Gun Insurance

[Shawn Wayment]

We've seen a couple reports now of gun theft. I have all my guns insured on a separate policy through USAA.

I recently slipped and fell while ptarmigan hunting and destroyed my Ithaca NID .410 :cuss::crying::banghead:...USAA was incredible and have covered the entire cost of repair including the round trip shipping with no deductible.

They wanted to have it totaled and pay me for the gun rather than repair it so the only downside was convincing the adjuster that the gun was an antique and a collector's piece.

Thanks heavens for the insurance policy.

Anyone else have a similar policy?

[Randy G Roberts]

Yes Sir. Have had one for many many years through Core-Vens out of Iowa. Underwritten by Travelers. Good folks to deal with.

[Kenneth V Jones]

I have coverage through the NRA Armscare. Never used it just make the annual premium.
KJ

[Mike Poindexter]

I had bad luck with NRA Armscare about 20 years ago. Lost a stainless Taurus 431 out of a shoulder holster in the mountains. Paid $225 for it new. Made a claim on Armscare and they said they had a $250 deductible so I got zip. Not worth fighting over, so I just let it go.

[Eric Eis]

Eastern Insurance, in Mass. low rates cover slip and falls, and also cover firearms while travelling outside the US, NRA insurance does not and a lot of other policies are the same so check before you need it. Also covers shipping which some policies don't too.

[Phil Yearout]

Eastern Insurance, in Mass. low rates cover slip and falls, and also cover firearms while travelling outside the US, NRA insurance does not and a lot of other policies are the same so check before you need it. Also covers shipping which some policies don't too.

Me too. After having the forms laying on my desk for a year or two I finally took the plunge last year. Thankfully I haven't had occasion to use it but I have heard nothing but good things about the company.

[Shawn Wayment]

Here’s the damage to my Ithaca.

[Tom Flanigan]

Shawn, I felt bad when you told me what happened to your .410. I'm very glad it all worked out for you.

[Phil Yearout]

Ouch :crying:!

[Kenneth V Jones]

Can you explain the fall? It must have been wicked.:eek:

[Kenneth V Jones]

I emailed Eastern Insurance. My NRA is due in December, I'll see what they say as well as USAA. Thanks for the tip.

[Shawn Wayment]

Can you explain the fall? It must have been wicked.:eek:


I shot a bird and it went down in a huge boulder field where the dogs couldn’t go...I thought to myself for a minute that I would set the gun down and then go after the bird...but other birds flew into the rock field. I slipped on a rock and fell face first landing on the gun. :banghead::banghead:

I shot two birds with the left non-bent barrel before I hobbled down off the mountain.

[Kenneth V Jones]

I've fallen too but was lucky enough to save the gun by landing on my face!
Hey but you got birds in spite of it, good going.

[Bill Murphy]

I'm sorry, but I have always thought that I could self insure with great safes and safe neighborhoods. So far, I have succeeded. I ended my self insurance with a fireproof (yes, I know that is ridiculous) vault. Some of us who have some substantial collections should consider a vault rather than expensive insurance.

[Kenneth V Jones]

Bill,
I've had a safe since 1990. A few years ago a neighbor had his safe taken.
It would be nice if the insurance companies could take that into consideration.
Eastern has contacted me and it appears their price per $100.00 of coverage is much better that NRA's.

[Mills Morrison]

Having guns that no one wants to steal is another method

[Craig Larter]

I gladly pay my Eastern Insurance premiums every year, no worries shooting and hunting my guns, no ugly expensive safe and the enjoyment of keeping my guns on display. I can't imagine having a great collection and locking it away in a safe. If I had to do that I wouldn't collect guns or decoys.

[Eric Eis]

I'm sorry, but I have always thought that I could self insure with great safes and safe neighborhoods. So far, I have succeeded. I ended my self insurance with a fireproof (yes, I know that is ridiculous) vault. Some of us who have some substantial collections should consider a vault rather than expensive insurance.

As Craig said, one of the main reasons that I have Eastern insurance is when I am hunting and at shoots, I don't have to worry because the guns are covered. No safe or vault can do that !

[Randy G Roberts]

As Craig said, one of the main reasons that I have Eastern insurance is when I am hunting and at shoots, I don't have to worry because the guns are covered. No safe or vault can do that !

That and then there's the travel issue as well, plenty of exposure there. Actually I have never thought the premiums for these products were high at all.

[Chris Travinski]

A gun safe is great if you have kids or maybe if there is a fire, but they are kind of a joke as far as security. All of the weight in a gun safe is in the insulation material the rest is just sheet metal.

[Russell E. Cleary]

There was an avid hunter, a Chebeague Island, Maine Selectman -- birds, big game, Africa -- who with three other guys were on their way to hunt the Gaspe Peninsula, Province of Quebec. Outside their motel their truck was stolen. Everything was taken -- guns; clothing; new Ford pickup.

The show went on, due to helpful guides and other people providing guns and whatever else was needed.

I do not know if any of the guns were insured, but it is an object lesson in the travel exposure that Randy references, an exposure that can exceed the heartbreak and monetary loss of falling on (or with) one’s gun; or driving away with it on the roof, truck bed cover or tailgate.

[Kenneth V Jones]

The best part of having the safe is my wife don't know what guns I have.:whistle:

[Bill Mullins]

In a recent conversation with the late Jack Richardson he conveyed to me that almost all their firearm claims stemmed from hunting, shooting, and shipping accidents. Only in a rare instance was there a theft or fire claim. I started insuring with Eastern (and Jack) many years ago. 👍

[Eric Eis]

In a recent conversation with the late Jack Richardson he conveyed to me that almost all their firearm claims stemmed from hunting, shooting, and shipping accidents. Only in a rare instance was there a theft or fire claim. I started insuring with Eastern (and Jack) many years ago. ��

That's what Jack told me too. I have a vault but when I'm at events or hunting or shipping guns I don't have to worry, so the price is worth it for my own piece of mind.

[Bill Mullins]

Eric..."Ditto" 👍😊

[Stephen Hodges]

I am glad you guys posted this. I guess I always just worried about my gun at home so I bought a Browning safe. I never considered that a policy would protect against damage either shipping or accidentally damaging a gun. I am going to look into a policy.:bowdown:

[Kenneth V Jones]

Eastern contacted me and I'm going to leave my NRA expire after I secure a policy with them. NRA policy is up in another month.
Thanks for making me aware!

[Robin Lewis]

Eastern Insurance, in Mass. low rates cover slip and falls, and also cover firearms while travelling outside the US, NRA insurance does not and a lot of other policies are the same so check before you need it. Also covers shipping which some policies don't too.

I had an accident with a Parker:crying: and must say that my coverage by Eastern covered my repair and the loss in collectable value. There were none of the hassles that I hear about from other insurance companies; Eastern has a very professional and fair process. The repair was covered, less my deductible, and the loss in value was determined as the average of three "independent" knowledgeable estimates; one of which I arranged. I can honestly say I am happy that I decided to insure my Parker and glad I used Eastern.

[Randy G Roberts]

I would expect/hope that most carriers would respond in a similar fashion as Robin detailed for those types of claims. While we are on the subject of gun insurance let me make you aware of a couple of limitations that you most likely have in your policy that you may want to verify. The first being "transit". The attached verbiage is from a Travelers "Collectors" policy, not a "Dealers" policy. You will note under the highlighted area that items in transit are limited to a maximum of 25K and possibly less depending on your limits. This is not for each individual firearm, this is the total. Doesn't apply to you ? How many guns are you hauling to the Southern, values ? There may be a buyback on this limitation with carriers. The Travelers buyback max is 40K.
The second item of concern would be the exclusionary language pertaining to "property on exhibition at fair grounds, gun shows, or on the premises of any national or international exposure". How many of us have had guns for sale on a dealers table at a gun show ? I can assure you that "on exhibition at gun shows" will include being exhibited for sale. How about all the guns on display at Pheasant Fest. It's a "national exposition" so no coverage. There is no buyback with Travelers on this coverage so we can safely assume if you need this coverage their intent would be to offer you a "Dealers Policy". The industry likes to refer to this as "getting the premium for the exposure" but that's another paragraph I don't have time to address. Intent here is just to raise some awareness to some issues that you may not have addressed with your carrier/agent. BTW I am not picking on Travelers I just happened to have their policy forms available.

[Eric Eis]

I would expect/hope that most carriers would respond in a similar fashion as Robin detailed for those types of claims. While we are on the subject of gun insurance let me make you aware of a couple of limitations that you most likely have in your policy that you may want to verify. The first being "transit". The attached verbiage is from a Travelers "Collectors" policy, not a "Dealers" policy. You will note under the highlighted area that items in transit are limited to a maximum of 25K and possibly less depending on your limits. This is not for each individual firearm, this is the total. Doesn't apply to you ? How many guns are you hauling to the Southern, values ? There may be a buyback on this limitation with carriers. The Travelers buyback max is 40K.
The second item of concern would be the exclusionary language pertaining to "property on exhibition at fair grounds, gun shows, or on the premises of any national or international exposure". How many of us have had guns for sale on a dealers table at a gun show ? I can assure you that "on exhibition at gun shows" will include being exhibited for sale. How about all the guns on display at Pheasant Fest. It's a "national exposition" so no coverage. There is no buyback with Travelers on this coverage so we can safely assume if you need this coverage their intent would be to offer you a "Dealers Policy". The industry likes to refer to this as "getting the premium for the exposure" but that's another paragraph I don't have time to address. Intent here is just to raise some awareness to some issues that you may not have addressed with your carrier/agent. BTW I am not picking on Travelers I just happened to have their policy forms available.

This was a question I asked Jack before his death, as I wanted to give my Boss shotgun to a smith at the Southern to take back with him but he didn't want to as he didn't have enough transit insurance. Jack said to me"Eric, you are covered period" He said it doesn't matter where the gun (or guns) is, it's covered period. So that's why I have Eastern insurance covering my guns.

[Robin Lewis]

This was a question I asked Jack before his death, as I wanted to give my Boss shotgun to a smith at the Southern to take back with him but he didn't want to as he didn't have enough transit insurance. Jack said to me"Eric, you are covered period" He said it doesn't matter where the gun (or guns) is, it's covered period. So that's why I have Eastern insurance covering my guns.
That is the same message I got from Jack too. Hunting, shooting, shipping, shows, fire or theft. I called him about shipping a gun to someone interested in buying it and he said until he accepted the gun after the inspection it would be insured under my policy. So, I didn't need the insurance the shipper or US Mail sell. That was when I knew I had something good.

[Eric Eis]

That is the same message I got from Jack too. Hunting, shooting, shipping, shows, fire or theft. I called him about shipping a gun to someone interested in buying it and he said until he accepted the gun after the inspection it would be insured under my policy. So, I didn't need the insurance the shipper or US Mail sell. That was when I knew I had something good.

I've said this before and I'll say it again no I don't like writing the check but I sure do love the piece of mind I have when I'm at a shoot or hunting or even shipping a gun (which I rarely do ) and know that my guns are covered and I'm not going to have to fight to get a settlement like other insurers. For the couple of bucks a day that it costs me to insure my whole collection is a small price to pay.

[Paul Ehlers]

I just renewed my Eastern policy. It sure gives me a nice overall piece of mind knowing I'm insured for most circumstances.

Keep in mind that there is one circumstance you aren't covered for and that's government confiscation. I ran into this with a VHE-20ga I bought on Gun Broker a couple of years ago from a dealer in Maine. Six months after I had the gun in hand the local police showed up at my door with a court order from Maine to take the gun because it was reported as stolen in Maine. It's a long story but the short version is; I lost the gun & the money I paid for it. My eastern policy wouldn't cover it due to the clause for government confiscation. It still hurts every time I think about it.

[Randy G Roberts]

I just renewed my Eastern policy. It sure gives me a nice overall piece of mind knowing I'm insured for most circumstances.

Keep in mind that there is one circumstance you aren't covered for and that's government confiscation. I ran into this a couple of years ago with a VHE-20ga I bought on Gun Broker a couple of years ago from a dealer in Maine. Six months after I had the gun in hand the local police showed up at my door with a court order from Maine to take the gun because it was reported as stolen in Maine. It's a long story but the short version is; I lost the gun & the money I paid for it. My eastern policy wouldn't cover it due to the clause for government confiscation. It still hurts every time I think about it.

Well that's an odd one for sure Paul. If it makes you feel any better and it will not you would most likely have that same exclusion in any policy with any carrier, not just Eastern and there will not be a buy back provision on that one. Theft has been mentioned a couple of times here. Along that line Eastern does have an exclusion pertaining to "unattended vehicles" as do most carriers. Theft from an unlocked vehicle with no signs of forced entry, no coverage ! Keep those vehicles locked fellas.
I stated earlier that I was not picking on Travelers, same for Eastern. Both are good products and they all have their quirks. Just pointing a few things out.

[Paul Ehlers]

I'm not picking on Eastern either, I'm very comfortable with their policy & think they offer some of the best coverage for collectors out there. I really like the coverage for shipping guns & while on hunting trips both domestic & internationally. You made a good point; always keep them locked up!!!!!

I just wanted to make the point that having insurance doesn't mean your covered for all possible situations. Be sure to know what your policy actually covers.

[Justin Julian]

Interesting thread.
Anyone care to throw out the annual cost of the Eastern insurance per, say, $100,000 of coverage?

[Robin Lewis]

~$350

[Garry L Gordon]

Well that's an odd one for sure Paul. If it makes you feel any better and it will not you would most likely have that same exclusion in any policy with any carrier, not just Eastern and there will not be a buy back provision on that one. Theft has been mentioned a couple of times here. Along that line Eastern does have an exclusion pertaining to "unattended vehicles" as do most carriers. Theft from an unlocked vehicle with no signs of forced entry, no coverage ! Keep those vehicles locked fellas.
I stated earlier that I was not picking on Travelers, same for Eastern. Both are good products and they all have their quirks. Just pointing a few things out.

So, Randy, is a locked vehicle considered "attended?"

[Eric Eis]

Yes if you have Eastern not sure about others

[Randy G Roberts]

So, Randy, is a locked vehicle considered "attended?"

Garry generally speaking that would be correct for most carriers. I'm going to refrain from saying all carriers as there's always the odd ball.

[Phillip Carr]

I am guessing location makes a difference on cost. $100,000 cost me just over $300 per year. $250 deductible.

[Dean Romig]

Who is your carrier Phil?





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[Phillip Carr]

Dean I have been using Hanover/Eastern insurance for about 6 years. I just pulled my policy and I pay $314 for 100k. They give Parker members a 5% discount.
Unfortunately Jack as some of you may know, passed away last year. Great fellow.
There is a lady that has taken over his accounts ( don’t recall her name off hand ) but she is very helpful and knowledgable.

[Eric Eis]

Dean I have been using Hanover/Eastern insurance for about 6 years. I just pulled my policy and I pay $314 for 100k. They give Parker members a 5% discount.
Unfortunately Jack as some of you may know, passed away last year. Great fellow.
There is a lady that has taken over his accounts ( don’t recall her name off hand ) but she is very helpful and knowledgable.

Phil, I think her name is Laura Sewall, I'll have to ask if I got the 5% discount.

[Randy G Roberts]

So, Randy, is a locked vehicle considered "attended?"

Garry the attached is what I would refer to as a typical example of this language.

[Garry L Gordon]

Garry the attached is what I would refer to as a typical example of this language.

Thank you!

[Bill Murphy]

I wonder why Paul couldn't go back to the dealer or individual who sold him the stolen gun. I have heard of similar situations and the unlucky buyer was able to recover from the seller. In turn, the seller can go back to his source. One of our members bought a stolen high grade Superposed several years ago and recovery was a piece of cake, happening very quickly.

[Phil Yearout]

I have the Eastern program; am I right that if I buy and pay for a gun that it is automatically insured during shipment to me?

[Robin Lewis]

Call and ask.

I asked them the other side of that process.... if I sell it and ship it, is it still insured and their answer was that it was, until the shipment was accepted. So the three day inspection period I gave a buyer and the shipment to him is covered. Since you haven't accepted it yet.... call and ask to be sure.

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

Eastern, has my business, and yes the lady is Laura Sewall, One thing that you need to know about Eastern, if your gun is over a certain amount you will need to have an appraisal letter for that gun, do not know what the limit is but my AA hammer gun had to have one, Gary

[Bob Decker]

I use Steve Boyett & Associates (www.antiqueguninsurance.com). The coverage is complete for travel, shipping, etc. Coverage is $150/$100,000. As far as coverage and cost this is the best I have found. In terms of records of payouts, I have none.

[Robin Lewis]

It was $50,000 when I bought mine

[Eric Eis]

Eastern, has my business, and yes the lady is Laura Sewall, One thing that you need to know about Eastern, if your gun is over a certain amount you will need to have an appraisal letter for that gun, do not know what the limit is but my AA hammer gun had to have one, Gary

Gary it's $50,000

[Paul Ehlers]

I wonder why Paul couldn't go back to the dealer or individual who sold him the stolen gun. I have heard of similar situations and the unlucky buyer was able to recover from the seller. In turn, the seller can go back to his source. One of our members bought a stolen high grade Superposed several years ago and recovery was a piece of cake, happening very quickly.

It's a long story, but the short of it is: I did approach the seller and he basically told me it was my problem to work out with the Maine court system. He was banking on the fact that he was in Maine & I'm in Colorado where the overall money involved wouldn't justify lawyering-up to pursue. I do have a court ordered restitution against the thief's that stole the gun. I know that I'll never see a dime from that either, the people that stole the gun aren't the type to pay-up even if it is court ordered.

I was the lucky one in all of this, there was another gun stolen at the same time and the guy that bought is out $12,500.00

I probably should take the time and post a thread telling the whole story to shed some light on some of the things that can come up when buying guns on-line.

[Phil Yearout]

I have the Eastern blanket coverage plan which covers up to $45K; costs me $150.00 per year. I just spoke with Laura at Eastern; once you pay for a gun and the seller has accepted your payment the gun is covered so no need to add insurance coverage during shipment. If the purchase puts you over your blanket amount you need to call her and increase your coverage. If the gun is over $10k you do need to have it scheduled.

[Dean Romig]

By "scheduled" I presume you mean fully described, including the serial number?





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[Randy G Roberts]

[QUOTE=Dean Romig;271054]By "scheduled" I presume you mean fully described, including the serial number?

That would be correct Dean.

[Randy G Roberts]

I have the Eastern blanket coverage plan which covers up to $45K; costs me $150.00 per year. I just spoke with Laura at Eastern; once you pay for a gun and the seller has accepted your payment the gun is covered so no need to add insurance coverage during shipment. If the purchase puts you over your blanket amount you need to call her and increase your coverage. If the gun is over $10k you do need to have it scheduled.

Some folks do insure up to their deductible amount through the carrier. Not a big deal but if you have a $1,000 or $2,500 deductible you may want to consider it.

[Phil Yearout]

Some folks do insure up to their deductible amount through the carrier. Not a big deal but if you have a $1,000 or $2,500 deductible you may want to consider it.

Good point. Mine's only $100 so I probably wouldn't. Here's another dumb question: I've never returned a gun I've bought, but if you do, does it have to go to an FFL or can it go straight back to the sender?

[Randy G Roberts]

Good point. Mine's only $100 so I probably wouldn't. Here's another dumb question: I've never returned a gun I've bought, but if you do, does it have to go to an FFL or can it go straight back to the sender?

Unless this has changed without my knowledge of it the rule was always that a nonlicensee could mail a rifle or shotgun to a resident of their State or to a licensee of any State.

[tom leshinsky]

please post the contact for eastern insurance?

[Robin Lewis]

Laura Sewall

(781) 834-6578
(800) 333-7234

233 West Cetral St.
Natick, Ma. 01760-4623

lsewall@easterninsurance.com

[Eric Eis]

I have the Eastern blanket coverage plan which covers up to $45K; costs me $150.00 per year. I just spoke with Laura at Eastern; once you pay for a gun and the seller has accepted your payment the gun is covered so no need to add insurance coverage during shipment. If the purchase puts you over your blanket amount you need to call her and increase your coverage. If the gun is over $10k you do need to have it scheduled.

I just call Laura and the scheduled amounts very depending on your policy. If your policy is up to $249,999 it is $10,000 if it is over 250K and under 500K i's $25,000 per item, and if your policy is over $500K you only have to schedule a firearm if it's insure for over $50,000

[Chuck Bishop]

Eric, that's what I was told too for Eastern. I'm covered to 60K and my premium was $170. Piece of mind!

[Bill Murphy]

Randy, I don't think you answered Phil's question. He bought from a non-FFL. Can he return it without using an FFL? I think this is a question many of us would like to have answered.

[Dean Romig]

Post deleted. My understanding of the law has been proven in error by Randy's post of the link to the actual law.





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[Randy G Roberts]

Randy, I don't think you answered Phil's question. He bought from a non-FFL. Can he return it without using an FFL? I think this is a question many of us would like to have answered.

According to the "ATF Federal Firearms Regulations Reference Guide" and I will quote "A nonlicensee may mail a shotgun or rifle to a resident of his or her own State or to a licensee in any State". There is some additional verbiage that
clarifies that a common or contract carrier (not the USPS) must be used for a handgun. Same rule that I quoted above applies to a handgun. There is nothing that I can see pertaining to a transfer of ownership. Based upon this if Phil does not have an FFL he can ship it in State or it must go to an FFL if out of State. So it would appear the ATF does not want nonlicensee's shipping firearms out of State, right ? Wrong, if you are going hunting it is perfectly legal to ship your guns out of State to the intended State where you will be hunting as long as you ship to yourself in the care of another. Fellas I could be wrong on this as the rules are lengthy and complicated but I cannot see anything other than what I have stated above. Phil you can always call the local ATF office and inquire.

[Randy G Roberts]

I should have done this previously, attached is the rule I am referring to. Maybe you will find a different interpretation.

[Phil Yearout]

Talked with my local AFT office; according to the agent the gun must go to an FFL if I return it.

[Bill Murphy]

That's a lot simpler than the raft of rules and regulations that have been offered to us in the last several posts. End of story, I think.

[Bill Murphy]

Sorry if I killed this thread, but we need to know this stuff. Can we or can't we ?

[Mills Morrison]

A notorious old South Carolina Circuit Court Judge once told a friend of mine "That may be the law in South Carolina, but it is not the law in my courtroom today." A lot of law enforcement officers have the same attitude.

[Randy G Roberts]

Sorry if I killed this thread, but we need to know this stuff. Can we or can't we ?

Bill I presume you are referring to the shipping issue previously discussed in this thread. The ATF regulations as I previously posted seem clear to me, however if an ATF agent has advised otherwise I have no response on that one. I would have to present the agent the regulations if it were me and ask for clarification if his comments contradicted the regulations but that's just me.

[Jeff Peck]

Can anyone share contact info for Laura @ Eastern Insurance ?

[Jeff Peck]

never-ending, missed the page.

Thanks !

[Randy G Roberts]

Can anyone share contact info for Laura @ Eastern Insurance ?



https://www.easterninsurance.com/insurance-quotes/personal-insurance/historic-firearms

[Ronald A Moore]

Core Vens no longer used Travlers as their co insurance, they have a new company I cannot remember name now. I will look it up. and annotate this reply.

Ron Moore

[Ronald A Moore]

Core Vens carrier on gun insurance is Trans Guard insurance.

Ron Moore

[Jeff Peck]

Spent about 30 minutes on the phone yesterday with Laura @ Eastern/historic firearms.

Fantastic discussion, they are still offering discounts for PGCA members.

I liked the additional options for ammo, optics and reloading supplies.

Looking forward to the quote.

[Dean Romig]

Jeff, I guarantee you’ll be amazed at its affordability.





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[Jeff Peck]

Dean,

You were so right !

Just finished the new policy with Laura, now can't wait to cancel the old and get a LOT of money back....