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IR Patrol (or any for that matter) insurance classification???

CheaperRooter

Private
Minuteman
Dec 17, 2019
39
11
64
Charleston, SC
After 10 minutes I still wasn’t sure where to post this so I hope I’m correct :)

So I’m just curious as most homeowners and renters insurance policies have a limitation on firearms and “related equipment”. Hence my question.

Scopes are related, but I am just curious if anybody has officially or legally encountered a scenario where their thermal imager was lost or stolen and a claim was made and the insurance company refused to pay over and above the firearm limit claiming it was “related equipment?”

In my case it could be particularly difficult as I have the M300W and since it has the capability to be used as one, regardless if I use it solely helmet mounted, that maybe they could claim it was a rifle scope?

Has anybody in sniper land run into this issue?
 
I don’t wanna pay any more money, but this is not a real case anyway, it’s mainly just for informational purposes as I’m sure somebody, somewhere has run across this at some point.

I’m absolutely positive that the insurance companies will try everything in their power to classify it as firearm related equipment. That’s just what they do.

I just want to know if they legally CAN do it! It’s definitely gray area and I think it’s an extremely important issue for anyone who owns a thermal.

I’ll bet you that the vast majority of people haven’t given it a second thought and just assume it’s covered if anything were to happen to it.

They may become shell shocked to find out that their $30,000 worth of Night Vision gadgetry is only covered up to $2000...and that INCLUDES the firearms!

I’m sure most people are paying extra if they have a decent firearm collection, but I’m wondering whether or not they are factoring in a device that could be equal to their entire collection of guns!!!!
 
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I don’t wanna pay any more money, but this is not a real case anyway, it’s mainly just for informational purposes as I’m sure somebody, somewhere has run across this at some point.

I’m absolutely positive that the insurance companies will try everything in their power to classify it as firearm related equipment. That’s just what they do.

I just want to know if they legally CAN do it! It’s definitely gray area and I think it’s an extremely important issue for anyone who owns a thermal.

I’ll bet you that the vast majority of people haven’t given it a second thought and just assume it’s covered if anything were to happen to it.

They may become shell shocked to find out that their $30,000 worth of Night Vision gadgetry is only covered up to $2000...and that INCLUDES the firearms!

I’m sure most people are paying extra if they have a decent firearm collection, but I’m wondering whether or not they are factoring in a device that could be equal to their entire collection of guns!!!!

Right, I get what you're saying. I had this literal conversation with my insurance agent many moons ago and even they couldn't give me a clear answer. Even when they say something is fully covered end-to-end no-questions-asked they will still try to find a way out.

Let's make this simple: One UTCxii covers more than a couple Accuracy International rifles it could potentially sit on. A SkeetIRx does too, and it's helmet mountable. If your Home Owners or Renters only covers $2.5k per gun, you're already in trouble, never mind the accessories that are attached to it.

Bottom line, if you have a substantial investment in gadgetry (I like that word LOL) and like to hedge risk, schedule it. There's no sense in gambling.

It's like putting 87 octane in a super car - why bother buying the car?
 
Gadgetry just came to me some odd reason :) But you said PER gun? Heck mine has a TOTAL limit of $2,000 for all firearms and related equipment. I mean heck, my ammo stock for ONE caliber exceeds that! Yeah no doubt getting a rider is the way to go, again I was just curious before I took one out if anyone has run into this situation yet.

God knows I don’t want to ask my agent, he will tell me everything is covered right down to used toilet paper. And then the claims adjuster walks in the door...and you find out the bathrooms not even covered!
 
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It all depends on your policy, and a bit on your relationship. I would personally consider them electronics.
 
Have no idea but I went with gun and trophy. They allow stated values vs replacement but .......you have to list all guns covered. State farm wanted 9% of coverage yearly on firearms. Unless someone has the exact same policy in the same area you are insured, advice should be taken with caution. Language within your policy makes all the difference. Contact your provider is always best. Good Luck.