covers firearms, but only up to a certain amount. In your case, it sounds as if the guns may qualify as antiques, which means that they’re likely worth quite a bit. In general, if you own an expensive gun—whether it be an antique or just a pricey model—you’ll probably want to take out a supplemental rider on your basic policy.
Here are some other insurance considerations when it comes to firearms:
Have your firearms appraised and/or save receipts. If you’re seeking to insure an antique, your insurer will likely require you have the gun professionally appraised. In terms of a new gun, save your receipt. Whether you take out a rider or not, a receipt will come in handy in case you need to file a claim.
You may have issues with personal liability coverage. Your renters insurance likely has Coverage E, or personal liability coverage. Your insurer may raise your rate a bit because of the additional risk that comes with owning a firearm. For instance, you could accidentally injure someone with the gun or—if your gun’s stolen—it could be used to commit another crime.
Store the gun properly. Many insurers will provide a discount if you buy a gun safe or otherwise store the gun securely.
And, yes, you should report that you now own a gun. Otherwise, if an accident occurs, you may discover you’re not covered.
Questions about insuring specific items such as firearms are common. For answers to questions about your
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