people that have filed claims with Clarion Musical instrument insurance and had no problems at all. I'm not sure what the problem is with the web page but I would not let that sway your opinion of the company. The most important thing with any insurance is how well they treat you when you file a claim. I insure my non LA Philharmonic use instruments with them because there are fewer exclusions determined by how the instrument is used.

My opinion FWIW

Norm Pearson
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Mark Preece
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Re: Instrument Insurance

Post by Mark Preece »

Norm Pearson wrote:I know several people that have filed claims with Clarion Musical instrument insurance and had no problems at all. I'm not sure what the problem is with the web page but I would not let that sway your opinion of the company. The most important thing with any insurance is how well they treat you when you file a claim. I insure my non LA Philharmonic use instruments with them because there are fewer exclusions determined by how the instrument is used.

My opinion FWIW

Norm Pearson
That is very interesting... Thank you for the heads up. Maybe I will try and email them directly rather than trying to use the online application form that doesn't work.

Thanks Norm!
Mark Preece
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Tubainsauga

Post by Tubainsauga »

I tried to get Clarion insurance but it is only available to residents of the United States. Does anyone know of an alternative for Canadians?
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Post by Mark Preece »

Tubainsauga wrote:I tried to get Clarion insurance but it is only available to residents of the United States. Does anyone know of an alternative for Canadians?
That is strange, because on the application form there are options in the address portion of the application for US, outside US, and Canada. I have emailed them, and I will pass on their information when I get a response.
Mark Preece
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Mark E. Chachich
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Post by Mark E. Chachich »

I have used Nationwide for many years (Inland Marine Policy). An Inland Marine Policy can cover things like musical instruments used professionally, it can also cover many other expensive movable objects that are not able to be covered under other policy types. I think that most of the major insurance companies offer this type of policy. Also, the rates are generally reasonable.

good luck,
Mark
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Post by tubatooter1940 »

Many insurance companies balk at possible overseas claims. If the agent is fully informed as to areas of travel,then he will be able to quote a realistic rate.
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Post by Mark Preece »

I just received word back from Clarion, and yes, you need a US postal address. However, they will be able to start insuring Canadian addresses starting in August.

Anyone know of an International Insrurer I can contact? I cannot use my old Canadian address, because it will risk me losing my non-residence status. I cannot afford that.

Thanks to all!
Mark Preece
Principal Tuba, Regina Symphony Orchestra
Performing Artist, Besson Instruments (Buffet Crampon)
Performing Artist, LefreQue Sound Bridges
Instructor, University of Regina
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Post by Mark Preece »

No luck in finding a suitable insurer. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Mark Preece
Principal Tuba, Regina Symphony Orchestra
Performing Artist, Besson Instruments (Buffet Crampon)
Performing Artist, LefreQue Sound Bridges
Instructor, University of Regina
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Post by scottw »

SJSUW wrote:How about MusicPro Insurance:

<musicproinsurance.com>
This from their site:


MusicPro Insurance Agency LLC
Frequently Asked Questions
About Instrument & Equipment Liability Insurance

Q: Where are my instruments and equipment covered?
A: The coverage for all of your scheduled equipment is world-wide. This means that you will have coverage at your home or studio, while in transit to any of your "gigs", and at the actual venue.

The "world-wide" seems appropriate to your situation!
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Post by Mark Preece »

scottw wrote:A: The coverage for all of your scheduled equipment is world-wide. This means that you will have coverage at your home or studio, while in transit to any of your "gigs", and at the actual venue.

The "world-wide" seems appropriate to your situation!
Thank you for the information. While this is true of worldwide coverage, this does not mean that the company will insure anyone who lives anywhere in the world! This company as well as others I have checked so far, have either requested a Canadian or American home address. Once you are insured from CAN or USA, you are then covered to travel worldwide. Many companies do offer worldwide coverage, but only if you reside in Canada or the US... :roll:

I am trying to locate an Insurance company that will insure my instruments even though I live in Japan. Does anyone have any information about Insurance companies in Asia, with an English connection? I know this seems almost impossible, but I have to find something somewhere...
Mark Preece
Principal Tuba, Regina Symphony Orchestra
Performing Artist, Besson Instruments (Buffet Crampon)
Performing Artist, LefreQue Sound Bridges
Instructor, University of Regina
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Post by Mark Preece »

Thanks all, I appreciate your continuing help!
Mark Preece
Principal Tuba, Regina Symphony Orchestra
Performing Artist, Besson Instruments (Buffet Crampon)
Performing Artist, LefreQue Sound Bridges
Instructor, University of Regina
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Post by Chuck(G) »

Mark, the first place to start with insurance is finding a broker who can line up an underwriter. You might try this one:

United Insurance Brokers Ltd
Japan Representative Office
7th Floor Daitoh Building
7-1 Kasumigaseki,
3-Chome Chiyoda-ku,
Tokyo 100-013 JAPAN

Tel:  +81 3 3500-5205
Fax:  +81 3 3502-2526
myamada@uib.jp

The head office is:

United Insurance Brokers Ltd.
69 Mansell Street
London
E1 8AN
England

Tel: +44 (0)20 7488 0551
Fax: +44 (0)20 7480 5182
enquiries@uib.co.uk
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Post by Mark Preece »

Thank you Chuck! I will try them out.
Mark Preece
Principal Tuba, Regina Symphony Orchestra
Performing Artist, Besson Instruments (Buffet Crampon)
Performing Artist, LefreQue Sound Bridges
Instructor, University of Regina
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