How To Get The Right Insurance For Your String Instrument: A Checklist

By Author: victor12johnson
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If you own or rent your string instrument, you know it needs proper maintenance and constant care to keep it playing perfectly. Buying a musical instrument is a substantial investment, both financially and emotionally. Trying to ensure you get the right violin or guitar is difficult, as each instrument has its own 'feel' and sound.

Having violin insurance is also essential, especially if you rent your instrument or own an advanced violin. But now that you have chosen the right fit for you, how do you protect that investment?

Even though we don't want them to occur, accidents are bound to happen. The best way to protect yourself from irreparable damage and high replacement costs is to have an effective insurance policy.

However, parents and students often wonder how to set it up. How do you choose the right insurance for your musical instrument, and just as importantly, who do you trust to work with you if something goes wrong? So, if you are wondering which string instrument insurance is suitable for you, you're not alone!

Here's ...
... how to find the right musical instrument insurance coverage that will suit your needs.

Instrument and Equipment Insurance Benefits and Features

Unlike homeowner’s policies, purchase musical equipment insurance from a specialized dealer. It allows you to take advantage of the protections associated with performing music. Almost all policies will offer coverage for repairs and replacements, which may include:

• String instruments that are accidentally broken
• Occupational use hazards: those occurring during transit or performance
• Replacement instrument costs: So that you don't have to miss that vital audition due to a lack of instruments and can still meet your various playing obligations.
• Flood and earthquake damages
• Guaranteed replacements costs: The price you insure your violin for is the price you collect if you have a claim
• Ability to cover all your accessories: You can include your bow, music stand, and other equipment, even your sheet music, in the coverage amount

With many plans, you can also opt to repurchase your violin. Such as if the device is stolen or lost, and the right to retain any salvageable parts. For sentimental reasons, many form a strong connection with their violin and want to keep an entire piece. With an appliance insurance program, you'll likely have that option.

Moreover, most policies offer very affordable rates. They are typically placed between $0.75-$2.00 per $100 in coverage, and minimum coverage amounts typically start at $500.

How To Choose the Right Insurance for Your Musical Instrument?

In order to choose the right string instrument insurance, you need to give the following questions a thought:

What is the price of your musical instrument?

It is important to keep in mind the current value of your string instrument in order to decide whether or not you need insurance. To be eligible for insurance, your instrument should be above a certain value. If it’s below that price, you won’t be eligible to claim insurance.

What type of musical instrument do you want the insurance to cover?

This is another thing that you need to know. Make a list of all musical instruments that you want your insurance to cover before looking for an insurance plan. This is because some musical instruments, like double bass, need double protection as compared to other instruments. Hence, it is essential to know if the insurance you will be taking covers this particular instrument or not.

Do you travel often?

If you travel often, make sure the plan you choose covers the instrument while it is in transit. Otherwise, any damage caused to the instrument in flight would not be covered and you would be at a loss.

What type and level of coverage do you want?

There are different levels and types of musical instrument coverage such as product liability insurance, general liability insurance, professional liability insurance, etc. It’s important that you figure out in advance what type and level of coverage you want to make an informed decision.

With this checklist in mind, you would be able to select the right insurance for your musical instrument!