mobile domain:www.usaa.com
Skip to Content

What’s musical instrument insurance?

Musical instrument insurance is part of what we call Valuable Personal Property Insurance, or VPP. 

It helps protect your musical instruments and accessories beyond what a homeowners or renters policy covers. Plus, there’s no deductible.

How It Works

In general, you give us a detailed description of each item and tell us what it would cost to replace it. High-value instruments or accessories may need a receipt, an appraisal or other documentation to show proof of ownership and value. You can insure one item or many, and limits start at $100.

What does musical instrument insurance cover?

You can insure many types of instruments and accessories for personal use. Here are some examples.

  • Pianos
  • Guitars
  • Violins
  • Music stands and cases
  • Amplifiers and pedals

Do you make money with your music? 

A VPP policy won’t cover your musical instruments or equipment while you’re using them for business.



Whether full time or on the side, if you earn income with your music, you might consider small business insurance. It could help cover your property, business income and liability.

Learn about business insurance

Types of claims covered‍ ‍ See note 1

Theft

Someone breaks into your car and steals your guitar and amplifier.

Drops and Breaks

Your teen accidentally drops her rented French horn at band camp.

Lost Items

You lose your prized saxophone when you move to a new house.

What does it cost?

It depends on your items, their value and how much coverage you get.

Our rates start as low as $2 a month.‍ ‍ See note 2 Plus, we offer savings on auto, homeowners and renters insurance when members bundle their policies with musical instrument insurance.‍ ‍ See note 3

Does it cover rented instruments?

Accidents happen to rented instruments too. Let’s say you rent a musical instrument for your child to be in the school orchestra. You can add it to your VPP policy.

What if my instrument has historical or artistic value?

If your instrument has added value because of previous ownership, an artist’s signature or you think it’s an antique, you may need specialized coverage. In that case, consider adding it to your VPP policy as fine art.

Learn more about fine art insurance

What else can VPP cover?

You’ve got other important belongings, so let’s get them covered too. VPP insurance includes these categories:

  • Jewelry and smartwatches
  • Cameras
  • Fine arts
  • Guns and bows
  • Stamps and coins

Musical instrument insurance FAQ

Musical instrument insurance won’t cover things like drum machines, tablets and computers, MP3 players, home stereo systems, and connected speakers.

That depends on things like the age of the instrument, when you purchased or inherited it, and whether it’s still being manufactured. 

If required, the appraisal by a credentialed, independent appraiser must be a physical inspection. We’re unable to accept online appraisals.

If your instrument has historical or artistic value, appraisal requirements may be different because we consider it fine art. 

Your instrument’s description should include the type of instrument or accessory, the manufacturer, model name or number, and the date of purchase. 

If available, provide the serial number or approximate age of the instrument.

Replacement cost coverage means you can repair or replace your stolen or damaged property with items similar in quality and worth.

The amount we pay is determined at the time of the claim, up to your policy's limit. Some exceptions or conditions may apply. Refer to your policy for details.

Related footnotes:

  1. IN PENNSYLVANIA, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO QUOTE ANY INDIVIDUAL A PREMIUM RATE FOR THE INSURANCE ADVERTISED HEREIN.

Related footnotes:

  1. The coverage examples or scenarios included above are intended to show the types of situations that may result in claims. They shouldn’t be compared to an actual claim. Whether or to what extent a particular loss is covered depends on the facts and circumstances of the loss, the terms, and conditions of the policy as issued and applicable law.

  2. Annual policy providing $2,500 on scheduled jewelry as of February 2025. Rates may vary due to location.

  3. Multiple product savings do not apply in all states or to all situations. Savings subject to change. Restrictions apply.

  4. With replacement cost coverage, at our option, subject to policy limits and policy deductible, if you actually replace the property we will pay you the lesser of our cost to restore, repair or replace the damaged property or the amount you actually spent to restore, repair or replace the property. Coverage applies to damage or loss due to events listed in your policy.

Related footnotes:

  1. Coverage descriptions are brief and subject to the terms and conditions of your insurance policy. Read your insurance policy for details. Applications subject to underwriting.

  2. Use of the term "member" or "membership" refers to membership in USAA Membership Services and does not convey any legal or ownership rights in USAA. Restrictions apply and are subject to change.

  3. Property and casualty insurance underwritten by United Services Automobile Association (USAA), USAA Casualty Insurance Company, USAA General Indemnity Company, Garrison Property and Casualty Insurance Company, NOBLR Reciprocal Exchange, based in San Antonio, Texas; USAA S.A. (Europe), and USAA S.A. UK Branch (United Kingdom) and is available only to persons eligible for property and casualty group membership. Each company has sole financial responsibility for its own products.

    Coverages subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.

  4. Small Business Insurance is underwritten by Garrison Property & Casualty Insurance Company, San Antonio, Texas ("Garrison"). Not available in all states.

6409707