Gun Safe or Theft Insurance?

[Animal Mother]

My collection has outgrown my current RSC, as I am really having to cram them in there. I was beginning to look into getting another safe, when it occurred to me that I may be better off getting more firearms theft insurance (either from my homeowners insurance or perhaps through the NRA's insurance program).

I'd be looking at about $1000 for a fairly large safe that should meet my needs for a few years or using the NRA's insurance policy is $1.66 annually for evey $100 of protection. Given that I own a lot of milsurps and the NRA covers the first $1000 of protection, my insurance coverage would be only run about $70 a year (it may be less that that once I factor in the limits of my homeowners policy on firearms theft).

I'm leaning toward purchasing the insurance because professional theives can make quick work of any $1000 safe and at least with the insurance, while I can't replace the value of family heirlooms, I'd a least be compensated for the actual value of my guns, and I could keep them in some cheap bolted down Stack-On gun cabinets to keep out a casual smash and grabber.

Anyone else weighed the pros and cons between a safe and insurance?

 

[ArmedBear]

I'm more concerned about coming home to someone pointing our own guns at us than I am with getting something stolen. When compared to our lives, the guns are just things, even if some are "favorites" and a few would be somewhat expensive to replace.

I'd get the insurance if you're worried about professional thieves. It's cheap.

But it's not really a simple question of "safe vs. insurance" to me.

 

[mljdeckard]

Incidentally I use some stack-on cabinets right now, because my current life situation is kind of non-permanent. When I am somewhat more permanent I'll get a bigger stronger unit.

Sure, the insurance is at a good rate, but, you might also want to see what your homeowners'/renter's insurance covers, and if you might get a rider on top of the existing policy which might be the same or cheaper than the NRA benefit.

I don't know that thieves can make quick work of a $1000 safe at all. There are plenty of safes in that price range that have never been sucessfully broken into.

 

[BobMcG]

I'd go both ways but... I'd also compare the NRA insurance against your homeowners insurance company to see what it would cost to have enough contents insurance to cover your collection?

 

[RNB65]

Both.

 

[Bacchus]

Another vote for both.

 

[a1abdj]

Depending on the value of your collection, an insurance policy may require use of a safe. Even if it doesn't, premiums are typically reduced based on the use of other security measures such as safes and alarms. Over time, a good safe will cost far less than insurance, but both have their use.

I don't know that thieves can make quick work of a $1000 safe at all. There are plenty of safes in that price range that have never been sucessfully broken into.

I'd like to know of a few of those makes/models if you know of them off the top of your head.

 

[rich0372]

Depending on the state you live in

If you don't lock them up and they get stolen you could be charged with negligent storage of a firearm. I would get both but defiently the safe first.

 

[Thernlund]

Safe = absolutely must have

Firearm insurance = Nice, but optional

Firearm insurance isn't going to stop someone from killing a 10-year-old kid with your stolen gun. Safety is light years more important than simply getting reimbursed for a loss. As well (IMO), opting for insurance OVER a safe is malicious and selfish.


-T.

 

[springmom]

With the safe, the chances of them getting stolen and you NEEDING the insurance drop waaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyy down.

My son didn't have a safe, but had lots of insurance. That didn't keep his handguns from getting stolen and sold at the closest bus stop for drug money. The guns are GONE. God knows who's doing what with them, but they certainly weren't sold to upstanding citizens.

Do the right thing and keep them in a safe. Then get insurance if you want.

Springmom

 

[def4pos8]

Do both. Buy the toughest, heaviest box you can afford and tolerate to move. Buy as much insurance as you can afford. I bought a firearms rider to my homeowner's policy.

Shooting hardware has this interesting propensity to perpetually rise in value as the years pass.

 

[Car Knocker]

I prefer not to arm criminals by leaving guns unsecured. I have a safe.

 

[glockman19]

Both

 

[Quinch]

Buy a safe through a locksmith. I got a $3000 dollar safe for half that.

 

[CTPistol]

buy a good safe and keep it out of sight - large closet, basement, windowless room. Bolting/cementing it in is cheap and effective.

You have a better chance of getting killed by lightning than you do a professional thief cracking your good safe to grab your milsurps...

If you can afford both - do it....but Id go the good safe route beofre the stack on garbage. A casual smash and grabber may take a saws all to those for crack money.

 

[JWarren]

Parroting everyone else here: A "Safe" is a must. Insurance is a good "Back-up.)


While it was only briefly mentioned, I suspect that it will not be long before more states allow for lawsuits based upon negligence if a stolen gun is used.

While I don't agree with the lawsuit angle, I do think that we as gunowners do have a responsibility to do all we can reasonably do to prevent our guns from being stolen and used against others.

By considering only insurance, it would be only addressing the financial cost to your household-- not the after-effects of that theft. What will those crooks do with your guns? The loss of a gun is more than replacement costs.


And then you have to consider a situation I was in last year. What is the value of a stolen gun that was an heirloom? You can't put a price on that. While I was renovating my home, I had to live in my hunting camp. I really didn't feel comfortable putting a safe in it due to being a raised structure. Well, after I went to work, I got 6 guns stolen. Among those were two Remington 700s given to me by my now-deceased Grandfather. Another was a Remington 1100 that my father gave me on my 15th birthday.

Sure, I can buy more Remington 700s and 1100's, but I'll never replace the intrinsive emotional value.



So, both if you can... Safe if you can't.


-- John

 

[rc109a]

I called my insurance carrier (USAA) and they would only cover $1000 with no rider policy. They did tell me about some stats that they have been usings that I though was more interesting. They said the most common payout for firearms is not by theft, but by fire. That they cover 100% replacment costs. They also suggested a good fireproof/flooding proof safe. If your going to get one try and make it all encompasing. They did give me a discount for buying a safe on my policy since I use it for more then just firearms... Just my 2 cents...