I'm cutting costs every way I can. To that end I'm seeking new insurance coverage for our building as I'm currently paying wayyyyyyy too much. I've gotten some wonderfully lower estimates all of which come with a list of exceptions...which basically boil down to recording any type music...that would nullify any coverage.

If anyone here sells commercial insurance, I'd sure appreciate some straight dope on this subject.

I DO produce tracks for folks. I DO mix and master tracks for folks. But I DO NOT record bands of any kind. I'm 90% voiceover and commercial broadcast production ( ie...radio and TV spots).

What gives???

I suspect they don't want to be liable for the actions of (perceived) misanthropes, errrm hippy beatnik musicians.
 
Don't call yourself a "recording studio" to the insurance company? You are a voice over production facility. Yes?

I can only guess that they're aware of how much valuable gear is contained in recording studios? Or maybe they just have visions of 10 guitar amps plugged into the same wall outlet....seems bizarre though. 

Insurance companies don't like liability - crazy
They discourage ensuring my pc and network company either because of the liability by making the premiums out of sight.
 
I don't know what they're concerned about - it's eeeeazy.
 

I guess they think your business will be lousy with "show folk". You know, junkies, pimps and thieves, maybe even bikers. I really have no idea.
 
Music equipment is a big target for thieves and is usually expensive. The other issue for insurance is that the gear devaluates quickly and has short production runs. You put in a claim and the item is no longer available, making it a big PITA for you and the insurance co. My ex is an insurance broker and there are very few companies handling all the business, so they can ask what they want for coverage.
 
I know it doesn't help but it may make it easy to understand why they have you by the shorts.

I have stacks of recording gear AND I'm a biker....
 
 
I'm screwed

Karyn
I have stacks of recording gear AND I'm a biker....
 
 
I'm screwed

But you also have weapons, so there is that... 

craigb

Karyn
I have stacks of recording gear AND I'm a biker....
 
 
I'm screwed

But you also have weapons, so there is that... 

My match rifle doubles my insurance,  and over here we're not allowed to use them as insurance...

Karyn,
 
move to Texas, you are our kind of people.
 
But back on topic - we all know what kind of people musicians are.  And you are going to let them just roam and graze around all kinds of expensive equipment.  What could go wrong? 
 
Actually, I think the proliferation of home studios is the big problem.  I had homeowner's insurance back in the 8os in NYC of all places, got robbed and it paid for all my stuff.  A few payouts like that probably concentrated the minds of the insurance industry wonderfully.  So you can thank me that you can't get insurance.
 
Sorry.

Based upon my extensive research on TV commercials, Insurance companies exist to teleport people out of dangerous self-inflicted disasters, be everyone's BFF, constantly dump out truckloads of money regardless of circumstances, and instantly restore property whenever tragedy strikes. Apparently, the companies are staffed with hilarious, outgoing and charming people who deeply care about each and every customer. The employees compete against each other to see who can give their customers the best service and pay out the largest claims. When someone files a claim, the insurance company will violate the laws of physics in order to instantly deliver a massive payment, replace the entire house, and bring cookies. 
 
It would appear that you've been calling the wrong insurance companies. That's the only logical explanation, right?