Saxophones Instrument insurance

[Moz]

Having started to do gigs with a band it has crossed my mind that I really need to take out insurance for my saxes in case some blithering idiot stumbles into the stand and destroys my prides and joy. This especially as a check on prices tells me my Yani's have gone up from the £1300 each I paid for them to a massive £1800 (one sop and one tenor) presumably because of this governments attitude to finance and the subsequent rubbish exchange rates (but don't get me started again).

The musical instrument insurance market is almost as complex as car insurance and I have got quotes ranging between £36 (suspiciously cheap) to £130 (bleedin' expensive). So, I am looking for advice on what comprises a good insurance company to provide me with cover for theft, damage etc away from home, in the UK only and, I suppose, with liability cover in case said blithering idiot above decides to sue because he broke a finger nail on my mic stand.

Who do you use?

Cheers

Martin

 

[Lloyd]

I'm no expert, but check out your house insurance and see how much it would cost to insure your instruments away from the home as specified items. I know it's possible to insure pretty much anything this way. Contact your insurance company and make sure that you tell them you will be taking your instruments to play gigs as this may constitute professional liablilty.

 

[Justin Chune]

I have my home contents insurance with Churchill and have my instruments insured on that policy. I only had to specify items worth more than £1500.

The British Reserve Insurance Co specialise in musical instrument insurance and I think that they may be part of the Allianz Group. www.musical-insurance.co.uk You can also phone them at 0844 391 1084.

Like you, I am going to upgrade my cover soon.

Jim.

 

[robert1960]

Hi Martin,

I use British Reserve. Their cover seems to include most things. However, I have only ever claimed once and that was before they were part of Allianz. You don't really find out how good an insurance company is until you make a claim.

Robert

 

[griff136]

As a repairer I see loads of instruments come in for repair under insurance, I can recommend Allianz very highly, the customer gives me their claim number, i email allianz the quote - usually get the go ahead for the work within 2 days, I invoice them directly and am paid within a week.

I have my instruments insured by them.

Whilst your home insurance may cover your items please do check thet they will be covered if knocked off their stands whilst on a stage/public area. Some insurers only insure for loss and not accidental damage.

Also If you are a member of the M.U musicians union - you also get a hefy discount on your musical instrument insurance.

 

[Justin Chune]

I think that working musicians should insure with a specialist like British Reserve. They used to give me a discount for being a member of CASS.

Jim.

 

[Pete Thomas]

Speak to Sandra at Victor C Knight. A friendly person on the phone is what I like.

0208 351 2400

 

[Jules]

Hi Martin,

I use British Reserve. Their cover seems to include most things. However, I have only ever claimed once and that was before they were part of Allianz. You don't really find out how good an insurance company is until you make a claim.

Robert

Claimed with Allianz twice- very good, fast and professional both times. Big thumbs up for 'em...

 

[Moz]

Thank you all. After reading your comments, I have gone with Allianz insurance and insured £3500 worth of sax stuff for £76.

Cheers

Martin