I was playing oboe in the pit for Phantom of the Opera. The trumpet player behind me kicked over his massive hydro-flask. A liter of water poured into my open oboe case and soaked my instrument. The wood swelled and cracked. The pads were ruined. Repair bill: $3,000. He refused to pay. My insurance paid, but it was a fight.
Key Takeaways
- “Accidental Damage” Coverage: You need an “All Risk” policy. Named Peril policies (Fire/Theft) do not cover “water spilled by an idiot.”
- Woodwind Sensitivity: Water destroys woodwinds (Oboes/Clarinets/Bassoons) instantly. Wood swells, keys bind, pads rot. It is a major repair.
- Subrogation: Your insurer will pay you, but they might sue the trumpet player (or his insurance) to get the money back.
- Pit Liability: The theater is usually not liable unless their pipe burst. Member-on-member accidents are personal liability issues.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “The Liquid Exclusion” (in cheap policies).
Some electronics or budget instrument policies exclude liquid damage to prevent claims for spilled beer.
However, for professional instruments, this is a prime risk.
The other trap is “Gradual Deterioration.” If you didn’t dry it out immediately and mold grew, they deny it as maintenance. You must report it as a “Sudden Spill.”
The Investigation (My Analysis of Pit Risks)
I checked how policies handle “The Spilled Drink.”
Clarion / Heritage
- The Verdict: Covered. They understand pit environments.
- The Deductible: Usually $100.
- The Valuation: They pay for the repad and the crack repair. They might also pay “Devaluation” if the crack lowers resale value.
The Trumpet Player’s Liability
- The Route: You could sue him in Small Claims. His homeowners liability should cover it.
- The Reality: Musicians hate suing colleagues. Better to use your own gear insurance.
[IMAGE: Close-up photo of an Oboe with water droplets on the keys and a cracked wooden body]
Comparison Table
| Scenario | Named Peril Policy | All Risk (MusicPro/Clarion) |
| Water Bottle Spill | Denied | Covered |
| Pipe Burst in Ceiling | Covered | Covered |
| Mold from Humidity | Denied | Denied |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Dry It Immediately: Swab it out. Get the water off the wood.
- Document the Accident: Take a photo of the spill and the wet case. Get a witness (the conductor?).
- File the Claim: “Accidental damage due to water spill.”
- No Liquids on Stand: It’s a rule for a reason. Enforce it in your section.
FAQ
Does the theater insurance cover my instrument?
No. Never rely on the venue.
What if it’s a reed?
Reeds are consumables. Not covered.
Is the case covered?
Yes, if the water ruined the lining/velvet.