Insurance - your experiences


I often look at my system and LP collection and think ’Although I have been told my equipment and vinyl are covered for fire, theft, and accident, I would hate to put it to the test,’Have you detailed equipment, CD’s, and vinyl to your insurer and have an agreed value?
Anyone have experience of claiming? What difficulty have you overcome with equipment classed as too ’old to insure’ - as is my 1984 Linn Sondek. Or even rare vinyl?Let me know your experiences.
128x128surferandy

Showing 2 responses by dave1980

Hi everyone. In case of a “covered claim”, do yourself a BIG favor and prevent possible BIG headaches! 
At a minimum have a video of all equipment and your recordings - in fact video everything in your home! And update that video annually.

I’ve sold home insurance for the #1 home insurance carrier now for 40 years. The adjuster wants to pay you and fairly. Have a video and still pictures documenting your possessions. Imagine your home totally destroyed. How do you remember “everything” you had from a classic expensive piece of vinyl, to every pair of socks, or better yet “ALL” of your wife’s shoes!

After that big loss your adjuster will be so pleased as you made his/her job easy. As for equipment, as pointed out here, replacement cost will get you a new piece of equipment from the same manufacturer or if out of business, a comparable manufacturer. The carrier and adjuster might need your help in determining where in the product line your equipment was, your not going to get B&W 802 D3’s when you had B&W N804’s.

Last agreed value is generally for property of an intrinsic nature, items that appreciate over time, art, jewelry etc.. If the item depreciates over time your probably not going to be able to get agreed values, meaning why would a carrier pay you more than the item is worth?

Bottom line! Inventory everything. In the case of recordings be prepared to provide sources that show values and condition like Discogs, etc. 
With a good home insurance policy and your documentation, you should not have to worry with a covered claim. And in the case anyone is wondering - yes good carriers cover civil commotion/unrest.

Dave
Orgligan197, very respectfully speaking in my 40 yrs I have never seen Nationwide or any other carrier put a $ limitation in a homeowners policy on TV’s or CDs.

However carriers do have $ limitations on some personal property like cash, jewelry, silverware, collectibles and a few others. However I am in Florida, and coverage by a given carrier can vary a bit by state. If in fact you have those $ limitations I suggest you contact the #1 carrier in America every year on home insurance since 1964. I’m sure you have a “Good Neighbor“ near you! In Florida we offer no $ limitations on CDs, vinyl, TV’s or audio equipment.