Posted By:
JKMark,
I'd be shocked if insurance via a regular insurance company was cheaper than cia. Usually its just the opposite. Are you sure the quote you rec'd was not a 6 mo. premium (I know my auto insurance is always quoted for 6 months). Some advantages that I can think of off the top of my head - no inventory is required by cia (in other words, you dont have to send a letter to cia every time you buy or sell a card). CIA covers cards being shipped(state farm may as well, but many only cover losses at your home). CIA specializes in cards and other collectibles and, IMO, is more likely to payout without a hassle if you experience a loss. CIA also covers full replacement cost up to your policy limits - you may want to make sure that the regular agency does the same. Finally, I still consider cia a "regular" insurance agency since they use hartford or some other big insurer to underwrite their policies.
You may want to search some prior threads that discuss insurance on this board - some good info.