Anyone familiar with Collector Insurance?
 

While at the Shriners show in Boston this past weekend, I picked up a flyer for Collector Insurance, offered through the Antiques and Collectibles Insurance Group. Info at This Link

I've had insurance with Collectibles Insurance Inc. in the past, and fortunately have never needed to make a claim, so I can't speak to the service.

Per the flyer I received on Collector Insurance, the rates seem much more reasonable. My $60K policy is $325 with Collectibles Insurance, but the flyer advertises a $188 rate for the same $60K coverage.

Does anyone know about this company? I'm not opposed to saving a few bucks, but would love to know if anyone had any good/bad/other experience with them at all first.

Thanks!
Scott

You need to think about ALL services you might need from an insurance company. Services provided and rates, can be quite different for dealers vs collectors. I use Collectibles Insurance and the money I save on shipping insurance alone, covers my entire premium payment and more. Plus my stuff is covered at shows, during transit, at my home, etc. I chose them because someone on this forum used them and had to make a claim, and it went very smoothly.

antique website
 

Someone should tell this company to update their website! Good grief. I'm looking for an insurance provider for my collection but am hesitant to do business with them for that reason alone.

Would you rather they spent money on their web site or gave you a better deal :D

Seriously, the web site isn't great but the person I've dealt with there is very knowledgeable and the insurance coverage is extensive (i.e. covers items in transit, multiple locations, etc.). The application process was easy as well. They use Lloyd's of London as their underwriter.

I purchased insurance through them but haven't ever had to file a claim so can't vouch for how well that process goes. I was referred to them by a friend who was very happy with their services and would be happy to send contact info for the agent I deal with to anyone interested in talking to them further. Just PM me.

jeff

Just wanted to bump this thread to see if anyone has had additional experiences, either positive or negative, with Antiques and Collectibles Insurance Group.

Has anyone had to file a claim through them, or has anyone recently signed up?

Their website

Thanks!

Just insured my collection last month with them. Filled out online form and got emailed response. Sent in payment and then got emailed notification payment was received. Got policy paperwork in the mail shortly thereafter. All good so far. Hoping that I won't need to make a claim. :-)

I don't have any experience with these companies, but I'd urge people to consult their homeowners or renters insurance provider. An additional collectibles rider *may* be less expensive than going through one of these specialty insurers.

Steve

I have used Collectors Insurance for many years. Every year I check with my Homeowners Agent (3 different Companies in 14 years) and they can't even come close to the coverage and cost. I have never had a claim (knocking wood).

Jeff

homeowner policy
 

My homeowners policy has always included $10,000 for collectibles. My insurance company dropped this collectibles coverage 2 years ago, but I was able to purchase a rider. Last week I met with my insurance agent and we found out that the rider no longer will cover baseball cards, because of the"volatile nature of the market". Riders are available for stamp collections and several other types of collectibles.

You might want to check your policy to make sure you are still covered. My agency handles several insurance companies, and non of them will cover baseball cards.


Rick

B & L Auctions uses Collectibles Insurance. We have had a claim or two and they went fine. I would venture to guess most homeowners insurance won't cover baseball cards. Mine won't.

I agree with Scott on this. I have used them for several years, no claims yet, but their service has been outstanding...

I just got my semi-annual bill from them, so this is timely. Luckily, all I can say so far is that they get these bills to me in a timely fashion, and they cash the check with no issues :)

Very good point, Rick. I do make it a point to review my coverage with my agent each year, as some riders I have need adjusting. Bottom line, never assume coverage or clauses include something -- best to clarify before an issue comes up. :)

Cheers,
Steve

Update, as I mislead with the above post. The part in red above is not true.

I attempted to file a claim today on a $112 card. Unfortunately, their $200 dealer policy deductible is 'per loss', which means that anything worth that amount or less is basically uninsured if shipped by itself. And for items worth more than $200, it's doubtful that the shipping insurance I would buy through Fedex, USPS, etc., would cost me more than the $200 deductible.

Still good for traveling with inventory, fires, flooding, etc., but having to re-evaluate whether I will stay with them.