How to Insure Your Musical Instrument

Thefts targeting musicians are on the rise, and musical instrument insurance can also protect you against many other risks. Find out which coverage best fits your needs based on your situation. Every instrument owner can benefit from tailored protection without paying for unnecessary add-ons.

Protect your instruments at home

From djembes to Tibetan singing bowls, and from pianos to violins, the instruments you use in everyday family life are precious. Whether they stay at home or occasionally leave the house, they can be covered by MAAF Assurances’ TEMPO home insurance. Simply choose a protection level, capped at $5,000. That way, the value of your instruments is covered in the event of fire, water damage, or a break-in. Keep in mind that not all insurers offer coverage outside the home through a home insurance policy, as MAAF does.

Insure your child's musical instrument

Has your child started learning guitar or saxophone? Unlike a piano or a drum kit, these instruments are meant to travel back and forth between school, music lessons, and home. Because an accidental bump or drop can happen quickly, it’s smart to choose a dedicated policy. MAAF’s school insurance covers accidental damage and theft, up to a limit of $1,500. Buying your child’s first djembe, for example, is usually an investment for several years. Renting, on the other hand, lets them try other instruments without taking on excessive costs. In most cases, renting an instrument requires proof of insurance, making it a must-have step. Also remember to insure any instrument that has been loaned to you.

Musical instruments as professional tools

Professional musicians have every reason to take out specialized insurance. The value of your instrument is covered if it’s stolen while you’re traveling for work. Did you know the Anipo identification platform helps deter theft thanks to a photographic database that can reliably confirm an instrument’s origin? That can make reselling stolen instruments nearly impossible. By uploading details like the serial number or a purchase receipt, you help strengthen the system. Beyond reimbursement for loss or theft, professional musician insurance can also cover financial losses if you’re forced to pause your work temporarily. This can happen due to musculoskeletal injuries, which are common among virtuosos who practice for long hours every day. Lost income related to canceled concerts may also be covered.

Insure your valuable instruments

Finally, if you own an antique or prestigious instrument such as a Taoist bowl, insurers such as MAAF may offer a free valuation of your instrument. This can help steer you toward the right guarantees. You can also attach a tracking device to your instrument to improve your chances of recovering it quickly in the event of loss or theft.

Now that you know how to insure your musical instrument, you may also want to learn how to insure your luthier business if that applies to you. The financial impact can sometimes be difficult to handle.