Musical instrument and equipment specialist Lark Music has partnered with the Gibson Garage London to launch a free, 12-month point-of-sale cover available to UK customers buying Gibson and Epiphone priced above £1,500. Lark Music is part of Howden.

The policy, underwritten by Allianz, offers cover for accidental damage, loss and theft. In the event of a claim, it provides repair or replacement options. Lark Music said that 82% of guitar insurance claims occurred while travelling and during everyday journeys. It said this had prompted it to design a product to cover customers as soon as they left the shop.

Wynne Hamilton, divisional director of Lark Music, said: “Our data showed us that insurance shouldn’t start when you get the chance to contact your insurer. Customers should have peace of mind as soon as they have purchased their instrument as the average travel claim is around 25% higher in value than a non-travel related claim.

“It’s important to us that we partner with brands like Gibson Garage London as it allows us to place protection exactly where it is needed – in the hands of players as they walk out with their new guitar.”