Canadian Musician - September/October 2020 | Page 11

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT
THEFT PREVENTION
By Meghan Stickney
Unfortunately, there seems
to be an increase in musical
instrument theft over the last
couple of years, but there are
some actions you can take to
protect yourself and your gear.
We’ve provided some tips and tricks
for how to guard your instruments, as well
as some information on how to get them
insured so you are protected in any worstcase
scenario situations.
1. Anonymity
• One of the best ways to prevent your
instruments from being stolen is to
remain as anonymous as possible in
terms of your band and your instruments.
• Avoid having band stickers on your
vehicle and instruments so that you
aren’t a clear target.
• Tint or paint your windows or buy
blinds so people can’t see into your
vehicle, your rehearsal space, or any
place you store your instruments.
2. Security
This one might sound obvious, but there
are a few critical steps you can take to
make sure that you’re keeping your items
as secure as possible. These include:
• Install an alarm.
• Develop a protocol to make sure
that your vehicle is locked at all
times – even when you’re loading in
and may be making several trips to
a nearby space. This happens a lot
with bands and musicians and presents
a target for thieves.
• Chain all of your gear together in
your van or trunk so that if the thief
does a smash-and-grab, they will not
be able to get away quickly.
3. Parking
• Many instrument thefts happen
overnight, so it is important to be
careful about how and where you
park.
• Park your vehicle back against a wall
whenever possible so it’s harder to
get in the back doors.
• Park in the underground garage of
your hotel rather than the surface lot.
• Leave your vehicle at a tow truck
yard: they are manned 24 hours a day,
seven days a week. Plus, the cost is
usually reasonable for the protection
provided.
4. Keep Records
• In the unfortunate case that something
does get stolen, it’s important
that you have the proper records.
It helps with the investigation and
increases the chances of your property
being found.
• Take pictures of your instruments.
This way you’ll have an image to
present should something be taken.
• Keep a record of serial numbers.
This way investigators will absolutely
know if an instrument is yours
or not.
• Store a copy of the appraisal if the
instruments are older than five
years. Vintage gear will have the
best claims settlement if there is an
appraisal to refer to.
In the unfortunate event that your gear is
stolen, you’ll really only be protected from
losses if you’ve chosen an insurance provider
that specializes in instrument insurance
for professionals. Most homeowner
policies will not insure instruments and
gear used professionally or damage caused
by airlines, so be sure to source a policy for
professionals. This ensures all of your bases
are covered and the tools of your trade will
be protected.
In terms of protecting your instrument
at airports and on planes: Rule No. 1 is to
never check instruments with your luggage
unless it’s impossible to transport them
as hand luggage. Keep watch on your
instrument while in the airport terminal.
Consider using a Velcro strap to attach it to
your trolley to prevent a snatch-and-grab.
Hiding a Tile or similar tracker in your cases
results in a good recovery rate for stolen
gear. These products are especially valuable
for vintage gear.
Meghan Stickney is a registered Level II insurance
broker focused on providing risk management and
insurance services to film producers and production
companies. With a Bachelor of Commerce from the
University of British Columbia, Meghan continues
to support local Vancouver filming and cultural
events around the city.
Front Row Insurance is a brokerage specializing in
entertainment-related risks with offices in Toronto,
Montreal, Vancouver, Halifax, LA, NYC & Nashville.
It has an online instrument insurance program
available 24/7 for musicians who are members of
certain music associations (check the site to see
which ones). Custom packages include tour liability
and coverage for recording studios.
DISCLAIMER: Informational statements regarding
insurance coverage are for general description purposes
only. These statements do not amend, modify
or supplement any insurance policy. Consult the
actual policy or your broker for details regarding
terms, conditions, coverage, exclusions, products,
services and programs which may be available
to you. Your eligibility for particular products and
services is subject to the final determination of
underwriting qualifications and acceptance by the
insurance underwriting company providing such
products or services. This guest blog post does not
make any representations that coverage does or
does not exist for any particular claim or loss, or
type of claim or loss, under any policy. Whether
coverage exists or does not exist for any particular
claim or loss under any policy depends on the facts
and circumstances involved in the claim or loss and
all applicable policy wording.
Ð CANADIAN MUSICIAN 11