You Can Insure Your Musical Instruments Too!? What Is Property Insurance?

Musical instruments are often played outside the home in places such as on stage or at a friend’s house. When you take them outside, there is a risk of them being stolen or damaged. For such situations, it is wise to insure your instruments. Here, I will introduce the types and features of insurance available for musical instruments.

■ Insurance You Can Apply to Musical Instruments “Movable Property Insurance”

In Japanese, “Movable Property” insurance refers to assets other than real estate. Musical instruments fall into this category, so they can be covered by property insurance.

○ What Property Insurance Covers

Property insurance does not cover all types of damage. The following types of damage are generally covered:

• Damage caused by theft
• Damage caused by fire, bursting, explosion, or lightning
• Damage caused by smoke or wind-related disasters
• Damage caused by water exposure
• Damage caused by falling objects from the sky

…among others.

Items that are not covered include:

• Wear and tear due to aging
• Damage caused by gross negligence of the user
• Damage that occurs during repairs
• Damage from natural disasters

…among others.

This is the general scope of coverage, but the details can vary depending on the insurance company, so be sure to listen carefully to the full explanation before signing up.

○ Cost of Property Insurance for Instruments

The cost of movable property insurance is probably the most pressing concern. It varies depending on the insurance company, so there is no fixed amount. As a rough guideline, the annual premium is typically between ¥3,000 and ¥15,000, or about 1% of the insured value per year. Insurance premiums can sometimes be reduced if you limit the places where the instrument is used, so be sure to report if the instrument will be used only at home, for example.

■ You Can Also Use “Household Belongings Insurance”

In addition to property insurance, there is another type of insurance you can use for instruments. By adding your instruments to your home fire insurance as part of your household contents, you can get coverage for instruments used at home.

The coverage of household contents insurance varies by insurance company, but generally includes:

• Damage caused by theft
• Damage caused by fire, bursting, explosion, or lightning
• Damage caused by smoke or wind-related disasters
• Damage caused by water exposure
• Damage caused by car collisions or other accidents
• Water damage from typhoons or similar events

If you want to reduce premiums, the coverage in fire insurance may be limited. It’s important to carefully determine which types of coverage are necessary for your instruments.

○ For Household Contents Insurance, Adding a “Coverage Outside the Home” Rider Is Best

Damage or theft of instruments often occurs at performance venues. It’s best to add a rider to your household contents insurance that covers instruments outside the home. However, be aware that premiums will increase compared to coverage limited to the home.

■ When Transporting Instruments, Use the Shipping Company’s Insurance

If you are having an instrument transported by a shipping company, you can use the insurance they provide. For example, when shipping a guitar via Kuroneko Yamato, you can safely send it by placing it in a dedicated hard case and securing it so it does not move inside. Adding damage insurance on top of this provides extra peace of mind. Without insurance, any damage that occurs during transport may not be covered.

■ If Staying Abroad Long-Term, Enroll in Travel Insurance

If you plan to stay abroad for an extended period, it’s wise to take out a separate insurance policy for your instrument. By enrolling in “travel insurance” and adding riders such as “baggage damage coverage” or “personal property coverage”, you can insure your instrument against damage. Be sure to check the deductible and payout limits with your insurance company to ensure adequate coverage for your instrument. Note that, even under travel insurance, damage due to rust, aging, or personal negligence is not covered.

Travel insurance may also be provided by tour companies, so if you are booking through a tour, check to see what coverage is included.

■ Use a Case to Protect Your Instruments

Insurance covers the cost of repairing an instrument or replacing one that has been stolen. However, each instrument has its own unique sound, so repairs or a new replacement may not produce the exact tone you like. To minimize the need to use insurance, it’s best to safely transport your instruments in a proper case. Here are some recommended cases:

【Acoustic Guitar】PLAYTECH / FG-EHD – Acoustic Guitar Case

A cost-effective, versatile hard case for acoustic guitars. Purchasing it along with your guitar provides peace of mind.

【Acoustic Guitar】YAMAHA / LLD

A hard case compatible with YAMAHA acoustic guitars (FG, LL, LJ, DW, 12st, A1/A3, CPX). If you use a YAMAHA guitar, this case is a reliable choice.

【Acoustic Guitar】TAKAMINE / HC-500

A hard case for TAKAMINE 500 series acoustic guitars. This case features a stylish design with a brown body and a gold TAKAMINE accent logo.

【Electric Guitar】PLAYTECH / EG-SQ-EHD Guitar Case

A hard case perfect for Stratocaster- or Telecaster-style electric guitars. Its 1.5 cm thick cushioning protects your valuable electric guitar from shocks.

【Electric Guitar】PLAYTECH / LP-DL for Les Paul

A hard case recommended for Les Paul-style electric guitars. Designed to fit the Les Paul shape, it minimizes movement inside the case, allowing you to carry your guitar safely.

【Trumpet】SKB / 330 Trumpet Case

Trumpet cases come in soft, semi-hard, and hard types, with hard cases providing the strongest protection against impact. Although heavier and a bit harder to carry, they ensure safe transport and are highly recommended.

【Saxophone】SKB / 440 Alto Saxophone Hard Case

A hard case for alto saxophones. Its shaped design follows the contours of the saxophone, offering high stability when the instrument is inside and allowing safe transport.

【Keyboard】CLASSIC PRO / CKB1480

A durable plastic keyboard case compatible with 88-key keyboards. Equipped with casters, it makes transport easy and convenient.

■ Protect Your Valuable Instruments with Insurance

I have introduced insurance options for musical instruments. What did you think? When playing only at home, you might not worry much, but once you take your instrument outside to perform, there’s always a risk of dropping it or accidental damage. To enjoy playing your instruments with peace of mind, consider getting insurance for them.

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