I can't recommend a UK broker, but most brokers can access the same basic insurance markets (unless it's a direct writer - meaning a sales rep for a specific insurance carrier rather than a broker who can access many carriers). A basic search of a phone book or the internet should get you plenty of names.
Talk to people you know, ask them if they trust thier broker, if they trust them, perhaps you could trust them also.
If you are gigging you will likely need professional coverage, since the basic rider on a home/renters policy would likely exclude professional use (ie: making money).
I pay $180 US for $40,000 of coverage (on an inland marine rider). I don't always haul $40k of gear, but I list all my expensive stuff so whatever I take, it's covered. I've never filed a claim and I've had the coverage a long time, so I've gotten the premiums down over time.
I make sure I have all my purchase receipts and have a local music store give me a periodic "appraisal" on thier Company letterhead and I have photos of every piece of gear with the name, make & model writen on the bac (the more documentation the better if you file a claim.
Much like auto insurance, if you file a claim, you likely need a police report (for a theft) or pictures (for damages). If you file a claim, it is likely the premiums will increase. Insurance should be for a large loss (all my gear was stolen) vs. a small claim (my guitar fell over and I need to replace the tuning lug).
When buying insurance, you need to decide if you want full replacement value, a depeciated value, or a collector's value. As an example, a 57' Strat is worth several thousand$$$, a 57' reissue (made in say 2002) is worth maybe $1200 and a new Mexi Strat is worth $200.
If a 57' Strat were stolen, it could cost $10,000 to replace (replacement value) as a collector's item, however the insurance carrier may say, new it was $100 and it's depreciated by almost 50 years, so it's only worth $10. Or perhaps they could say, we can replace that with a new Strat for $200.
It all depends on how the policy coverage is structured - so make sure you know what you are buying - and don't take a 57" Strat to gigs.
). Also, I am allowed to name my own replacement price. I go with list price for newer items and the going book rate for the collectables. I update the value of everything once a year.
