high end audio insurance?

Try Antiques Road Show? LOL, just kidding. I'm not qualified to answer Slartibartfast's above post. But it would seem that there are appraisers out there who specialize in priceless prices. E.g., paintings, letters, manuscripts, rare books, etc. Why would master tapes be any different? Or even Lugnut's vinyl collection? If someone can insure a painting for several million US dollars, surely someone can appraise and insure rare vinyl?

Rcreations, in answer to your question, I don't know. I have never had a claim and hope I never do. My State Farm Insurance agent suggested photos, and said they accepted them as good proof of contents of your home.

I did as Lugnut suggested and photographed everything in our home. My agent even suggested that video tape would be valid.

As for value, those who take 15 minutes to photograph their inventory stand a much better chance of receiving a fair settlement than those who have nothing. Many of us have grand schemes to inventory and list all our valuables but never seem to get around to it. With a library of several thousand pieces of software it is a daunting job.

I think the point is that presented with clear evidence of ownership, a market value could be settled upon between the insured and the insurance company.

Where a complete inventory and appraisal is preferred, those who inventory with photography right now are better off until (and if) they go a more professional route.

If you have a home owner's policy with replacement cost coverage your audio equipment is covered. That means if you have an amp that is made by Classe that is no longer in production your insurance company will pay for the equivalent current model. I have discussed this with my insurance agent (USAA). There are some items that do require a rider such as guns and jewelry in excess of $1000, but only if they are stolen, not lost in a fire or other natural disaster. This does not apply to audio equipment or even art work. Naturally you will have to pay the deductible (usually $500) and will need to prove what you owned. Pictures or videos are great and I even have a spread sheet with all items and serial numbers where applicable. Records could be tricky if they are collectible and out of print, but their value can be established. You should not have to pay for a rider and if your insurance agent says you do I'd talk to some different companies to see if you can get a better deal.

Rcreations, (and Lugnut) when I stated I had not had a claim and hoped I never would, I was referring to the equipment making up my music system and software.

For those who have not followed my posts about reconstruction of my home during the last 8 months, THAT was due to water damage that State Farm covered.

I still hope I never need to claim anything to do with my music.

Having been on the adjusting side of things for a number of years, I was never out to cheat anybody, only to pay what was owed. That having been said, I can't speak for other companies but policies with replacement clauses were exactly that. If I was trying to adjust Albert's SoundLAB U-1s and I was unable to locate a pair on the used market for comparison, I would be calling SoundLAB direct and trying to cut a deal for a new pair. But I would be making sure that he would be able to replace those speakers (less deductible) Most adjusters that I know aren't out to rip anybody, I however can not say that about the people submitting claims. I think the best thing anybody can do is to video tape your entire house. This allows you to not only have a record but to describe the items as well. Obviously, if you have items that are one of a kind or collector items, get a professional appraisal, and two are better. Every time I got a claim with an appraisal, I simply verified the appraisal and cut the draft.
Fortunately, I do not do homeowner claims any longer.