Insurance and Identification Ideas

[TimboKhan]

I just answered this on another thread, and it made me think that it might be a good idea to start a new thread, so here goes. For insurance and identification purposes in case any of my guns get stolen, the house burns down, etc... What I have done is create a spreadsheet in which all of my guns are listed, to include not only all the obvious pertinent information, but also a listing of the type and location all the little hidden marks I make on all of my guns in the event that they are stolen and the numbers are ground off. I keep the spreadsheet on my computer, but I also sent a copy of it to my yahoo account, which means if I lose my computer, I have a secure, up-to-date listing of all my guns that I can access from any computer with an internet connection. Second, both my roommate and I intend to make a video of us individually displaying each and every one of our firearms, again stating all the pertinent information. These videos will then be stored in our safety deposit boxes. Anyone else done anything different or have any tips?

 

[af1acura]

Pictures are always good too. Preferably digital format, that way they can be saved on a photo hosting website like yahoo photos, CD or actually printed and kept in a file.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Instead of putting your list in a public place, why not spin off a copy on CD and keep it in a bank box?

 

[ShelbyV8]

After you do all of that make sure you have homeowners insurance or renters insurance and join the NRA. NRA will pay your deductable.

 

[BreakerDave]

What I have done is create a spreadsheet in which all of my guns are listed, to include not only all the obvious pertinent information, but also a listing of the type and location all the little hidden marks I make on all of my guns in the event that they are stolen and the numbers are ground off.

While it's a good idea to have a record of what you own and what it's worth, putting hidden marks on the your guns seems a little overboard. If it gets to the point that a thief (or other bad guy) has ground off the serial number, generally speaking, you're not getting the gun returned even if the police recover it.

I know a few people who have lists of the items they own. They record what they have, date of purchase, what it cost them, what condition the items are in, and then they make a few copies of their lists and store them in different locations. Also, if you have insurance (renter's or homeowner's) check and see what the requirements are for coverage of firearms. Granted this was several years ago, but many of the companies I had spoken with insisted on being provided with a detailed list before their policy would cover the firearms. There were a couple that did not have this requirement but they were in the minority. It is definitely something to check on otherwise, you can think you're covered when you're not.

 

[Sunray]

Photographs(Digital would be nice) of each one showing the whole thing, both sides, and a close up of the S/N. A copy of which, kept updated, sent to your insurance agent and in a safety deposit box or some place else away from your house. Plus an identifier, tape or some like thing, fixed to the inside of the stock with your name, driver's licence number or whatever on it. Under the butt plate is a good spot.
"...the numbers are ground off..." Unlikely as most thieves are looking to sell stolen firearms, not keep them. S/N's can be raised even if they're ground off, anyway.
A video, stating things, won't matter. It's not proof. A video showing close ups of the firearms and the S/N's would be as good as a picture. Just not as convenient.
LBTRS, yep always get 'replacement value' with any insurance policy. Otherwise, you'll get whatever the insurance company thinks a firearm is worth. Likely right out of the Blue Books. All of which reflect national average prices that are at least two years out of date.

 

[LBTRS]

After you do all of that make sure you have homeowners insurance or renters insurance and join the NRA. NRA will pay your deductable.

Most homeowners and renters policies only cover $1000-$2000 in firearms. You better check yours. I needed almost 50X that so I had to get a seperate policy. Make sure you're not counting on coverage that isn't there.

LBTRS

 

[hwp]

Unless you have a rider or endorsement (like LBTRS stated) attached to your homeowners or renters policy you will only get the limit set forth in your policy. Most policies limit the amount paid on firearms to $2000.

Even though your personal property limit is usually 70% of the dwelling coverage specific items are limited such as firearms, jewelry, electronic equipment, furs, fine art and so on.

The NRA offers very affordable coverage for guns as do most of the big insurance companies if you find and agent that is not a moron. Insurance companies have very precise policies on "how to handle" gunowners and they are not on our side so I would recommend the NRA program.

Also keep in mind that even with a specific rider/endorsement most policies even the NRA endoresd policy will only pay at ACV (actual cash value) with no replacement cost option. So just keep in mind ACV will most likely not replace your guns.

 

[Rexrider]

Keeping records like TimboKhan discribed is a good idea. I maintain a spreadsheet that contains Make, Model, Serial #, Date of purchase, and Purchase price. Pictures of each firearm showing the serial # are pasted into the spreadsheet. This is kept on my computer and a CD that is kept off-site.

Also, for those interested. Allstate has a $5,000 limit on their firearm rider.

 

[whm1974]

Most homeowners and renters policies only cover $1000-$2000 in firearms.

That's it? I'm already close to or over that limit and I only have six guns.

-Bill

 

[f4t9r]

That's it? I'm already close to or over that limit and I only have six guns.

-Bill

Most homeowners and renters policies only cover $1000-$2000 in firearms.

Better get an additional plan to cover all those guns

 

[Malamute]

As has been mentioned, the NRA has suplemental firearmes insurance available for pretty reasonable rates. They don't require a list of covered firearms.

State Farm insurance has higher firearms coverage on the homeownsers policy than others mentioned, and they don't ask for any further info.

It's not likely that a thief would remove the serial numbers, as they couldn't sell the guns then, and would be at risk even having them in thier possesion, stolen or not. It's a federal offense to posses a firearm with a defaced or altered serial number. No store would touch such a gun with a ten foot pole, and neither should any individual that values their freedom. The factory serialnumber should be enough ID markings, other than pics and detailed descriptions of any modifications to the gun.