Hi Hughiain,

In terms of covering the gun itself, you should check that your contents insurance covers the replacement value of the gun in much the same way as you would name a high value item such as an engagement ring or similar on your policy. Normally insurance companies will have a value which they will allow you to go up to on a single item, after which they will charge you extra on your premium if it is of particularly high value.

With regard to using the gun in public, you will need third-party liability insurance. The best way to get that is to sign up with one of the excellent shooting organisations, such as BASC, the Countryside Alliance and the National Gamekeeper's Organisation, which all offer insurance as part of their membership packages. I'm no expert in insurance (legal disclaimer…) but as I understand it, that should be sufficient to cover you under the "accidents on shoots" scenario, certainly with regard to others. What it won't do is cover your gun in the eventuality that you drop it and snap the stock or ding the barrels. That's where a good household insurance policy comes in to play, and I speak from experience!

I hope that helps,

Yours, Alastair.