Recent Issues with Eastern Insurance??

[Craig Larter]

Eastern Insurance (Laura Sewell) has been totally irresponsive the last month. I wanted to update my list of covered guns about one month ago. I sent a e-mail to Laura and got no response for 2 weeks, I followed up with a phone call and e-mail and received a " I will get to your request in a couple of day". Still no response one month later which is totally out of character. Anyone else having issues???

[Dean Romig]

Craig, The Historic Firearms, Collectibles and Sporting Arm Insurance Program purchased through Eastern Insurance is actually subcontracted to Hanover Insurance Company, based in Worcester, MA.

You might do well to contact them explaining the policy is through Eastern.





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[Garry L Gordon]

Craig, I have had similar issues recently. The last time I spoke directly with Laura, and it's been a while, she expressed being overwhelmed (my word, not hers) with working from home and trying to get things done. I added two guns to my policy and called in a cc# in mid-May (to another phone number), and was just charged last week...and the new guns were not reflected in the bill. She promptly did correct the matter (at least as reflected in my cc balance), but I've still not seen my new policy. It's hard to say how the pandemic affected businesses, if that's the case here or not.

Anyway, you're not alone.

[Paul Ehlers]

I sent my renewal check in & noticed after several weeks that it hadn't cleared my bank yet. I called Laura to make sure my policy was still in effect & if she got my check or not. She told me the same story of how busy & overwhelmed she was. She did find my check & said everything is good with my policy, but it still took about a month for my check to clear the bank.

After seeing this thread along with my renewal experience. I sure hope I don't need to file a claim, who knows how long that might take.

[Bill Murphy]

Take the premium money and put it toward a vault.

[Craig Larter]

Thanks for the feedback. I called Eastern today and Laura is out of the office until 6/21 with no one covering for her, ridiculous in my opinion. I have stated my search for an alternative.

[John Davis]

Take the premium money and put it toward a vault.

A vault doesn't do you any good if you are traveling with your guns or they are being shipped.

[Bill Murphy]

There is no perfect way to handle this situation. However, insuring only the guns you travel with is one alternative to high premiums, if your insurer doesn't insist on individual guns on the policy. I ask this question every time we discuss this situation. How much do you pay to insure a half million dollars in guns? I don't think that's an unusual figure for some of the PGCA members.

[Craig Larter]

About $715. Per year for $500K with a $500 deductible.
https://www.gunandtrophy.com/

[Garry L Gordon]

I pay nearly $1k and with a $250 deductible. I was not offered or aware of the different options. Good to know.

[Billy Gross]

I recommend www.gunandtrophy.com. Larry Cushman runs the company, and is a personal friend. He is a an active shooter at Fairfax Rod and Gun Club - check out his web site. His rates are much cheaper than the other companies, his overages are better, and he uses the same underwriters. Billy Gross

[Craig Larter]

Thanks Billy, I spoke to Cole today Larry's son. Very accommodating and patient with all my questions. Answers his own phone and got information e-mailed to me very quickly.

[Howard Loewensteiner]

different underwriter same ins co. Hanover group. Did you get a 5% discount on premium for being a PGCA member.

[Garry L Gordon]

different underwriter same ins co. Hanover group. Did you get a 5% discount on premium for being a PGCA member.

When I first established coverage, I was told that I had gotten a discount for being a PGCA member. Howard, thanks for reminding us of this benefit.

[Craig Larter]

I received a quote from gundandtrophy. I list all my guns with a value even if less than 10K. If I experience a loss they pay my established value less deductible. One difference is Eastern covers your ammo up to 5K, G&T does not. The G&T quote is $118.00 less expensive than my last Eastern invoice 15% less. I will ask about a PGCA discount.

[Howard Loewensteiner]

happy to help when I can Howard

[Randy G Roberts]

different underwriter same ins co. Hanover group. Did you get a 5% discount on premium for being a PGCA member.

Howard you are correct in that it is a different agent, while it is with the same insurance company, Hanover. The key difference here is that while it is with the same insurance company it has different language within the policy. While it may be very similar to the Eastern contract it does contain different language within it. I have not viewed a specimen policy and compared them but from what I have been told the Guns and Trophy contract does appear to be broader in certain areas. Eastern probably has advantages as well. One of the areas that I really like is their unattended vehicle language. Sometime in the near future I will compare the two contracts and come to some sort of a decision. In the meantime they do not offer a PGCA discount, however I have been told that they will consider it and will most likely do so. I need to email them some information to get this moving along. Hopefully that will happen tomorrow. I will report back.

[Dean Romig]

Please keep us informed Randy.





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[Billy Gross]

Craig - The next time you talk to Cole or Larry, ask them about a discount for PGCA. I think you can also get them to put an Ad in the Parker Pages. I will talk to Larry the next time I see him, but I think he is at the PA State Trap Shoot. Billy Gross

[Randy G Roberts]

Craig - The next time you talk to Cole or Larry, ask them about a discount for PGCA. I think you can also get them to put an Ad in the Parker Pages. I will talk to Larry the next time I see him, but I think he is at the PA State Trap Shoot. Billy Gross

Billy:

I have been working on both of those topics with Cole recently and will report back soon with updated information.... thanks !

[Craig Larter]

Does anyone know if you cancel your policy with Eastern early do they rebate any unused premium. I read everything I have from them and can't find the answer. Craig

[Randy G Roberts]

See the attached Craig which should answer your question.

[Randy G Roberts]

Over the past several days I have been in touch with both Larry and Cole Cushman of Guns & Trophy Insurance. I have done so as their name surfaced as a possible source for firearms coverage. My contact with them was both for personal needs and to discuss some PGCA perks with them as well. The PGCA nor I have any vested or financial interest in Guns & Trophy Insurance nor do we have an axe to grind with Eastern or any other Carrier or Agency offering similar products. Given my experience in the insurance industry I deemed it upon myself to do a little research which I will share.
First let me state that both Larry and Cole were responsive, knowledgeable, and courteous folks. We have had a tremendous amount of discussion on a discount for PGCA members. The initial response was an emphatic YES. Next words out were, but I am not sure how we can make that happen. Not to get to detailed here but when it comes to insurance laws, IT capabilities, Carrier willingness, and a number of other things that come up this discount became complicated. They did come up with a solution in that each of their policies contains an Administration Fee (AF). They cannot eliminate or waive the AF but they can refund it to PGCA Members after they sign up. The AF varies based upon the amount of coverage purchased. From what I can see the net effect could be a savings of up to 13% for an insured who buys the smallest amount of coverage and about a 6% savings for the larger policies. The following will give you some idea where you may fit and it will also give you an idea of their rates:

Annual Premiums w/ $500 Deductible:
Up to $48,000: $150 ($20 admin fee refund)
$100,001: $283 ($35 fee refund)
$250,001: $550 ($45 fee refund)
$500,001: $875 ($50 admin fee refund)

They have also stated that they will honor the refund of the AF to anyone they presently have insured who is a PGCA Member and requested that you simply email them to let them know and please provide them with your PGCA Member #. For new folks who may sign up there is an area on the first page of the application to list your member #. Following is some additional information that will be of use when it comes to contacting Larry or Cole:
Gun & Trophy Info:
- Larry Cushman & Cole Cushman administer the program. They suggest members call them first to get a quick overview of the collection so that they can answer questions & discuss the best coverage option i.e., $250,001 in coverage costs less than $200,000 in coverage
o Larry Cushman 703-901-4899 larry@gunandtrophy.com
o Cole Cushman 571-352-7097 cole@gunandtrophy.com - Firearms that are worth over $10,000 each need to be scheduled (description, serial # and value to insure). Guns under $10,000 can be insured using a blanket/unscheduled limit where no information is needed other than a total limit of coverage. - Coverage can be purchased directly through gunandtrophy.com or by calling Larry or Cole
- Member #: The 1st page of the “application” lists the field “where did you hear about Gun & Trophy” this is where you list your member #
- There is no “admin fee” added in NY or NJ so these members will not receive a “refund” of the admin fee.

Lastly, I am going to attach a coverage comparison between the 2 Hanover contracts, one being Eastern and the other being the Guns & Trophy contract. I am not going to get into every single facet of these polices nor am I offering advice on which is best for you. I will however direct you to the first topic on the comparison which is Transit/Off Premises and pick one that works for you. Eastern does have a substantially lower limit however they may offer a buyback at a premium. You would need to inquire with Laura if this is a concern. This should be an area of concern for all. I hauled 9 guns to Ernie’s this month, how many do you have in transit and or off premises at times? I am glad that the Theft From Vehicles language has been softened from prior years as coverage is now afforded if stolen from an unlocked vehicle while at a shooting event or gun range, the language does not include gun show. Eastern has other beneficial language here as well that affords coverage here if a signed police report is provided. One other area would be the Valuation section. This is how the Carrier is going to calculate how your firearm value after a loss occurs. Sorry but I am not playing Agent on this one, read it closely and call your Agent or Carrier of choice to discuss your needs. Hopefully you will have found something within here that may be of use to you and save you a few hard-earned dollars while getting the coverage you need for those precious Parkers and lesser guns. Another perk of being a PGCA member.

[Dean Romig]

Nice work Randy - Thanks!





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[Craig Larter]

Thanks so much Randy

[Brett Hoop]

You want to get something done ask a busy man. Many Thanks Randy!

[Garry L Gordon]

Thank you, Randy. I really appreciate this information!

[john pulis]

Randy,

Your are the man. I was about to call them after reading CLs initial postings. Now for sure.

[davidboyles]

Thx Randy looks like I come up in Aug with Eastern and I will make the call to Guns and Trophy.

[Phillip Carr]

It’s a real shame to hear of the poor response from Laura. When Jack Richardson was alive you could not have asked for better customer service. I recommended Eastern Insurance to many members and others. Very disappointing.
I too will be looking for other options when my policy is up.

[Robert Brooks]

Laura has been great the time or two i have had business with her. Bobby

[Bob Jurewicz]

This morning I finalized a Policy with Gun and Trophy Insurance. Spoke with both Cole and Larry in the process. I was very pleased with their answers to my questions and coverage provided. Seem like great people who understand what is important to collectors.
Bob Jurewicz

[Kenneth V Jones]

Thanks Randy.

[Kenneth V Jones]

I switched my insurance to Gun & Trophy last Friday. Again thanks to Randy. I called and talked to Larry Cushman and found him to be a great gentleman and help.

I'd hate to see this information get buried down low in the ever growing length of the forum. It would be a great help to future members who are not aware of alternative insurance coverages other than homeowner's as I was until stumbling on to this thread.

Again Thanks!

[Reggie Bishop]

Brining this back to the top. I was recently contacted via email by Eastern that my policy premium was coming up. I told their rep that my "collection" needed to be updated as I had bought and sold some shotguns. I was told to send them a revised list and that they would get me a revised premium. This goes back to the 1st part of December and I still have not received a revised premium. I have emailed their rep at least 4 times asking for an update. My first inquiry got me a response of "I will have this to you tomorrow", but nothing since.

I was told they were working out of their homes. I am about to find another carrier. The service I am getting is not acceptable even by this slow to anger Southern boy.

[Randy G Roberts]

Reggie I experienced the same thing with Eastern for my 01/01/22 renewal. I had intended to shop it with Gun & Trophy Ins. which I ultimately did. In my case I saved a few hundred bucks, yeah that much and I had the policy certificate either the same day or the next day via email. I actually got a higher limit with G&T and broader coverage. I have said before that I have nothing against Eastern as I am sure none of us do but for me it was time to move on for the same reasons many of us are experiencing. Call Cole at G&T and tell him the PGCA sent you :)

[Reggie Bishop]

Randy I did just that. Very painless process. Thanks!

[Dean Weber]

For those of you who have game trophies (taxidermy), the insured rate with G&T is the same as firearms. Additionally, they value the property for an amount which would approximate the replacement hunt. Although I disagree with their "value" of the replacement hunt (they are low), it is still worthwhile to consider since you do not have to take a replacement hunt. The combination of trophies and guns in my case resulted in a lower cost/1000.

Call out to Randy Roberts for developing a relationship with this broker. They are extremely good at the relationship part!

[Bill Murphy]

I haven't reread this entire thread, but I have a question about a recent post that may be answered in past posts. If a "trophy" may be valued at $1000, and a replacement hunt may be valued at $150,000, do we or you want to pay the premium on $150,000? Would we feel comfortable placing a claim for $150,000 for a $1000 head stolen from our wall? Just askin'.

[Dean Weber]

I haven't reread this entire thread, but I have a question about a recent post that may be answered in past posts. If a "trophy" may be valued at $1000, and a replacement hunt may be valued at $150,000, do we or you want to pay the premium on $150,000? Would we feel comfortable placing a claim for $150,000 for a $1000 head stolen from our wall? Just askin'.

Bill,
Your style bemuses me. I am the only person to bring up trophy insurance in this thread. So yes, the recent thread immediately preceding yours, is my attempt to enlighten others who may have a similar position to evaluate.

For me, adding my trophies to my insured value allowed me to increase my total insured value by $200K. Yet, I am only paying $100 in extra premium compared to Eastern. This is because of the tiered approach in pricing. Therefore, you see, this is a matter of math and risk evaluation which only each individual can determine if it is right for them (we are not a collective purchasing coalition). As in anything insurance…….the risk/reward quotient will be dependent on each individual's perspective. I was merely giving mine.

As to the morality you questioned? I would lose no sleep submitting a claim if my trophies were lost in a fire/stolen, considering it was the agent/salesman who offered it in the first place. Their business offer was my pleasure to accept.

[Bill Murphy]

It was not you or your morality I questioned. It was the agent's business offer I questioned. I'm sure some of our readers questioned it also.

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

My Policy with Eastern will come up shortly for renewal, Something must be askew at the office there, always had good response from inquires maybe Laura has some problems we do not know about! but no excuse for not giving prompt replies, guess I too will look elsewhere if I do not get a response on my revised gun list, I have been thinning the herd lately. Gary

[Bill Murphy]

Is our error in receiving good response because we are dealing with contractors rather than with the company directly? I have been uninsured for sixty five years of collecting just because of the problems our posters have mentioned. Except for putting guns in the mail, I would rather not deal with these guys and take my chances. Comments, please.

[Reggie Bishop]

Bill then you are basically self-insured which is fine if you are willing to take that risk and you can absorb potential losses. I live in the tornado alley of the South. Too risky for me!

[Dave Suponski]

I talked to Laura last week. Yes she is working remotely. It she assured me that everything is okay but she is struggling with returning calls in a timely manner

[Matt Buckley]

I contacted Laura by email last week with a question on my policy and she responded the next day. I have not had an issues with my policy or communication.

[Dean Romig]

Is Laura the only one taking care of this end of Eastern’s insurance business?





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[Phillip Carr]

Agents make a difference. When Jack was alive and handled my policy I must say I was 100% satisfied with Eastern Insurance.
I just received an e-mail that my policy is up for renewal.
Even though I have not had any issues with Laura I will be shopping around for a new company.
This is based on the poor experiences others have shared.
I’m really concerned how a loss may be handled if I find myself needing to file a claim.

Bill just my thoughts here. Like Reggie states you are basically self insured, and that’s OK.
In my case I believe that with multiple safes in different areas, coupled with a good security system makes the chance of complete loss not likely.
With this in mind I elected to not carry a policy for the the full value of all my guns.
A complete loss would not financially ruin me but at this stage of my life would not allow me to replace all my Guns without dipping into my retirement funds.
Further I have worked hard to accumulate my collection of guns and would not replace but a fraction of what I currently own. The pain I still recall when I was 22 years old and had all of my meager collection stolen still hurts, when I recall walking in and seeing all my guns gone.
For this reason I must keep an insurance policy on my guns.
Some other pluses for having a policy are when I ship a gun out for work, I save on buying a separate shipping insurance each way.
When you can pay just over $300 for a $100,000 in coverage. A fair amount of your policy cost is off set just in shipping insurance savings.
Finally because I hunt a lot with my guns, they are subject to damage, or theft from my vehicles. All of which I have experienced over the last 50 years.

[Garry L Gordon]

Thanks for the information in this post. I informed Eastern that I will not renew with them. I tried to add a $25K gun to my policy and never got a reply. It was easy to work with Cole Cushman, I got a decent "discount" for being a PGCA member AND I saved $300 on my premium.

Yet another benefit of membership. Thanks folks.

[Phillip Carr]

Garry I agree Cole is easy to work with and responds fast to requests for updates. I recently sold my Parker DH 28 and asked to have it removed. It was done on the same day.
My Custom Fox is being shipped back from Canada. I called Cole and asked if the gun would be covered in case of, damage, loss, or theft. The answer was absolutely. I added it to my policy, which is something I had failed to think about when I changed insurance company’s and all he asked was to place a value and provide the Make , model, and serial number.
Now that’s great Customer Service.

[John Davis]

My Eastern policy was just coming up for renewal, so I thought I would check out Gun & Trophy. I spoke with Cole’s dad, Larry. After a really nice chat, he told me he was going to be out of the office for a few days at the Georgia State Trap shoot. That pretty much sealed the deal for me. We actually wound up on the same squad in the Doubles championship.