[Blackmore]

I just updated my renter's insurance and musical instrument insurance.  Do any of you have a separate policy just for audio?  I had to get a policy for my trumpets and it covers loss at replacement value and the cost is very reasonable. Just wondering if anyone has something similar on their audio equipment. 

[Scott F.]

Once upon a time I tried to get my vinyl covered and I didn't have any luck, even with Lloyd's. That may have been my agent not wanting to write the policy though. I've since changed companies. My agent is also a good friend. He said the only thing I needed to do (with AmFam anyway) was make sure that I have current pics and full lists of everything I've got. Then it is covered with the full replacement value less my deductible.

[bpape]

I was always told that if you have anything that would cause the 'contents' portion of your policy to exceed it's value, you could simply add a rider.  Riders are very common for jewelry.

Normally, IIRC, contents are insured up to 10% of the value of the house.  If you do a rider, you can specify whatever you want and then that rider is above and beyond the 10% - but you can't use any of the 10% to pay for what's covered in the rider.

Bryan

[CornellAlum]

Contents are usually insured for up to 70% of coverage A, dwelling coverage.  The loss is insured for whatever perils your policy covers.  If you wanted all peril coverage, a personal articles/scheduled property policy would be in order, but good luck finding a company to insure electronics.  You guys all have your wives engagement rings insured separately don't you?  Jewelry is limited to 1500 per item, 2500 total on most policies. Call your agent and see if you can add your gear to this policy, it's the same form.

[zybar]

Once upon a time I tried to get my vinyl covered and I didn't have any luck, even with Lloyd's. That may have been my agent not wanting to write the policy though. I've since changed companies. My agent is also a good friend. He said the only thing I needed to do (with AmFam anyway) was make sure that I have current pics and full lists of everything I've got. Then it is covered with the full replacement value less my deductible.

Same as what I was told, no special measures are needed. 

Just make sure you have enough coverage.

George

[bpape]

Contents to 70%?  Wow.  I wan't thinking it was anywhere near that much.  Guess I need to go back and look at mine.

As for the rider for electronics, I used to have one in our first house.  All I had to do was ask (and pay).  At that time, didn't have much choice since the system by itself was about $15k and the house was only $50k.

Bryan

[nicksgem10s]

Please be sure you take all precautions you can regarding surge protection.  Most companies limit the damage to electronic equipment to $1,000 per item for this type (power surge) of loss.  If you have an expensive tv, projector, laptop, not to mention amps, preamps, cds players, etc.  you want to make sure to address this type of protection. 

I sell insurance and not all companies offer riders for electronics.  I know my company doesn't.  If you have adequate coverage on your contents/personal property you should be okay.

[jcrane]

I have renter's insurance also and have an additional rider for my guns, electronics and a seperate policy for my computers and laptop.
I need to update this policy though as I have outgrown it! I need to insure my camera stuff too as it exceeds the current limits. Thanks for the reminder!

jamie

[Bob in St. Louis]

Several years ago a neighbors house burnt to the ground. Never having deal with a situation like that I called my insurance co (State Farm) and asked what happens in that situation.
The Short story: They pay for a new house. The contents are (IIRC) like 75% the value of the house. That includes EVERYTHING inside the house; furniture, dishes, clothing, TV's/electronics ect...
Basically, they cut you a check for the content value and you spend it however you want.
So your $100,000 house gets you a check for $75,000 that can be used for $70,000 in new A/V gear and $5,000 for furniture if you want to. aa

Bob

[Blackmore]

Thanks for the responses guys.  I'll start a photo library of my equipment and talk to my insurance rep and see where my policy stands.