Music is a wonderful thing, and the best part of it is that you can make it yourself. There’s very little stopping you from purchasing an instrument, finding an instructor and taking the time to hone your new craft.
However, you must take great care of your instruments. They can warp under heat and moisture. They can contain fragile components, and don’t take well to bumps or scrapes. Any adverse alterations to your instrument could negatively affect its sound. What starts as a down payment on a fun new hobby can suddenly turn into a financial risk. Fortunately, the best protection for your instrument (aside from its case or any warranties and protection plans) is a pitch-perfect insurance policy.
Homeowners/renters insurance takes center stage
The first line of defense for most of the valuable objects in your home is your homeowners or renters insurance. To guarantee peace of mind, consult with your independent insurance agent to see if your instrument fits within your insurance policy, and how you can adjust it so your instrument can be covered properly.
For instance, if the value of your instrument exceeds the sublimits in the policy, you would likely need to increase them.
There is also the option of getting a rider—an endorsement—to protect the instrument. This is an addition to your policy that provides higher coverage limits for a specific item, say a musical instrument.
Insurance policies for instruments?
There are, of course, insurance policies that specifically protect your instrument. These policies may cover gaps in your homeowners or renters coverage. For instance, a homeowners or renters policy may not cover damage to an instrument caused by moisture over an extended period, but an insurance policy specifically designed for instruments should offer that coverage.
If your independent insurance agent doesn’t offer this type of specialized coverage, be sure to consult with your agent to find the right broker based on the agent’s recommendation.
Your newfound hobby kept safe
Insurance plays an important role to make sure you’re able to do the things you love. It can be playing an instrument, driving in a classic car, going on vacation—no matter what you do, insurance and your independent insurance agent have a role to play.
Matt McDonough is PIA Northeast's writer, editor and content curator. Matt joined PIA Northeast in September 2023. Before that, he had been an editor for the online entertainment magazine Collider from 2021-23 as a copy editor for its lists section. Matt entered the world of journalism at his alma mater, SUNY New Paltz, writing and reporting for the college's student run newspaper, The New Paltz Oracle. He graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Creative Writing in 2020.
