Equipment insurance coverage

I've asked this question of my insurance provider every year (USAA) and when I explored other options (I do so every few years).  I have been told multiple times my audio equipment (unless it's pro-audio equipment I use for a business) is personal property and to keep documentation.  

@elevick I recommend you call USAA again.  I've talked to them multiple times and have been told it's part of personal property and I have high value property for my watches.  I even shared replacing my stereo if destroyed would be equivalent to buying a nice car and the question raised do I want add the percentage coverage for my personal property.

"Most" HO policies will cover your records and equipment from fire, all subject to the total "Coverage C - Personal Property" limit shown in the policy declarations, w/out sub-limits.  There may be endorsements that expand that limit as well, so review your coverages thoroughly.  The policy is a contract and says what it says.  They need to see you get the full benefit of the policy terms, and to explain all coverages available to you.  Generally, they want to pay you what is owed, no more or no less.  Valuation of personal property at "like kind and quality" is a thing, nothing new and has been a generally accepted principle for decades.  Are some companies/adjusters better, more skilled, more empathetic than others?  Yes.  People are people in any job/role/industry.  They do not stay awake at night thinking for ways to cheat you.  The plaintiffs bar in CA is skilled and aggressive. Carriers are fully aware of this. 

If you are being told that your audio equipment is simply "not covered" they need to show you the specific policy language that states this.  Best of luck. 

I took a quick look and unless the law was changed, you have the option to remove personal property coverage and not the insurer if you live in Florida. And if you rent or live in a condo, it cannot be taken off the policy.

There were a lot of shady things done in the past couple of years in Florida with more than 30 insurance companies leaving the state and the ones who remained put their wagons in a circle so things have changed. Floridians are outraged about it but they're basically a captive audience, as we all our, to the devices of the insurers. 

Heed the advice from others here, be diligent, and you'll be okay.

All the best,
Nonoise