Guitar Appraisals for Insurance

[Spook410]

Need to add a rider to my home insurance for my guitars. This will require some sort of appraisal from a legitimate source. As I live in a small town, that is not likely to be available as a hands on process. Anybody had experience with getting appraisals done remotely? Would like to include both well known expensive models and lesser known not so expensive ones.

[Stringswinger]

Gruhn supplies that service.

[jazzshrink]

Guitar Appraisal Online - Vintage Guitar Appraisals | Gruhn Guitars

Online Appraisal Service
Appraisals are available by uploading the following to our secure appraisal site. Please see the online appraisal submission form further below:

• Front and back photos of the instrument (required). Additional photos can be uploaded in order to include detailed photos if necessary. Please limit file size to 25MB.
  
• Serial number
  
• Description of modifications, repairs and other issues not apparent from photos
  
• Credit card information for $75 appraisal fee
  
• Mailing address
  
• Email address

Upon completion, a copy of the appraisal will be sent to you by email and the original appraisal will be sent via USPS. If you prefer to request an appraisal by regular mail, please include the items listed above along with a check or money order for $75 in U.S. funds.
Detailed Appraisals
For appraisals requiring the examination of 10 or more photos, a higher fee may apply. Please contact us at 615.256.2033 or gruhn@gruhn.com to discuss.

[Spook410]

Thanks for this. Let's see.. 30 guitars.. $75 each.. umm.. wait. Maybe I could live with a less reputable appraiser.

[deacon Mark]

Gruhn does it as SS says but I have a policy with Heritage that specializes in guitars and instruments. I have been with them for over 25 years and never have had to submit an appraisal at least to them. When I started, they knew I understood guitars are pretty much allowed what I said. So you can insure you 1999 Super 400 for $20k but that does not mean you get $20k for it if is a total loss. They look at replacement value and my guess have options to allow for less if you have get a guitar realistically for less.

I bought a Heritage Johnny Smith about a year ago. I just showed them the copy of check I paid for it and said take that. I am not looking for any trouble just to get my money back. While I probably could not get my HJS for that price I paid again if completely gone I don't care. I live at the Home Offices of State Farm Insurance Company and I can tell you insurance companies generally have the upper hand. I would not trust a typical insurance rider policy to cover my guitars, they might but they also might be hell to deal with. I don't use State Farm for that but they got my auto covered.

Appraisal also generally are pretty liberal and allow direct fast replacement if you want to go get another guitar like you lost. So your 1940 Gibson Super 400 might get an appraisal of $30,000 out of George but probably can get one cheaper. Guitars are worth what someone will pay for one and it can also depending on who the seller is and the connections.

[pcjazz]

Thanks for this. Let's see.. 30 guitars.. $75 each.. umm.. wait. Maybe I could live with a less reputable appraiser.

I’ll do it for twenty bucks each. I am just what you are looking for, a disreputable appraiser.

[Spook410]

I’ll do it for twenty bucks each. I am just what you are looking for, a disreputable appraiser.

I appreciate your kind offer but could we talk about the bridge in Brooklyn you sold me first?

[SierraTango]

Gruhn does it as SS says but I have a policy with Heritage that specializes in guitars and instruments. I have been with them for over 25 years and never have had to submit an appraisal at least to them. When I started, they knew I understood guitars are pretty much allowed what I said. So you can insure you 1999 Super 400 for $20k but that does not mean you get $20k for it if is a total loss. They look at replacement value and my guess have options to allow for less if you have get a guitar realistically for less.

I bought a Heritage Johnny Smith about a year ago. I just showed them the copy of check I paid for it and said take that. I am not looking for any trouble just to get my money back. While I probably could not get my HJS for that price I paid again if completely gone I don't care. I live at the Home Offices of State Farm Insurance Company and I can tell you insurance companies generally have the upper hand. I would not trust a typical insurance rider policy to cover my guitars, they might but they also might be hell to deal with. I don't use State Farm for that but they got my auto covered.

Appraisal also generally are pretty liberal and allow direct fast replacement if you want to go get another guitar like you lost. So your 1940 Gibson Super 400 might get an appraisal of $30,000 out of George but probably can get one cheaper. Guitars are worth what someone will pay for one and it can also depending on who the seller is and the connections.

So Deacon, you must live in Bloomington,IL? My spouse is originally from Peoria.

[pcjazz]

I appreciate your kind offer but could we talk about the bridge in Brooklyn you sold me first?

I can let you have the corresponding A sections at a deep discount if you buy all three.