Taxidermy insurance

I have a contract with my customers wherein we both agree that the specimen is biodegradable, and has no value other than the value of the work performed by the taxidermist, and that taxidermy is an art not a science. Further, the taxidermist is not liable for the results obtained or any damage that could occur to the specimen, including the total loss or destruction of the specimen. The customer also agrees to defend, hold harmless and indemnify the taxidermist against any claim or cause of action that my arise under the performance of the agreement.

As far as insurance for the taxidermy business goes, it is limited to liability for accidental injury.

 

Don't know who wrote that but I would be very careful. A jury can find you liable in a heartbeat if they decide they want to whether the customer signed that agreement or not. You're trying to get out of having to pay insurance, it might work but I wouldn't trust it. You can still get a judgment against you whether he signed or not. You are taking a HUGE risk having only liability insurance in any service business where you have possession of the customers property.

 

Sorry Dave I can't help with an answer but I do have more to ask in regards to your question. How can you put a monetary value on an item that cannot be bought or sold such as waterfowl or in some states, even capes and antlers? They have no value because they cannot be bought or sold.

 

It looks like SCI has an insurance and it lists that replacment cost of just about everything. Just click on the price list.
https://www.huntandtravel.com/insurance/insurance-details/trophy-insurance/#
Ralph

 

You definitely need insurance for property that is not yours but in your possession. Anybody that says differently is trying to get out of purchasing insurance. I don't get what "biodegradable" has to do with it. If you have a fire or a storm or theft you damn well better be insured!

 

x2

 

Back to Dave's question , he knows he needs insurance, he's trying to find out how to establish valuation for his customers trophies. Anyone have any experience with this?


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I always have understood it as replacement cost only. i.e. Skin, horns, materials and labor cost. When insurance companies have us write up a loss estimate, let's say for a total loss from a fire, that is what we give them.

The cost of safari, not matter how expensive it was to go on, has no bearing on the value of the mount. For example, if the photographer screws up your wedding photos, they are not obligated to compensate you the cost of a new wedding.

 

Good responses guys..... now I have a really good question.... WHERE DO YOU GET INSURANCE for your business???? My insurance agent says they can't underwrite a taxidermy business, and they don't have any ideas of which company to ask..... I can't even get property insurance on my building & tools because of the taxidermy business...

I have been trying to find a carrier for about 2 years and no one will write me a policy.

 

The Hartford will insure your taxidermy business. My premium is $1050 annually.

 

+1

 

Hartford

 

Dave I promise you with state farm you'll go through the motions and may think you're covered for 6 months or even more. But I had State farm for my home and business for probably 10 yrs. When the agent called to up my liability coverage (by state recommendations) I asked if that included the business also. She didn't have a clue what I was talking about. Now when I signed up I spent more than an hour itemizing shop tools and supplies making guess-timates on customers stuff and coverage amounts. I had a declarations page to prove that's what my payments were for. Long story short, thank God I never had to file a claim because I don't know that they would've paid it. After that phone call they sent me a cancelation letter. I had 30 days to get coverage with someone else because they couldn't cover a taxidermy business because of the "volatile" chemicals that are used. That is what I was told. And Erie Ins. I wouldn't give the time of day. I now have business coverage through Everett Cash Mutual here in PA.

 

Dave I agree with Michelle on State Farm.... They wouldn't even give me a price because of the "volatile Chemicals" I haven't gotten a quote from Hartford yet but they come highly recommended by alot of other taxidermists on the page. I tried Farmers and they wouldn't write it either. but my agent found one that would cover ONLY the shop and equipment but not my customers mounts.