Rental Protection Plan

The Renter’s Protection Plan covers damage to or theft of a rental outfit and limits the renter’s financial responsibility. When this plan is active, the renter is not responsible for paying the full value of the instrument if it is damaged or stolen due to an unforeseen event.

A small monthly fee is added to the rental at the rates listed below (plus tax).

Definition of Full Value:

For the purpose of this plan, full value means the instrument’s current purchase value, calculated as:

  • the amount the customer has already paid toward purchasing the instrument plus

  • the remaining balance required to purchase the instrument in full.

This is the total amount the renter would otherwise be responsible for without the Protection Plan.

Covered By Protection Plan

Basic Maintenance is defined as the following:

  • Bridge Service: Straightening a leaning bridge, minor carving of feet, parchment, or replacing a warped bridge.

  • String Maintenance: Annual replacement due to dullness, unwinding, or breakage.

  • Structural: Glue failure consistent with regular use (preventative climate care).

  • Tuning Mechanics: Peg lubrication , fitting, and fine tuner cleaning/lubrication.

  • Set up & adjustments: String action or buzzing, nut dressing, fingerboard planing, and bridge height.

    • Soundpost reset or adjustment.

  • Minor Upkeep Cleaning: Removal of light rosin buildup, oils, and sweat from the body and fingerboard.

  • Hardware: Tailgut replacement and Cello/Bass endpin adjustment.

  • Minor Cosmetic damage: Scuffs, small, shallow scratches, chipped corners.

    • Violin/Viola: scratches less than 1 inch in length

    • Cello/Bass: scratches less than 3 inches in length

  • Small Cracks: Top cracks or wing cracks (starting at the F-hole) consistent with regular use.

    • If/when cracks develop, they will continue to grow if not repaired.

All this is maintenance and is covered by the protection plan.

Renter is responsible for addressing maintenance issues in a timely manner; issues exacerbated as a result of inaction will be considered “Accidental Damage” and be subject to relevant copay listed below.

Monthly Protection Plan Fee

VIOLIN 

VIOLA 

CELLO 

BASS 

GUITAR 

$5

$6

$7

$8.50

$5

Damage, Loss, and Copay Policy

If a rental instrument is damaged, the renter will be charged a copay based on the type of damage and the level of the rental.

Repairable Damage

Damage is considered repairable when:

  • The instrument/bow can be restored to rentable condition

  • The total cost of repair is less than the instrument’s full retail value.

  • Major cleaning beyond maintenance cleaning

  • Side/Rib cracks and punctures

  • Any top crack exceeding the following measurements

    • Violin/Viola: 2 inches

    • Cello: 4 inches

    • Bass: 4 inches

In these cases, the renter is responsible for the applicable repairable-damage copay listed below.

Protege Level Repairable Damage Copays

 VIOLIN 

VIOLA 

CELLO 

BASS 

GUITAR 

$25

$25

$60

$150

$25

Artist Level Repairable Damage Copays

VIOLIN 

VIOLA 

CELLO 

GUITAR 

$50

$50

$120

$50

Non-Repairable Damage, Loss, or Theft

Damage is considered non-repairable when:

  • The instrument/bow cannot be restored to rentable condition

  • The cost of repair is equal to or greater than the instrument’s full retail value.

The following situations are always classified as non-repairable:

  • loss or theft

  • vandalism (including, but not limited to, carvings, intentional breakage, or throwing the instrument)

  • Any damage above the neck joint

In these cases, the renter is responsible for the applicable non-repairable copay listed below.

Please refer to the fee schedule below for exact copay amounts.

Protege Level Non-Repairable Copay

VIOLIN 

VIOLA 

CELLO 

BASS 

GUITAR 

$150

$150

$300

$500

$50

Artist Level Non-Repairable Copay

VIOLIN 

VIOLA 

CELLO 

GUITAR 

$300

$300

$600

$100

EXCEPTIONS TO COVERAGE:

*Blackerby Violin Shop will not reimburse renters for any repair work done at another shop.

*Coverage is void if:

  • Account is not current on payments

  • Instrument is checked into stow-away luggage on an airplane (carry-on is permitted).

  • Instrument is taken outside the continental United States.

  • Repairs or adjustments are made at another shop, or by someone other than a Blackerby staff member.

The Protection Plan is required for ALL level rentals.

If a rental instrument is destroyed or stolen, the shop will replace the outfit after the renter meets the above co-pays. In the event of theft, the renter must present an official police report to the shop within 10 days of theft to avoid paying full retail value of the instrument.

The Protection Plan is required for all Rentals, but does not count toward accumulated rental credit. 

ACCRUAL OF MONTHLY PURCHASE CREDIT

Purchase credit may be applied only towards the purchase of the same type of instrument.

Rental Credits may not be combined with any other contract or discount.

The value paid towards a protection plan does not count toward accumulated rental credit.