FAQ's
Individuals
1. QUESTION: Why should I take out this coverage when I have a homeowner policy?
ANSWER: The coverage is ALL RISK* and the deductible is only $15.00 which is much lower than most homeowner policy deductibles of $500, $1000 or more. Also, a claim for repairs or replacement of your instrument becomes a claim on your homeowner policy history.
* Please refer to actual policy/certificate for complete list of coverage exclusions and limitations.
2. QUESTION: What does the insurance cover?
ANSWER: The policy provides coverage against direct loss or damage caused by direct physical loss such as accidental damage (i.e. dropped, sat on, stepped on, runover, bumped), fire and theft. Coverage is subject to exclusions. Some of the more applicable exclusions are wear and tear, including gradual deterioration and theft from an unlocked/unattended vehicle. Basically, if you're taking the instrument in for repairs and the damage is not due to maintenance, call us.
3. QUESTION: Can I get coverage over the phone?
ANSWER: We require a completed and signed application with payment in order to issue coverage. A completed application can be submitted to us by facsimile or email, then contact us by telephone with your credit card information for payment.
4. QUESTION: I have two instruments to insure. How many applications do I need?
ANSWER: You will need an application for each instrument.
5. QUESTION: Do I need to provide you with an appraisal?
ANSWER: An appraisal is not normally required unless you have a unique instrument, or you received an exceptional bargain in purchasing it. In other words if you list the purchase price at $500 and select $1000 as the desired insured amount, we will need an appraisal.
6. QUESTION: Whose name do I put on the application?
ANSWER: We normally recommend that you put a parent's name on the application, since most students are minors.
7. QUESTION: I sometimes get paid to play. Can I still apply for coverage?
ANSWER: Unfortunately, we are unable to provide coverage to professional musicians.
8. QUESTION: My child will be taking her instrument to school and leaving it in the band room. Will it be covered if it's stolen from the band room?
ANSWER: We process many claims that involve instruments stolen from the band room. If the instrument is stolen (whether at home, school, wherever), a police report is required.
9. QUESTION: My child will be going on a band trip overseas this summer. Will the instrument be covered while he is on his trip?
ANSWER: Yes, the coverage is worldwide.
10. QUESTION: I've owned my instrument for several years. Would I insure the instrument for the amount I paid for it several years ago?
ANSWER: We recommend that you insure the instrument for the amount it would cost you to replace it at today's values.
11. QUESTION: What do I need to do when I have a claim?
ANSWER: Contact our office. We will verify coverage and send you a claim form. Take your instrument to a repair facility of your choice. Return the completed claim form with an estimate of repairs or repair bill. If the instrument is stolen, we require a copy of the police report.
12. QUESTION: Who is the underwriter?
ANSWER: Coverage is underwritten by American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida and in Texas, Reliable Lloyds Insurance Company.
Schools
1. QUESTION: What does the insurance cover?
ANSWER: The policy provides coverage against direct loss or damage caused by direct physical loss such as accidental damage (i.e. dropped, sat on, stepped on, runover, bumped), fire and theft. Coverage is subject to exclusions. Some of the more applicable exclusions are wear and tear, including gradual deterioration and theft from an unlocked/unattended vehicle. Basically, if you're taking the instrument in for repairs and the damage is not due to maintenance, call us.
2. QUESTION: Can I get coverage over the phone?
ANSWER: We require a completed and signed application with payment in order to issue coverage. A completed application can be submitted to us by facsimile or email, then contact us by telephone with your credit card information.
3. QUESTION: Do I need to provide you with an appraisal?
ANSWER: An appraisal is not normally required unless you have a unique instrument, or you received an exceptional bargain in purchasing it. In other words if you list the purchase price at $500 and select $1000 as the desired insured amount, we will need an appraisal.
4. QUESTION: My child will be going on a band trip overseas this summer. Will the instrument be covered while he is on his trip?
ANSWER: Yes, the coverage is worldwide.
5. QUESTION: I've owned my instrument for several years. Do I insure the instrument for the amount the school paid for it several years ago?
ANSWER: We recommend that you insure the instrument for the amount it would cost the school to replace it at today's values.
6. QUESTION: What do I need to do when I have a claim?
ANSWER: Contact our office, we will verify coverage and send you a claim form. Take your instrument to a repair facility of your choice. Return the completed claim form with an estimate of repairs or repair bill. If the instrument is stolen, we require a copy of the police report.
7. QUESTION: Who is the underwriter?
ANSWER: Coverage is underwritten by American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida and in Texas, Reliable Lloyds Insurance Company.