I rented a full PA system for a wedding gig. During the DJ set, feedback shrieked through the system and blew the subwoofers. When I returned the gear, the rental shop charged my credit card $2,000 for replacement drivers. My personal gear insurance said, “We cover your gear, not rented gear.”
Key Takeaways
- “Non-Owned” Equipment Exclusion: Your standard gear policy covers items you own. It does not cover items you rent or borrow unless you have a specific “Non-Owned” or “Hired Equipment” endorsement.
- Care, Custody, and Control: You are liable for damage to gear in your possession.
- Rental House Damage Waiver: The rental shop offers a “Damage Waiver” (usually 10-15% of the rental fee). This is essentially short-term insurance.
- Blowouts are tricky: Many policies exclude “mechanical/electrical breakdown” (like blowing a speaker). They cover drops/water/theft. Blowing a speaker is often considered “abuse/operator error.”
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Assuming Coverage.”
You assume “I have insurance” covers everything you touch. It doesn’t.
Rental gear is a separate asset class.
Furthermore, blowing a speaker is rarely covered by any insurance because it is caused by the signal you sent (operator error), not an external accident. However, the Rental House Damage Waiver might cover it if it’s “no questions asked.”
The Investigation (My Analysis of Rental Options)
How to protect your wallet when renting.
The Rental Shop Waiver
- Pros: Easy. No underwriting. Covers most accidental damage.
- Cons: Often excludes “negligence” or “theft if unlocked.” Expensive relative to value.
- Verdict: Buy it for one-off rentals.
Athos Insurance
- The Specialist: They specialize in short-term rental insurance (mostly film/music).
- The Policy: You can buy a policy for 3 days. Covers theft and damage.
MusicPro
- The Endorsement: You can add “Non-Owned Equipment” to your annual policy for a flat fee (e.g., $100/year covers up to $10k of rentals). This is the cheapest way for frequent renters.
[IMAGE: Photo of a subwoofer cone torn and melted from overheating]
Comparison Table
| Feature | Shop Damage Waiver | MusicPro Non-Owned | No Coverage |
| Cost | 15% of Rental | ~$100/year | $0 |
| Covers Theft? | Sometimes (Check limits) | Yes | No |
| Covers Blown Speaker? | Maybe (Ask!) | No (Breakdown) | No |
| Deductible | Low/None | $100 | Full Cost |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check Your Annual Policy: Look for “Non-Owned” or “Borrowed” equipment coverage. If missing, add it.
- Ask the Shop: “Does the damage waiver cover blown speakers?” If they say no, you are taking a huge risk.
- Inspect Before Renting: Test the gear at the shop. If the speaker is already crackling, note it on the paperwork. Don’t pay for the last guy’s damage.
- Use Limiters: Set a limiter on the DSP/Mixer to prevent the DJ from redlining the system. Prevention is better than paying.
FAQ
Does my credit card cover rental gear?
They cover rental cars. They rarely cover rental equipment. Check the Guide to Benefits.
What if the gear is stolen from my van?
If you have Hired Equipment coverage, it pays. If you don’t, you owe the shop the full replacement value immediately.
Does liability insurance cover this?
No. Liability covers damage to other property. Since the rental gear is in your “Care, Custody, and Control,” it is excluded from Liability. It must be Property insurance.