If you own or rent your string instrument, you know that it requires proper maintenance and continual care to keep it playing perfectly. In addition to regular cleaning (wiping it off with a dry cloth after each playing session to remove oils and resin), you change the strings, and occasionally have adjustments made to the bridge or soundpost position. All of these things keep your violin in great shape, protecting your valuable investment.
Having violin insurance is also important, especially if you are renting your instrument or own an advanced violin. Accidents, although we don’t like to consider them, can happen, and the best way to protect yourself against irreparable damages and high replacement costs is to have an effective insurance policy in place. However, parents and students often wonder how to go about setting it up. So, if you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I find insurance for my string instrument?” or “Is insuring my violin really worth it?” you’re not alone. Here’s how to find the right violin insurance so that you can find coverage that will suit your particular needs.
Understand the Various Options
Although many homeowner’s and rental insurance policies will cover the cost of your violin if a fire or theft occurs, you must make sure to include it specifically in your policy. Take pictures of your instrument and digital pictures of your rental agreement or sales receipt. These items are important for designating the claims value of your particular instrument. Conversely, this type of violin insurance coverage rarely accounts for the most dangerous threats to your instrument.
Homeowner’s or rental insurance coverage typically excludes accidental breakage that can happen while transporting the instrument, and replacement instruments are not available with the vast majority of policies. For both professionals and amateurs, whether you own or rent your instrument, the safest choice is to select dedicated violin insurance from a specific firm who offers it. By choosing a specialist, you have more protection options.
Instrument and Equipment Insurance Benefits and Features
Unlike a blanket homeowner’s policy, purchasing violin insurance from a dealer who specializes in it allows you to take advantage of safeguards that are relative to performing music. Most every plan will include repair and replacement coverage that includes:
- String instruments that are accidentally broken
- Flood and earthquake damages
- Professional usage risks—accidents that occur during transit or at performances
- Guaranteed replacements costs—the value at which you insure your violin is the value you collect if you have a claim
- Replacement instrument costs—so that you don’t have to miss that important audition from a lack of instrument, and so that you can still fulfill your various playing obligations
- The ability to cover all of your accessories—you can include your bow, music stands, and other equipment, even your sheet music in the coverage amount
With many plans, you can also choose the right to repurchase your violin (such as if the instrument is stolen or lost), and the right to retain any salvageable parts. Many people form a strong connection with their violin and for sentimental reasons would want to retain any undamaged parts. With an instrument insurance program, you’ll probably have that option.
Moreover, most policies offer very affordable rates. They are typically priced anywhere between $0.75-$2.00 per $100 in coverage, and minimum coverage amounts usually start at $500.
How do I Find Insurance for My String Instrument?
Fortunately, there are a number of dedicated dealers who offer violin insurance. These companies specialize in instrument coverage for students, student musicians over 18, and professionals, as well as offering special policies for dealers and luthiers. They know instruments and can therefore offer better service. These companies all offer competitive rates and have a list of respected endorsements:
- Clarion Insurance. Based in New York, this company provides a variety of program and services.
- Heritage Insurance Services, INC. This Pennsylvania company also delivers a number of policy options.
- Anderson Group: Musical Instruments Insurance Solutions, LLC. Is an international company that has low rates.
- Music Pro Insurance. This company offers tons of resources and ideas for keeping your instrument safe.
You can also use a third party recommendation to search around between companies to find the best coverage for the value. Sites like Trusted Choice will walk you through an entire Q&A to discover the best policy for your individual needs.
Your violin is an investment, one that you take care for constantly; therefore, it’s important to keep it as safe as possible. And although there’s no way to prevent an accident (that’s why they’re accidents), you can ensure that the repair and replacements costs for your valuable instrument won’t come out of your pocket by purchasing the right violin insurance for your needs.
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