SCI Gun Insurance Program

>> SCI Gun Program FAQ's

Download Gun Application (PDF)

1. Q: Why do you use retail list price for the value of my gun? I actually paid a lot less for it.
   
   A: When the program began, the actuarial based premiums used retail list price for guns still being manufactured and 95% of market value for guns no longer being manufactured. So, even if this value is more than you paid, that value is reflected in the premium. This system is fair to everyone because it allows us to use standard industry reference books to set values, saving time and reducing underwriting costs.
    
2. Q: Why do I have to give you serial numbers?
   
   A: This insurance is specific insurance for named items. The underwriter requires identifying numbers for every firearm that we insure, thus the need for serial numbers.
    
3. Q: What do you do with the serial numbers?
   
   A: They are compiled in the underwriter’s policy database. This database is not accessible by anyone outside the underwriter’s office.
    
4. Q: I want to insure a gun that has not been manufactured for at least the last 30 years. How do you set the insurable value for it?
   
   A: For guns no longer being manufactured, you can determine the insurable value by using the most recent edition of the Blue Book of Gun Values, and selecting the value that corresponds to the firearm’s current condition as long as it does not exceed 95%.
    
5. Q: When do I need to provide a bill-of-sale or an appraisal for a gun?
   
   A: For high value guns that the underwriter cannot value readily either in the Blue Book of Gun Values or from the manufacturer directly. Also, for custom guns made by a custom gun maker.
    
6. Q: How does this insurance compare to my current gun insurance, which is floater attached to my homeowners insurance?
   
   A: This will vary depending on your specific homeowner’s policy, but typically, a homeowner’s floater will have a deductible, a low maximum value for an individual item, exclusions, and will not provide worldwide coverage. And, these floaters generally are priced 35% to 200% higher than the SCI policy.
    
7. Q: I am planning a foreign trip in a few months. How long should I wait to insure my guns?
   
   A: This gun insurance is permanent, year round insurance. Each policy is issued for a term of 12 months. So, the sooner you apply, the sooner you will be insured against all risks, whether at home, in your locked vehicle, at your gun club or while on a hunting trip.
    
8. Q: Can you provide insurance to SCI members who are residents of countries other than the US?
   
   A: No, insurance underwriting of this type is not international, except for the coverage. While you do not have to be a US citizen to buy this insurance, you do have to be a US resident.
    
9. Q: Can I insure my binoculars that I use for boating?
   
   A: Yes. However, we cannot insure eyeglasses, ear protection, or cameras, even if you use them exclusively for hunting.
    
10. Q: My trip is coming up soon and I forgot to send in my gun insurance application. How quickly can I get insurance?
    
    A: Your policy can be in effect as soon as the day following the day of postmark, faxing, or emailing, provided that the application is complete, including correct gun values and complete descriptions of the items being insured. We recommend that you call our office in advance to assure that you are using the correct values and that you used the proper descriptive language. We also recommend that you submit you application at least four days in advance of your trip so that there will be time to resolve any questions.