doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Getting Guns Insured - Any Advice?

I inherited a number a fine guns from my father-in-law and think I should get them insured. They include a 20 ga. Purdey (2 barrels), 20 ga. Model 21 (2 barrels), 12 ga. Model 21, 28 ga. Abrecrombie Francotte, 16 ga. Abercrombie Francotte (3 barrels), matched pair 20 ga. Arrietta 803s, a couple od Model 42s, a Model 94, a 16 ga. Model 12 and a few other misc. odds and ends.

I'm in a bit of a quandary as to how to go about getting these things insured. I assume I need to get a value for each gun? I'm not aware of any qualified folks near me (south Louisiana) who can do that. If I provide serial numbers, pictures, etc. can someone value these guns without actually seeing them in person? Are there any special gun insurers that would be better than using my home owner's insurance? I'm sure I'm not asking all the right questions but if anyone wants to volunteer some good advice, I'm all ears. Thanks and if this subject has been previously covered I apologize but I didn't see it when I searched.

First line of insurance is a safe, bolted down to the floor. One thing I've learned is that a valuation can be done correctly, with a sound price, and still be successfully shot down by an insurer.
The best way might be to start with the insurer, and get in writing who they will accept and what they are looking for in a valuation.
I gave up buying riders for my own guns (nothing as valuable as what you have) and consider the safe the main insurer.

Best,
Ted

I'm very happy with Eastern Insurance Group. Mr. Jack Richardson may be reached at: jrichardson@historicfirearms.com or if you prefer to talk to him to get started, 800-545-9326 X59398. I found their rates and listing process to be very, very good. I'm on my second policy with them.

As far as valuation, search for similar guns on Guns Internation to get a ball park idea, although you have some very fine guns there, which may be out of the norm in some instances.
V/r
Maxey

Some wonderful and valuable guns you have recevieved. In addition to being secure in your residence and, insured, they should be stored out of their cases and away from humidity. You mention that you're in south LA... Multi-barrel sets are a bit of a pain to store in a safe out of their cases but every effort should be made to keep rust off of them. There are products such as RIG, Ezzox, Balistol, etc... that can be used to wipe them down with which helps prevent rust.

Good points on the insurance, thanks guys.

JMC: Excellent advice on storage - I'll get right on it.

+1. I have them also, good folks to deal with and the rates are not bad. Never had a claim, but nice to know that you have coverage.

Good Luck!

Greg

I just had a policy written by Jack and he is great to deal with and the cost is very fair. Call him he will be happy to work with you.

+3 for Eastern Insurance.

BC Kinsey might be able to help you with appraisals.
BC

I have used the NRA for several years, get some quotes and they will beat them. The ones I have talked to us Loyds of London, the final price is how much profit they need/want.
bill

You can't beat Collectibles Insurance out of Maryland. I've been with them for years, easy to file inventory with each year and great people. First year I was with them, I had a rifle fall out of a treestand 3 weeks after insuring with them, and they paid the claim with no problems!