Insuring Vintage Cards

[Archive]

Posted By: RCM

Hello Everyone! Long time lurker, first time poster.

I've been an independent insurance agent for over 25 years and Adam is correct in stating that you need to document your collection in the event of a loss. Start by keeping an itemized written inventory of your collection. Keep all receipts and invoices. Scanning your more valuable cards is also an excellent way of documenting your collection.

Please remember one thing: A HOMEOWNERS POLICY IS NOT THE WAY TO COVER YOUR BASEBALL CARD COLLECTION!!!

My recommendation is to buy a separate valuable articles policy that will provide you with Special Risk perils protection. It covers perils such as, fire, theft, an accidental discharge of a plumbing or heating system as well as, mysterious disappearence.
Mysterious disappearence means that you've lost your cards and you can't remember where you put them. Please be aware that a special risk peril valuable articles policy also has exclusions. These generally include: mold, gradual deterioration, earthquake, mine subsidence, flood, wear & tear, neglect, back up of sewers and drains and intentional acts to name a few. Breakage is usually a covered peril if you're talking about china, crystal and glassware but not if your baseball card breaks apart in two from soaking it in water.

In my opinion, Chubb is the best in the business when it comes to insuring card collections. Why?

1).They offer the best coverage.
Mine subsidence and back up of sewers are covered perils.

2).They're flexible. You can specifcally itemize an expensive individual card or set for its agreed value of $50,000 or you can blanket a thousand common $10.00 cards up to $10,000. Also, if you paid $5,000 for a card in an auction but it only "books" for $3,000, Chubb will pay the agreed value of $5,000 if you have proof via of an invoice.

3). Their claim handling is fast and fair.

4). Chubb's Masterpiece Manager allows you to use Chubb's secured website to load scanned color photos of your card collection which greatly enhances your documentation capabilities when a claim occurs.

5). Their rates are very competitive.

6). They're "A+" rated by A.M.Best.

Jeff and Todd,I hope this answers some of your questions.
Todd, Sorry to hear about your theft loss.

Rich