Lost/Stolen Cues (sorry about the length)

[Catahula]

I wanted to get this out there because I have not seen this addressed. If it was and I missed it, my apologies.
There have been some threads lately dealing with the extreme misfortune of people having their cues lost in transit (e.g., checked airline baggage, USPS) or stolen. A lot of righteous indignation went up from the members each time but I have yet to see a good solution to the long term issue, recouping your losses.
The major carriers (FEDEX, UPS & USPS) apparently won’t insure cues for over $500. They fall into the same category as artwork or collectables. Now FEDEX does offer a “Declared Value Exception” but only to select customers. You have to apply for this and FEDEX has to approve you. If I were dealing in a lot of cues this might be an option but for the majority of us it doesn’t pencil out.
The airlines seem to offer an even more stringent policy regarding lost or stolen items. The put up a lot of initial resistance. This, I suspect, is simply to frustrate a claimant into accepting a settlement that is a lot less than the worth of the item in question. Some people claim to have had some luck fighting with them…not me.
Next it seems to fall to those of us with “Homeowners Insurance”. Now my insurance is with Farmers. They have always been very fair with me. My policy specifically has a full replacement clause. I do not have to worry about depreciation being factored in. What I did discover though in talking with my agent is this, and this is where a lot of you might want to listen up.
If you make (or lose) money with your pool cues its loss or damage will fall into another category that is not covered by your Homeowners Policy.
It is not determined by the amount you won or lost, they don’t care. I have an old Martin guitar that is probably worth more than I am. I occasionally play at dances. If I am paid for that service my guitar is no longer covered by my insurance. My point is simply this, if something does happen and you are relying on your homeowner’s to cover it, keep your mouth shut about how you like to hook up for $20 sets on the weekend. That is enough to get you denied according to my agent.
Those with Renter’s Insurance I am not sure what the stipulations are but I sure that they are close.
Bottom line, if you haven’t figured it out is, personal insurance, be it homeowners or renters is a must have. It is the only real recourse.
I put this out there because I hope someone else has got a creative approach to this.

 

[Stewscue]

Try this

I had a very expense cue
I just went down to State farm and told them I wanted to insure this cue stick. So they made up a personal property (just like golf clubs) policy.
It was $64.00 a year on $4500.00 in coverage.
My policies covered that stick Stolen / damaged / lost / whatever.
I hope this helps

 

[Catahula]

thanks

that does help. I asked about individual riders for my cues and my agent said that wasn't available.

 

[Handsumm]

I pay like $11 a month for renter's insurance. I wonder how much it would be to cover my cue(s). About $1500 worth.

 

[Scott Lee]

that does help. I asked about individual riders for my cues and my agent said that wasn't available.

That doesn't sound correct. I'd first go straight to the home office of your insurance carrier, and ask about riders for valuables (fur coats, jewelry, artwork, pool cues, etc.). If they still maintain that they don't offer riders for these kinds of things, I'd suggest a new insurance company, as MOST insurance companies DO. What I had to do was provide some kind of estimate of the replacement value...which I got from the cuemaker. He was also a recognized expert in other 'brands', so they took his estimates on the value of older cues that I also owned.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

 

[Bishop]

None of this matters.

If your cue gets stolen simply put up a reward for $2,000.00 and wait till a nice fella goes out of his way to return it to you at a lose and then stiff him like no other. Problem solved.


Sin,

Gina the Air Barreler.

 

[SphinxnihpS]

I pay like $11 a month for renter's insurance. I wonder how much it would be to cover my cue(s). About $1500 worth.

Your renter's insurance will cover your cues to the limit of the policy ($50,000, or whatever), BUT only against certain types of loss. The types of loss are defined in the section usually headed: "Perils Insured Against". normally these include fire, lightning, wind or hail, explosion, riot or civil commotion, vehicles or aircraft, smoke, vandalism, collapse, electrical discharge, falling objects, freezing, water damage, weight of ice and snow, and theft.

This coverage is further limited by the Exclusions section of the policy, which will take away water damage due to flooding or sewer backup, terrorism, war, acts of civil authorities (like evacuation orders, fire department ruined it while putting out your toaster fire), volcanos, earthquakes and some others.

This would leave cues open for claim denials for loss, breakage, and most water damage in the home or apartment.

Under the normal policy, you also pay a deductible at the time of the claim payment. Under a rider (called a Schedule), there is no deductible. There is also less of a burden of proof on you for anytghing covered by a schedule.