Mike, I’m not a expert on gun insurance but I have several friends in the business, they tell me they have it for shipping and gun show theft. UPS and FED EX insurance does not cover much even if you pay for the full amount of an expensive gun in many cases they only pay for $500. The old fine print rule, you paid for $5000. to a know nothing clerk but it states on our contract we are only obligated to pay $500. on firearms. Lost or stolen at or to and from a gun show is also a huge concern today. These are two things that are a must to have with any policy, usually they cost very little extra and you will save the shipping insurance fee. The trick is to get a company that will do it without listing all your guns and having them appraised. Remember if it doesn’t say it in your policy you don’t have it, read the exclusions and all fine print, if you have a question have the agent answer it in writing then you don’t have to dance with the devil later. T/R

Folks,

A personal opinion, here, like most everyone.  Need to hear from folks that have had a claim or two to really know about the quality of the insurance you may or may not have.  Years ago I talked at length to Bob Land, who had had several claims.  He recommended a particular insurance company, but of course I no longer recall what he recommended.  They settled his claims (disappearances at gun shows) promptly and without questioning the values he had established on his Colts.  He was considered by them a very knowledgeable Colts expert.  I queried the company, got good answers, but the expense was greater than I had to pay via the particular insurance I do have (through Armed Forces Insurance Exchange).  Naturally I have not had a claim so I can not attest how well they will settle should I have one.  They do cover me enroute to shows, and at the show, as long as I am not in the business of selling firearms.  Supposedly an occasional sale is permitted, but again, until I have a claim I won’t know just how good of insurance I have.  

Anyway, I would try to reach out to see about experiences folks have had with claims first, then consider the various hoops needed to satisfy the underwriters.  I have had NRA plus other floaters in the past, and it became problematic obtaining individual values by having appraisals for individual items worth over a set amount (seems it used to be $2000).  One of them I had had required photos of the more expensive, itemized pieces as well.  Currently I have to maintain a good inventory and list what I paid and when I paid it (which I have always done for myself anyway).  I keep that inventory in the bank lock box and update it every so often (less often of late).  The description and history will be used to determine the credible value after a loss.  May be an easy task, may be difficult.  

The Chrysler 300 Club has these discussions every few years, too.  Everyone touts their individual choice, but the ones that have had a claim and can address how well (or not) it was handled are who get the attention of the others listening.  Bob Land used to come to Cody, but quit some years ago.  There must have been others in WACA that have had claims, though.

Tim