Cost of Insurance for Brass bands

[Sandheys]

Are there any band secretaries, chairmen, committee members out there who share my view that we are being ripped off by the insurance companies? We have paid somewhere between £600 and £800 per annum for about about £60k cover and £2m publc liability for over 25 years and have never made a claim. Every time we think we have a claim, such as getting the Fire Brigade in to free a junior member from his Euph or losing an instrument when someone moves house and no one knows where they have gone etc, we are told this is our own fault! We have not exercised due care. OK so what are we insured for? We have no idea what we are covered for exactly. How often is a full set of instruments at risk? Has any insurance company actually done any serious risk assessment or are we seen as an easy touch? Would be interested to hear views from other bands.

[njh]

Have you changed your insurers as a result of poor service, AND told the old insurers why?

[andywooler]

OK so what are we insured for? We have no idea what we are covered for exactly. How often is a full set of instruments at risk? Has any insurance company actually done any serious risk assessment or are we seen as an easy touch? Would be interested to hear views from other bands.

To know what you are covered for, get a copy of the policy before committing. Insurers do not see any specific risk as an easy touch - rates are primarily based on claims experience.
Personally speaking, not keeping track of the whereabouts of band property is the responsibility of the band - should all other policy holders have their rates increased because of lots of claims from people who don't manage their affairs properly? (I speak here both as an individual and someone who has spent time in the insurance industry).

Both of the bands I am involved in have had claims in the last few years - accidental damage, theft (Eb bass, Euphonium) and claims were met with no problems. (2 different insurance companies btw).