Damage by the Airlines

[Lawrence Reeves]

A few years back we were playing a pub gig, followed by a tionól recital in Orlando Fl. My partner plays bouzouki and guitar, and we fly from our respective homes to meet where needed. He had a soft case for the guitar( an older Takamine with good sounding electronics), and a hard case for the Foley bouzouki. He had no problems getting to Orlando, but on his flight back they only allowed the one instrument on. He begged to no avail, and made the decision to carry on the Foley( newer and more valuable). Although guaranteed to be gate checked and in a cardboard box for added protection, the guitar was absolutely smashed to bits. He finally got a small settlement from the airline( not United) and purchased a new guitar. Since that time he only flies with the bouzouki. Now the real point of the post is.

My insurance company ( Heritage) told me in the event of an airline loss or damage they pay the claim. It is not even necessary to pursue anything more than a statement that it was in the cargo hold or baggage system for the flight. My instruments are appraised and insured for true replacement not a devalued prorated amount. This type of policy is called an inland marine policy for professional use. crazy name, but it is for traveling pros. Dear readers anyone can buy this kind of policy. It covers your instrument anywhere. If stolen in a car you must file a police report. If from a hotel, or house a police report, etc. They will pay the amount as insured, and if the instrument is recovered within two years you have the option to buy back at the amount they gave you, or at a reduction if not in the same condition as when stolen. Now, I know this does not bring back the instrument, it can't find a replacement for you, but it enable you to get paid for loss without a long tangled battle with a corporation such as an airline. And yes it is good worldwide.

[Sean Minnie]

That is 100% correct. I have an Inland Marine policy on my concertinas, listed by serial number and agreed value as well. It has very reasonable rates and well worth it.

[saguaro_squeezer]

Thank you for that information, Lawrence. I thought I'd have to put them on my household policy. It's good to know that the option exists. Do you know if it covers instruments being shipped, also?

 

Rod in Tucson

[hjcjones]

Be careful about putting instruments on a household policy. Some insurers won't cover them if you play "professionally", even if that only means the occasional gig for little more than pocket money.

 

When I resumed gigging after several years' lay-off, I told my insurance company, expecting them to increase the premium. Instead they flatly refused to cover them at all. I now have all my instruments covered by a specialist music insurance policy.

[Lawrence Reeves]

My policy only costs about 1% of value annually. You are also very correct about homeowners not covering pro use. It was explained to me that if proven money changed hands, or the instrument was in a public place at time of loss there would be o coverage. The homeowner type of policy is a blanket of many things but has limitations on most categories.