Musical Instrument Insurance

Musical instruments such as violins, violas, cellos, and double basses, along with their bows, endure significant amounts of tension due to the pressure exerted by their strings and the way they are used.

On average, a violin string set bears a tension of 21kg, while a viola string set bears 27.5kg, a cello string set bears 60kg, and a double bass string set bears a whopping 115kg. To put it into perspective, that's more than the weight of Arnold Schwarzenegger.

It is truly remarkable to consider that the amount of pressure exerted on a violin’s body by the string tension is equivalent to that of 105 vinyl albums, despite the instrument's lightweight construction of approximately 400 grams.

The violin's construction is truly remarkable, as it can withstand such immense forces. In fact, some violins that are currently in use have been around for over 350 years.

Despite their durability, accidents can still occur with even the strongest of items. Unfortunately, these incidents can result in rapid breakdowns, highlighting the importance of being fully covered in case of any eventuality.

Investing in insurance may seem like an added expense, but it pales in comparison to the cost of complex and often pricey repairs.

It's imperative to always be prepared for the unexpected.

If you don't plan on taking your instrument outside of your home, then home insurance is a good option to consider. It will typically cover your instrument against theft, fire, and other damage that is covered by your policy. You can also add on additional coverage, such as accidental damage, to make sure your instrument is fully protected.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering home insurance for your musical instrument:

Make sure your instrument is properly insured. You'll need to provide your insurer with the make, model, and value of your instrument.
Read the policy carefully. Make sure you understand what is and isn't covered.
Ask about excess. The excess is the amount of money you'll have to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in.
Compare quotes from different insurers. Get quotes from at least three different insurers before you make a decision.

Once you've chosen an insurer, you'll need to file a claim if your instrument is damaged or stolen. Be sure to keep all of the documentation, such as receipts and appraisals, so that you can get the full value of your claim.

Here are a few of the most popular insurers for musical instrument insurance:

Allianz

Lark

New Moon

Whether or not to insure your musical instrument is a personal decision. There are a few factors to consider when making this decision, including:

The value of your instrument. The more expensive your instrument is, the more you may want to consider insuring it.
The risk of damage or loss. If you live in a high-crime area or travel frequently with your instrument, you may be at a higher risk of damage or loss.
The cost of insurance. Musical instrument insurance can be relatively affordable, there are several specialist musical instrument insurers and the cost is not as high as you might imagine, also you can and should as a minimum insure your instrument under your home policy.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to insure your musical instrument is up to you. However, if you would be devastated if your instrument were damaged or lost, then insuring it may be a wise investment.

Here are some of the reasons why you might want to consider insuring your musical instrument:

Peace of mind. Knowing that your instrument is insured can give you peace of mind, especially if you travel frequently or live in a high-crime area.
Financial protection. If your instrument is damaged or stolen, insurance can help you to replace it or repair it.
Access to specialized services. Some insurance policies also offer access to specialized services, such as loaner instruments or emergency repairs.

Of course, there are also some potential drawbacks to insuring your musical instrument. For example, you may have to pay a monthly premium, and there may be deductibles and other restrictions on your coverage.

If you are considering insuring your musical instrument, it is important to shop around and compare policies to find the best coverage for your needs. You should also read the policy carefully to understand the terms and conditions of your coverage.