Why (And How) to Insure Your Professional AV Gear

Even with an experienced crew and a detailed timetable, traveling with sensitive gear doesn’t always go as planned.

Once, the crew chief of a large musical act contacted us for a new case in the middle of their tour. One of their main soundboards, a $50,000 investment, had been damaged during transport, and they needed a quick replacement to keep the show going.

Don’t worry — this story has a happy ending. The crew had proper insurance to cover the equipment’s replacement cost, and they got a new soundboard and a new Kangaroo case to protect it in time for their next performance.

Moral of the story? Always insure your important pieces of equipment. 

Best Practices for Insuring Your Gear

The best insurance policies depend on your specific needs. If you’re a smaller entity, adding to your personal policy might suffice, but a larger entity might want a more robust, customized policy from a specialized insurer. If you’re looking for the best coverage options, seek professional advice.

Remember, your insurance policy isn’t a “set and forget” thing. Even after you choose the perfect plan, make sure you can get the most out of it when it counts.

Remember to:

• Take regular inventory of your gear to keep your policy updated with any additions and subtractions (which can affect your premiums).
• Maintain an accurate and timely log of equipment photos to use as references when you make a claim.
• Keep records of purchasing documents and maintenance. (Keep scans in an email folder for easy reference.)
• Note the proper replacement value of your gear in the policy.

Protecting Your Gear

Of course, the best-case scenario for any insurance policy is never to have to use it. Skip the paperwork by protecting your gear with these three investments:

Tip #1: High-Quality Cases

A great road case can protect your equipment from the wear and tear of transporting gear. Packing your gear correctly can keep it safe from drops, jostles, moisture, and more.

You can identify an exceptional case by its material and build quality. Look for top-of-the-line plywood, hardware, and foam that’s precisely and securely fitted together. At Kangaroo Cases, we make all our road cases by hand with strong birch plywood panels, ABS plastic, and steel hardware, so they protect like a mother for years to come.

Tip #2: High-Quality Gear

Even if you take every precaution, cheap, unreliable equipment will still cause headaches. It only takes one or two failures to learn that you get what you pay for. So, invest in trustworthy, high-quality gear and protect it in a high-quality case!

Tip #3: High-Quality Friends

Plenty of knowledgeable people in any industry will be happy to share their best practices so you don’t have to endure the same frustrations that they did. Ask around — the strategies other people use to protect their equipment might work for your setup, too.

Get Your First Line of Defense Today

If insurance is your safety net, a road case is your shield. Minimize your claims and keep your equipment safe with Kangaroo Cases. Contact us today to get a quote.