Where can I get an instrument appraised?

Question

I need to have a saxophone appraised for insurance purposes. Where do I get this appraised? I live in Virginia.

Answer 1

Any appraiser you find in the phonebook can do this. If they can't appraise it right on the spot, they can go back to their office and find the appraisal value. Ask your insurance agent if they have people they recommend working with or have a deal with.

Answer 2

Try finding a fine instruments dealer in your area.  If you play a decent instrument, you or your friends might know a few places to buy things like reed making kits and replacement pads.

Answer 3

If you bought it in the area, start there, ask who they recommend.  If you didn't, go to your local music dept at your local school, ask there.  Or, the music dept at your local college.  If that doesn't work, see if there is a music school.  Are there any professional orchestras in your area?  See what they do for their instruments.  If all else fails, look in the phone book.  This would be the last place I go because you want someone that is knowledgable & recommendations from people who know is the best place to start.  Your insurance company may or may not know because we mostly deal with jewelry & antiques that people schedule on their insurance, musical instrument schedules are rare on personal insurance.

If you are adding this to your personal insurance, there would be NO coverage if there is ANY professional use.  You would have to put it on a professional music floater if there is.  If it is 100% personal use, then you can add to your homeowners policy.