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Re: Insurance

Author: kdennyclarinet
Date: 2004-08-05 23:26

I don't claim to know all the best options on this matter, however, I will share information about my own coverage. I've taken out a separate policy through my homeowners/automobile insurance company. If you'd like to know the company's name, feel free to e-mail me. It is a large company that is well-known and well-respected. My policy is a "Personal Articles: Musical Instruments" policy. It covers three professional level clarinets, two student clarinets, one student flute, and one student trumpet. I pay $188 annually for all of this coverage that carries a zero deductible. ZERO deductible. The annual fee is based on how much value of a claim that you have. So, if you were to only cover one professional clarinet, it is around $50 per year give or take a few dollars. What's nice about it is that it does not expire as a factory warranty or additional limited warranty will.

The policy will cover theft, accidents (by yourself or others), damage (natural and unnatural causes--hence cracks), fire, flood, and other natural disasters... etc. The list goes on and on. It's basically a no-fault policy. Accessories such as mouthpieces, ligatures, barrels, and special bells are all covered and should be included in your estimated value when you first take out the policy.

I have made three claims since I began the coverage approximately six years ago. The first was when I dropped and chipped my $175 mouthpiece. I purchased a new one, sent in the receipt, and was promptly sent a check for the full amount. That year my coverage paid for itself. The second claim was when I accidentally closed my case while my ligature was not in the proper place. It was a gold Bay ligature (if you are familiar with these, you know they are very fragile). The next time I opened my case, I found a "pancaked" ligature. Once again, I bought a new ligature, turned in the receipt, and was reimbursed. Finally, my Bb R13 that I had owned for five years developed three cracks while I was living in Nebraska and going to school. Because selecting a new instrument takes time (over a year in my case), the insurance claim was turned in and I was simply mailed a check for the claimed amount I had on the policy for that specific clarinet. Although the cracks were pinned and the clarinet does not play "the same", I still have it and use it as a back up or for outdoor concerts. I did not even have to turn in the cracked clarinet for the claim. Amazingly, my annual rate has not increased due to my claims.

Hopefully, you can see how this policy has been a lifesaver for me. I encourage you to look into a policy like this through your own homeowners/auto insurance company.

Regards,
K. Denny

BME, MM, DMA

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