Travelers insurance won't cover 'Assault Rifles'

[Joey Link]

In an effort to save money, I called my AAA insurance agent today to see how much money I'd save on by switching from State Farm renters insurance (which I shopped for and purchased independently) to Travelers (who I have my auto insurance with, purchased through AAA). I was telling them about my situation, coverages and deductibles, etc. when the topic of firearms came up and I explained that I'll need extra coverage for my collection. The agent asked me about the type of firearms, specifically if I owned any "pistols, shotguns, or assault rifles". I knew right away there was going to be a problem.

I told her all of the above and gave her an estimate of the value, then waited for her to call back with confirmation of whether or not they have a policy against insuring 'assault rifles'. As I was on the phone with a client she called and left a message saying that Travelers will not insure 'assault weapons'. At this point I was rather upset, and decided to confirm this with Travelers themselves.

I called Travelers and spoke with an agent.

Him: Thank you for calling Travelers, may I help you?

Me: Yes, I just spoke with my AAA agent through whom I purchase my Travelers auto insurance. I was hoping to switch to you guys for my renters insurance as well, but she informed me there are limitations as to what types of firearms you're willing to insure.

Him: That could be true, let me check my documentation and get and answer for you. Please hold for a second.

<puts me on hold>

Him: I can't seem to find anything in here stating specific types or models, what type of firearm are you trying to insure?

Me: The AR15's in my collection seem to be the ones the agent said you wouldn't insure.

Him: Ok, now are those assault rifles?

Me: What's an assault rifle? Assault is an action, not a type of object. Do you have a list of types or models of rifles you won't insure?

Him: Well no, all this says is assault rifle here. I agree with you though, I have no idea what they consider an assault rifle. Are they fully automatic or semi automatic?

Me: They're semi-automatic.

Him: Ok, let me go check with our underwriters.

<puts me on hold>

Him: Yeah, that's something they're not willing to insure.

Me. Ok, thanks.

Now I'm not only shopping for renters insurance, but auto insurance as well. If any of you have Travelers or do business with any other company that chooses to discriminate against us for our lawful activities, I urge you to vote with your dollars and find alternatives.

[jrobie79]

good to know...... screw those assbags

[mrsleeve]

hit up the NRA man,


I dont think there is an insurance outfit around that will insure all the evil firearms. Nothing new its been like that for a long time too

[george graves]

Call the NRA?

[RainierHooker]

Damn hippies...

[Vedubin01]

ARs and semi AKs are NOT assault weapons. They are assault style weapons. If they could not give you a list of banned weapons, where did they get their answer to say AR's were not covered?

[LBJefferies]

It's a private business so they can do what they want. Would you rather regulations be put into place requiring insurance companies to cover all firearms? I doubt it.

You can't harp about the rights of private business and then cry foul when they don't do what you want.

[Vedubin01]

they have rules and regulations they must follow. They have to list in writing what is covered and not covered. Just like your auto policy or health insurance.

It just sounds like someone not worthy of their job talking out of their ass!


they are Publicly traded. Thus not being a private company.

http://www.insurenow4less.com/articles/the-travelers-insurance-company/

[Joey Link]

ARs and semi AKs are NOT assault weapons. They are assault style weapons. If they could not give you a list of banned weapons, where did they get their answer to say AR's were not covered?

I asked them for a list which they couldn't or wouldn't produce. I'm going to send a written request.

It's a private business so they can do what they want. Would you rather regulations be put into place requiring insurance companies to cover all firearms? I doubt it.

You can't harp about the rights of private business and then cry foul when they don't do what you want.

Ultimately this is exactly how I feel. I'm happy they have the choice to decide what they do and do not cover. The purpose of me sharing this story is so people like myself who have Travelers and value their 2nd amendment rights know this companies policies regarding those rights. I'm not complaining at all, just want others to know so they can switch companies if they see fit, which is what I'm doing Monday.

[SEdgell]

If you plan to contact any pro gun groups don't waste your time with the NRA, goto Gun Owners of America, or Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership...

Him: Ok, now are those assault rifles?

Me: What's an assault rifle? Assault is an action, not a type of object. Do you have a list of types or models of rifles you won't insure?

I like how you handled that....very nice.

[der affe]

being semi auto, what you have is a rifle and should be addressed as such.

if it was a full auto or select fire, then it is an assult rifle.

you just have bitchin hunting rifles. .223= varmint hunting among other things

[RainierHooker]

^ This.
Besides, the state in which you live (OR) has no legal definition of an "Assault Rifle". Neither does the federal gov't after 2004.
Since there is no legal definition, and since they can't provide you with a company definition, they are banning the coverage of nothing.
Now, if you lived in Kalifornia, there would be a legal definition for them to base their argument on. However, insurance companies' policies vary according to the state in which they are issued (since they get their license from the state level) and would therefore be based off that states statutes and codes.

...that's just this shit-house lawyer's take on the matter though, YMMV

[slow e30]

constitutional rights mean nothing anymore. if we are allowed by law to own them, they should be bound by law to insure them, if they insure ANY weapon.

[RainierHooker]

That's what I'm saying.
If they say that they will insure firearms, in the absence of a legal definition of an 'assault weapon', they must insure them.
Unless they can provide, in writing, a specific company standard, writen before you had your policy.

[Scotaku]

Insurance companies can define and cover, or refuse coverage of, anything they want. You're not being forced to buy their policies so shop around.

Crab all you want about 'discrimination' but that is the basis for all insurance plans. They are groups of people pitching money into a big pot just in case one of them ever needs help. Those groups of people decide who to let in or not; the very definition of discrimination. They call it 'risk' and while some will accept higher measures of it, some will not... membership is not some inalienable right.

The Second Amendment only guarantees you the right to own firearms. There is no amendment or law guaranteeing your right to insure them. If you think that, you're pissing into the wind.