Insurance on Guns

[phenson]

I'm hoping this is the correct place to post this. I am retired military and have all my "stuff" insured with the big military insurance company. Have had home owner's and auto with them for years. About a year ago I decided to get a valuable items policy. I have all my guns on it. I have to give the insurance company a value, and they base the premium on that. I was on the phone updating the policy yesterday and asked the question, about getting what I say the value is for these guns if they are stolen. Big pause, and then the answer was, "well, not really. Have you had them appraised? Do you have bills of sale for all of them? Do you have detailed photos showing the serial #?"
Answer to all of these is no. So I guess what I am asking here is, is insurance the way to go? Should I just get a safe? If insurance is the way to go, what is the best way to "insure" that I get at least what I paid for my guns. Most of them are at least 30 years old, and I am afraid that these folks don't understand the real value of older guns, especially S&W's.
Opinions would be appreciated.
Pat

 

[Rule3]

As a NRA member, you can get insurance through their ARMS CARE policy. The rates are very good and you do not need to list anything unless you want a declared value on say a very valuable collectible piece. Insurance is now REPLACEMENT cost not actual cash value. Covers theft also out of your LOCKED vehicle and all accessories (holsters, scopes, mags etc)

I have mine insured though them.

 

[Camster]

Whether you have insurance or not-Get a safe.

 

[LoadedRound]

The important words are "Guaranteed Replacement Cost".

 

[BlackAgnes]

I use these folks--inexpensive, no complicated appraisals, and they have a good reputation.

Protect your Books, Antiques, Stamps and other vintage collections with Collectibles Insurance - Purchase Insurance - Baltimore, Maryland

Check them out.

Tim

 

[BobK]

I don't trust insurance companies.....but I have to deal with them, anyway. They will use ANY excuse to weasel out of paying you, if they can. Their business is making money....not paying it out. I hate them!!! Check out if there's a deductable before the policy kicks in.

I have std. NRA $1000 coverage plus $2000 on my homeowners policy. The 3 grand covers most of my guns.....but not all. At least I will be able to replace my "basic guns". The rest.....I will write off. Bob

 

[windjammer]

The NRA has about the best deal I've found. Their requirement is you have a list and have it reviewed and signed by a non-family member verifying that you have the guns and they have seen them.

I have pictures of all my guns along with all details....also stored on a CD that's in a bank box. By all means, get a safe. I didn't have one for a long time and hated to leave the house. You can get a good safe for the cost of a nice gun.

You do not have to submit your list to the NRA. If you have some VERY valuable guns, they need to be itemized.

 

[Titan]

As a NRA member, you can get insurance through their ARMS CARE policy. The rates are very good and you do not need to list anything unless you want a declared value on say a very valuable collectible piece. Insurance is now REPLACEMENT cost not actual cash value. Covers theft also out of your LOCKED vehicle and all accessories (holsters, scopes, mags etc)

I have mine insured though them.

On the issue of 'replacement cost' or 'guaranteed replacement cost'...how is that generally defined.

For example is the replacement cost of a rare condition antique S&W the market price of what similar models are selling for in similar condition?
OR
Is it the amount you pay to replace the lost weapon, which could be a bargain or the highest price ever paid at auction for that model gun?
OR
Something entirely different?

.

 

[Old 44 Guy]

NRA insurance is the way to go plus a safe.

 

[rewster]

Has anyone had a loss and made a claim under their NRA policy ?

 

[feltonfit]

I use these folks--inexpensive, no complicated appraisals, and they have a good reputation.

Protect your Books, Antiques, Stamps and other vintage collections with Collectibles Insurance - Purchase Insurance - Baltimore, Maryland

Check them out.

Tim

Tim - Thanks for the post! We receive a google alert whenever our name or URL is posted online. I am happy to answer any questions regarding our insurance. Annemarie

 

[jarcher]

usaa has a good policy for guns but you have to fill out a packet they send you. and send it back i keep a usb with photos and serial number and barrel lengths and any custom features just for it with modern book values on it.