No alarm?...you're NOT covered!

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Bill Kexel

Well-Known DJ
Dec 5, 2006
2,097
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Phoenix, AZ
I was recently comparing different insurance policies for covering my DJ gear.
I'm going over everything to make sure I'm properly covered for Liability & property (accidents, theft, fire, Etc) If something happens to my gear, I want to make sure they will come through & cover it.

On the policy with a company that Many mobile DJs use had something that caught my eye:

If someone breaks into your van/trailer Etc. & steals everything & you do not have an alarm system or have it "armed"..... You are NOT covered.

They will also do an investigation to see if it was armed & if it was a forced entry or not. If it was not a "forced entry" (was left unlocked, etc.), you are not covered.

I'm wondering if this is stated in most policies that DJs use?
I personally know several mobile DJs that do not have an alarm system.
I'd hate to find out the hard way!
 
I always had a problem with that myself as I lease a van for my events on a per event basis so there is no way I can have an installed alarm. I also asked that "insurance company" to recommend a solution that would satisfy the terms of the policy. They would never answer me on that, nor what would happen if a vehicle was equipped with electronic locks, and the locks were hacked electronically and opened.
 
Now I have to check my insurance policy. Thanks for the heads up. I never let my equipment out of my sight.
 
Bounce said:
I saw mentioned, a motion detector from somewhere as radio shack or your local security outlet seems like a great way to alarm your trailer, can be had for twenty dollars.
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You also gotta wonder what do they consider a professional security/alarm system? Audio express sells those rinky dink "noise makers". A garbage truck goes by & sets the damn thing off.

But having no alarm at all, gives them the right to not cover you.
 
Bill Kexel said:
You also gotta wonder what do they consider a professional security/alarm system? Audio express sells those rinky dink "noise makers". A garbage truck goes by & sets the damn thing off.

But having no alarm at all, gives them the right to not cover you.
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This is fairly common in the industry for what are called "Inland Marine" or equipment floater policies. Without this clause, you couldn't or wouldn't pay the premium. It can be stated as an "alarm warranty", or a "locked car" warranty. Alarm has to operational, and armed for coverage to apply.

Even under your homeowners type policies for your personal goods, (not DJ Equipment...these cannot be covered under Homeowners policy....."business pursuits" exclusion applies) you have an alarm warranty, if you have an alarm, and a "locked car" warranty, for losses as a result of theft to be covered.

Personally I do not carry Property/Theft Insurance on my Equipment. Let's face it, how many of you leave your gear unprotected either at home or at a gig?

What I do carry is Liability and workers Compensation coverage.
 
DJ Gray said:
Personally I do not carry Property/Theft Insurance on my Equipment. Let's face it, how many of you leave your gear unprotected either at home or at a gig?

What I do carry is Liability and workers Compensation coverage.
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I could NOT IMAGINE not having coverage for my gear. Mine is covered at at home, on the road & at the gig.

BTW: I NEVER leave my gear unattended at a gig (I may be in the bathroom) but I don't take off somewhere.

Question: Let's say your gear is stolen...What are you gonna do? do you have enough funds to go out & buy what you need in time for your next gig?
 
Bill Kexel said:
I could NOT IMAGINE not having coverage for my gear. Mine is covered at at home, on the road & at the gig.

BTW: I NEVER leave my gear unattended at a gig (I may be in the bathroom) but I don't take off somewhere.

Question: Let's say your gear is stolen...What are you gonna do? do you have enough funds to go out & buy what you need in time for your next gig?
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No, I would refund my deposits and go on ....the point is what good is it if you have the coverage and the loss is not covered? As was the premise of this thread.....

To get coverage for this type of equipment on a "floater" (meaning covered anywhere) basis, without appropriate locked car/container, and alarm warranties you will, 1. Have to carry a substantial deductible, and 2. Will pay a much higher rate/premium. Keeping in mind that even if you have the alarm, but forgot to arm it.........guess what?? no coverage.

You're better off to buy a very good alarm system, and use some good "risk management" techniques to protect your property, and save yourself the premiums.

I protect my trailer at all gigs with a lock that fits on the tongue of the trailer, at home trailer is locked in garage, my biggest exposure is to fire, and I guess I'm willing to take that risk.

I Spent 35 Years selling Commercial/Business Insurance, but the last few years more time was being spent on "Risk Management" by the Industry which was proving very profitable to both the Companies as well as the Insureds.
 
DJ Gray said:
No, I would refund my deposits and go on ....the point is what good is it if you have the coverage and the loss is not covered? As was the premise of this thread......
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The premise of the thread was to make sure you are covered.
What you describe sounds like a fly-by the seat of your pants operation to me.

I find that a pretty cheap "way out" (refund deposits & go on) There are many alternative answers then to just crap on your customers & leave them up **** creek.

As a member of the ADJA, we have the "DJ in need" program where a complete system (with music) is loaned to you (free) untill you can get back on your feet.

My $02?...that's pretty low for any DJ to do that to customers that hired you & have put their trust in you with their special day.
 
Bill Kexel said:
The premise of the thread was to make sure you are covered.
What you describe sounds like a fly-by the seat of your pants operation to me.

I find that a pretty cheap "way out" (refund deposits & go on) There are many alternative answers then to just crap on your customers & leave them up **** creek.

As a member of the ADJA, we have the "DJ in need" program where a complete system (with music) is loaned to you (free) untill you can get back on your feet.

My $02?...that's pretty low for any DJ to do that to customers that hired you & have put their trust in you with their special day.
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You did not get the meaning of my post at all......I personally could replace all my equipment tomorrow.... if I wanted to, no credit needed...no problem....

The point I was trying to make in a subtle way was...............When you don't read your policy, or ask the right questions when you buy your policy....you get what you deserve.........in some cases nothing......

And as far as "crapping on your customers" You said that, I didn't.......
 
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