high end audio insurance?

Having been on the adjusting side of things for a number of years, I was never out to cheat anybody, only to pay what was owed. That having been said, I can't speak for other companies but policies with replacement clauses were exactly that. If I was trying to adjust Albert's SoundLAB U-1s and I was unable to locate a pair on the used market for comparison, I would be calling SoundLAB direct and trying to cut a deal for a new pair. But I would be making sure that he would be able to replace those speakers (less deductible) Most adjusters that I know aren't out to rip anybody, I however can not say that about the people submitting claims. I think the best thing anybody can do is to video tape your entire house. This allows you to not only have a record but to describe the items as well. Obviously, if you have items that are one of a kind or collector items, get a professional appraisal, and two are better. Every time I got a claim with an appraisal, I simply verified the appraisal and cut the draft.
Fortunately, I do not do homeowner claims any longer.

standard homeowners policies cover audio gear without special riders or $ limitations. you will be paid the actual cash value (usually cost less depreciation calculated by using a table unless you can substantiate another value) less your deductible.

the next level is to buy replacement cost coverage which has been discussed by tswitsel and t

thomas. both are correct - that a company will pay you to replace the damaged item with like kind and quality. HOWEVER, many if not most companies, will only pay replacement cost if you in fact replace it. they won't pay you the value of the replacement until you do replace it. they will typically adjust your claim on an ACV (1st paragraph) and when you actually replace it they will pay you the difference.

as indicated documentation is essential to having a smooth ride, receipts, photos etc. make the adjusters job simple as possible, they will love you for it.

mt thomas, i think claims adjusting is making a cynic of you! i found most people making claims are basically honest but misinformed - you get paid to inform them, hopefully without offending them. its this last trick that give's the industry a bad eye. hope they didn't promote you into auto claims adjusting - that would really make a cynic of you.

Newbee, You may be right. Having spent a fair amount of time in the litigation end, (only as adjuster/investigator for defense attorneys)and having spent the majority of my time doing liability/injury claims for both homeowners and auto I probably dealt with a lot of the worst offenders. By the way our won/lost record on those cases that went the distance was about 95% in our favor. People making property only claims usually just want to be compensated for what is owed them. I also reviewed problem files for other adjusters. All the same I think everybody should do photo documentation. By the way I recently left the business to pursue other avenues.

Tthomas, leaving the industry early was probably a good move. i don't know of many really old adjusters. alcohol or heart attacks takes a big toll as well as burn out. too bad as its really a great profession which allow you to learn so much about so many things. i actually loved it for that (i handled major litigation for a large multi national carrier)but its a crappy job for those not predisposed. good luck. by the way i enjoy your posts - very level headed stuff.

Thanks for all the good posts I need to get a digital camera or video camera and go to work. I was wondering what I could expect to pay for a appraisal is it a % of the cost of the eq. ? I also have a lot of records do I make a list to give to a appraiser as this would be the hard part to replace I guess this would be where a rider comes in? thanks again to all Marc