I was driving to a gig when an SUV rear-ended me. My trunk crumpled. Inside was my cello in a carbon fiber case. The case shattered, and the cello neck snapped. The at-fault driver’s insurance (State Farm) accepted liability for the car but balked at the cello: “We have a $10,000 property damage limit. Your car is $8,000. We only have $2,000 left for the cello.” My own auto insurance said: “We don’t cover personal property in the vehicle.”
Key Takeaways
- Auto Insurance Property Limits: Drivers often carry state minimums (e.g., $10k or $25k for property damage). If they total your car and your expensive instrument, there isn’t enough money to pay for both.
- Your Auto Policy is for the Car: Your own collision coverage fixes your car. It pays $0 for contents (unless you have a tiny rider of like $200).
- Your Homeowners/Renters: They might cover the cello “away from home,” but if you were driving to a paid gig, the “Business Use” exclusion kicks in.
- You Need Inland Marine: A standalone music policy pays you first (Replacement Cost), then they sue the other driver’s insurance to get their money back.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Liability Limits and Business Use.”
You are relying on the other guy’s insurance. If he bought cheap insurance, you are underinsured.
You are relying on your home insurance. But you were “working” (driving to a gig).
You are relying on your auto insurance. But they exclude “loose contents.”
The only policy that works here is a dedicated Instrument policy.
The Investigation (My Analysis of Recovery)
I simulated the claim process.
Scenario A: Suing the Driver
- Result: You get the $2,000 remaining from his policy limit. You have to sue him personally for the rest. If he’s broke, you get nothing.
Scenario B: Claiming on MusicPro
- Result: You pay your $100 deductible. MusicPro pays you $15,000 for the cello immediately. MusicPro’s lawyers go after the driver. You are back to playing in 2 weeks.
Scenario C: Underinsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD)
- Result: If you have this specific rider on your auto policy, it might help covering the gap, but it’s rare and usually capped.
[IMAGE: Photo of a crumpled car trunk with a crushed cello case visible inside]
Comparison Table
| Feature | At-Fault Driver’s Insurance | Your Auto Insurance | MusicPro / Heritage |
| Payout Limit | State Limits ( 10k−10k− 25k) | $0 (Contents) | Full Agreed Value |
| Business Use Exclusion | No | N/A | No |
| Speed of Payout | Months (Investigation) | N/A | Days/Weeks |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Don’t Put Instruments in the Trunk: If possible, put the cello in the back seat. The “Crumple Zone” is the trunk. The survival zone is the cabin.
- Get the Police Report: You need proof the accident happened and you weren’t at fault to waive your deductible (sometimes).
- Do Not Accept the First Check: If the other insurance sends a check for “Property Damage,” ensure it covers the car AND the instrument. If you cash it, you release them from liability.
- Buy “Uninsured Motorist” Coverage: High limits. If the guy who hits you has no insurance, this protects you.
FAQ
Does the car insurance cover the case?
Usually no. It’s considered contents.
What if I was an Uber passenger?
Uber’s insurance covers their liability. It likely won’t cover your property damage well. Use your own policy.
Can I claim loss of income (missed gigs)?
Yes, against the at-fault driver’s insurance. But it’s hard to prove.