Insurance for system

@emergingsoul -thanks for the compliment. This system had its beginnings in around 2006 and has evolved over the years. (There were several previous systems going back to 1970).  Having moved to Texas, I am in a larger room and that, along with some changes (cartridge, better turntable isolation and more, bigger subs) made a considerable difference. It is, to paraphrase someone who was here yesterday to listen, "a system to enjoy rather than to analyze the music."  I'm quite happy with it. That rug has been with us in several houses- it is huge, and it not completely unrolled at one end-- it is simply too long for the room. But, I like it, partly because it is old, very fine, though it is somewhat threadbare in spots.

I did have an opportunity to have my 1975 system restored (for some reason I kept most of that gear although many other pieces over the years got traded or sold).  That system resides in our front parlor-- not quite as big or dramatic, but it uses old Quads I bought in 1974 which were restored, along with a pair of Quad II amps from around 1961, a McI MX110z and an SP-10 table that I bought new in 1973. It's surprisingly good for what it is--a somewhat bandwidth limited system with an almost eerie ability to portray the midrange with a "see-through" quality.

I have added all my audio equipment to my scheduled personal items policy in my homeowner's insurance policy (HO5+).  It includes jewelry, furniture, art works and audio equipment.  The reason I added the audio equipment is because I live in Los Angeles and personal property damaged by earthquake are only covered by an earthquake policy, more difficult and limited to collect from (especially with the HUGE deductible due to the overvaluation of replacement building cost at $307,000/10% deductible).  

So, at least I have peace of mind for my audio equipment that not only fire, flood or theft but also damage and earthquake are covered.  I doubt anyone is going to steal my power duplexes or my 700+ lb pair of speakers.  I have very little jewelry and my furniture is quite heavy (antiques as well).  So, it's basically for damage coverage.  

I am fortunate not to have tested my (special collections) scheduled personal items insurance.  This would include someone poking their finger into a speaker driver or bending a cartridge cantilever.  Better it should never happen.

The cost is under $1,500 for almost $300,000 coverage.  

@garebear Yes, I can replace my equipment but not 50% of my record and CD collection.  I cannot replace my 7,000 78s, of which half are ethnic music.  I cannot replace my limited edition CD collection of classical vocal, piano and string on labels such as Romophone, Biddulph, Marston which typically only pressed 1000 copies (Marston-on subscription basis).  I cannot replace half of my LPs or R2R tapes.  So, I am rather concerned despite living in a 24/7 guard gated community, with double exterior doors, perimeter wired alarm system to a central station with armed guard response, interior doors of 16" thick weighing 850 lbs. and 1000 lbs. and mostly recordings with limited salability (15,900 CDs, 7,000 78s).   

Sure, I'm paranoid but the music comes first for me.  I have noted to my insurance agent that I'm reasonable in assessing my music collection value, at $5/piece for CDs, $5/piece for LPs and market value for 78s (as sold on ebay or other sites).  At $5/piece for LPs and CDs, that's about $250,000.  I would pay thieves that much to return my music; however, as they are located in four locations, weigh about 25 tons and not easily packed (it would take several people working several days to remove and pack-I know it took me a month when I moved 5 years ago), I doubt that's what thieves would be after.   

My parents house was burglarized last year located on a minor traffic signaled intersection with full perimeter alarm like me but without perimeter cameras/motion detectors now there.  They stole 60-80s dresses (left the fur coats) and designer shoes.  No furnishings were taken.  No audio equipment or music recordings were taken.  The house was totally tossed (the armed guard failed to arrive for 1 hour 5 minutes and then did not see the rear or side yards broken windows for access-an anomaly. 

Living in the City of Los Angeles is a burglar's (organized gangs) paradise.  

....sorry to hear that fleschler and not a good time in everyone's lives I'm sure. I also forgot to add earthquakes as a peril that must be considered as well. I went to talk to my agent yesterday and because of this email, I updated my limits and added coverage for a ( another ) ring for my wife. Insurance coverage or properly insuring what we all have here is a necessary evil of our hobby. Good thread .....