Special Equipment / Sound System Coverage

Sound System or other Special Equipment Coverage is an optional add-on to a basic auto insurance policy.  This type of coverage will help to protect your aftermarket sound or video system in your vehicle, as well as any other item “attached and added to your car”, like expensive wheels or rims. 

A sound system that is installed by the manufacturer is usually covered for up to $2,500 by your basic auto insurance, minus your deductible. So if your stereo is damaged in an accident, repair and/or replacement will fall under your collision deductible.  If your stereo is stolen, it will fall under your comprehensive insurance and utilize that deductible.

If you already have collision and comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, it would be wise of you to check to see if your aftermarket (custom) equipment will be covered in the unfortunate event of an accident or theft incident, as this type of coverage will vary from company to company.

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Is Special Equipment Coverage Right for You?

Let’s think about how much money a custom car audio system can cost: When you add up the stereo itself, CD changer, subwoofer, head unit and speakers, it can quickly tally up to thousands of dollars. When you throw in a video entertainment package, you can add on at least an additional thousand.  Carrying Sound System / Special Equipment Coverage on your auto policy is smart.

The F.B.I. reports two types of larceny from automobiles: Theft from Motor Vehicles (defined as taking objects out of a car, such as packages, purses, wallets, etc.) and Accessory (defined as objects taken that were attached to the car, such as stereos, DVD entertainment systems,  wheels, etc.).  With close to a million “Accessory” thefts each year, it would really be in your best interest to carry additional insurance for them.

As you build your car’s system, be sure to keep every receipt, including wiring and professional installation.  Write down the serial numbers for all of your components.  Finally, be sure to take pictures of the finished product, preferably with a date directly imprinted on the film. You will need to prove to your insurance company that you had your system before payment is made.

While not all insurance companies offer this type of coverage, its availability is growing amongst the industry due to increasing demand.  Be sure to check with your carrier as to its availability.

You may also want to consider Tape/CD coverage to protect your music collection.

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Last Updated: November 10, 2009