Frank
Registered: 08/22/06
Posts: 146
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Reply with quote | #1 |
Hello all, There was a thread on this in the old forum. I've finally decided to stop procrastinating and insure my guitars. The 2 main companies I've heard of for musical instrument insurance are Heritage and Clarion. If you use one of those, can you tell me what sold you on that particular company? Do you use a different company? If so, can you provide information on that company? I'd like something that will cover me in all circumstances as I would, on occasion, like to take my instruments outside the house. Thanks! --Frank |
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FredCarlson
Registered: 08/27/06
Posts: 200
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Reply with quote | #2 |
Frank,
I have a policy with Heritage. I think the main thing that swung me toward them was that I needed something that would cover building replacement costs for our workshop, as our homeowners policy would likely not cover things related to home business. That's probably not an issue for you, I'd guess. The other thing was that I thought Ellis Hershman (or whatever the agents name is) seemed like a good guy, he had a son studying violin building, and seemed genuinely interested in lutherie. Clarion seems more specifically for instruments and musicians rather than luthiers, although I think there is a lot of crossover. They both seem like good companies, from all I've heard.
Fred
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Frank
Registered: 08/22/06
Posts: 146
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Reply with quote | #3 |
Hey Fred, I did speak with Ellis at Healdsburg last year. I had been leaning toward Heritage because of that. It seemed that they were truly interested in getting out and dealing with people and had a special interest in guitars. However, if Clarion or any other company offers the most comprehensive policy, I am certainly open to consider any other deals. Anyone else have something to add? Take care! --Frank |
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Joe_Morgan
Registered: 08/27/06
Posts: 51
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Reply with quote | #4 |
Hey Frank, Checking in from the Comfort Inn in Winfield. I'll have a report on the festival when I get home. I decided I needed to insure my instruments a couple of years ago when I started flying with them and getting paid from time to time. I went with Heritage. I subscribe to a flatpick guitar list and when the insurance question came up, everyone was very happy with their dealings with Ellis and Joan. FWIW, all reports about Clarion were good, but most of the folks preferred Heritage. Fortunately, I haven't had any claims, but they were very easy to deal with to get the coverage in place. Hope this helps.
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Joe |
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nate
Registered: 08/27/06
Posts: 167
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Dennis_Mitchell
Registered: 08/26/06
Posts: 422
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Reply with quote | #6 |
Throw in another vote for Heritage.
Here's the contact info I have:
Joan Gallo
Heritage Insurance Services Inc.
800-289-8837 ext.112
joang@musicins.com
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Dennis Mitchell
Vita Brevis, Carpe Guitarum! |
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Frank
Registered: 08/22/06
Posts: 146
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BradHoyt
Registered: 08/27/06
Posts: 147
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Frank
Registered: 08/22/06
Posts: 146
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Reply with quote | #9 |
Hey Brad,
That does suck! From what Joan, at Heritage, told me, my policy covers full replacement cost no matter what the airlines do. Fortunately, I haven't had to test that. It is comforting to know that I'm covered but, naturally, the loss of an instrument I'd bonded with couldn't really be covered by money.
--Frank
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Stephen_W
Registered: 07/12/07
Posts: 50
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Reply with quote | #10 |
Brad, I was at the Festival and spoke with Calum numerous times over the three days. He was very nervous about the competition. However, he was bouncing off the walls after his second place finish. When I read about his misfortune I know he was just gutted. I just couldn't believe it. Especially after the east coast band Sons of Maxwell posted their video United Breaks Guitars. I figured every carrier would be on the look out for guitars. Guess not, eh? I'd like to know what sort of rates you guys are getting south of the 49th parallel. Up here it's a special rider policy for each instrument or accessory. You have to supply a current appraisal and then it's X dollars per thousand of the agreed upon value. If I was to insure each of my instruments and amps I'd be paying the equivalent of a new guitar every year.
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the Dreamer
(a.k.a. Dreamin' Stephen)
Living life on the edge. Less crowded, better view.
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Dennis_Mitchell
Registered: 08/26/06
Posts: 422
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Reply with quote | #11 |
I have 6 instruments fully covered with Heritage for just over $250 per year. But, I need to call Joan and do a serious update and revamp this year since I started building.
Fred, I may get with you off line on a couple of things since you use them too.
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Dennis Mitchell
Vita Brevis, Carpe Guitarum! |
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HunterWilson
Registered: 06/30/08
Posts: 33
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Reply with quote | #12 |
i have a lot of mine insured through home owners insurance. haven't had to test it yet.
(knocks on wood)
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Architect with a guitar problem. |
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Frank
Registered: 08/22/06
Posts: 146
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Reply with quote | #13 |
I have 5 instruments fully covered by Heritage for $325 per year. I haven't had to supply an appraisal on any. Joan and I talked when I started with them and we agreed on replacement values for everything. I need to send an update on values as I've talked with luthiers to get current costs for instruments. I'm not sure how that might affect my premium. |
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Dennis_Mitchell
Registered: 08/26/06
Posts: 422
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Reply with quote | #14 |
Frank, when I got on board with Heritage, Joan gave me a rate quote that was good up to a designated value of all instruments. I'll be updating the replacement values on mine this year, and most likely bump into the next rate category. Like you, she never asked for appraisals, and trusted the numbers I listed for replacement value. Been with them for 3-4 years now, and no problems at all when it comes to customer service.
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Dennis Mitchell
Vita Brevis, Carpe Guitarum! |
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NealRudy
Registered: 10/29/06
Posts: 8
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Reply with quote | #15 |
When I traveled to HGG last fall, and took two Harp Guitars, I took out riders on my State Farm personal property policy that I have had for a few other items of value. It was easy to get, not very costly, but I did need appraisals. Harry Fleishman and Jim Worland were very good about it. Harry sent me a nice description of the guitar and it's current replacement cost; I just used the purchase receipt from Jim.
I thought that " United breaks guitars" thing was a scream; I've flown commercial airlines with guitars for many years, and have sometimes taken my chances, but only with cheap guitars, not good ones. Now if I fly commercial, I go with insured guitars, in those great cases the Pope sells. |
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nate
Registered: 08/27/06
Posts: 167
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Reply with quote | #16 |
Filed my guitar with Joan Gallo today. $250/year to cover the instrument (as well as my Lowden as an afterthought). Covers EVERYTHING except: 1) Shipping 2) theft from an unattended, unlocked vehicle.
Highly recommend Heritage.
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nate blaustein |
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Michael
Registered: 08/27/06
Posts: 207
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Reply with quote | #17 |
I know this may sound strange but I don't have my instrument insured because this is what's in my head...
#1 If my instrument is damaged, I will just fix it up all over again
#2 If my instrument is stolen, I could NEVER replace it
#3 If I had to file a claim with the insurance company, NO amount of money could make me feel better about my loss.
Yes I know...me be strange...
Michael
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Michael Schreiner |
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Gregg
Moderator
Registered: 08/22/06
Posts: 766
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Reply with quote | #18 |
I'd be happy to provide a free appraisal letter on my Harp Guitar Music letterhead to any current Members who need one (sorry, harp guitars only). It's funny...I need someone like Kerry Char to do mine, and then I do his...
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Gregg Miner, editor, Harpguitars.net |
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Dennis_Mitchell
Registered: 08/26/06
Posts: 422
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Reply with quote | #19 |
Nah...you're not strange Michael, just resourceful!
Nice idea Gregg..... Who is better qualified on HG's than the Pope himself!
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Dennis Mitchell
Vita Brevis, Carpe Guitarum! |
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FredCarlson
Registered: 08/27/06
Posts: 200
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Reply with quote | #20 |
I generally think insurance is a scam...I just grew up that way...I think my folks must have believed that, too. Now I pay a hefty sum for my Heritage "shop policy", which covers things like the whole building burning down, as well as shipping harp guitars. And I basically don't have much trust in it...some part of me is convinced that if I ever need to make a claim, they'll figure out some way to get out of paying me. I mean, that's not the way they make money (by paying on claims!), and they're definitely in it for the money!!. Also, my deductible is $500.....I can fix a lot of damage for that. But I do keep the policy, mainly so I have a chance of not getting into as serious trouble with a client if I have a disaster with their instrument. And, so we can rebuild if that fire actually gets to us! (the last one stopped 4 miles away...too close for comfort!). But I hate it...it's a racket...I feel preyed upon by vultures! Thousands of dollars a year against the chance of a disaster that might cost more than that. One of my dreams in life is to win the lottery and be able to securely self-insure. For that to work, I'd have to buy a lottery ticket, but I bought one once, and it didn't work...another scam!! Man, the world is out to get us, I'll tell you!
Fred
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Having an open mind doesn't necessarily mean your brain has fallen out.
http://www.beyondthetrees.com |
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