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Renter's Insurance for Autographs

Any advice on how this would work?

I have a significant number of autographs for music artists and TV artists.

I have a lot of items that I could see could go $100-200 but could maybe go up to 400-600 each. A significant number of music ones I have obtained in person at concerts, meet and greets, etc., and do not have documentation, such as PSA, JSA, etc. I have bought a lot too, some with certification, and some not not, although I am very careful. I am not interested in JSA or PSA for items I obtained, as I have no desire to resell ever. That seems to just be a drain of money to me, and I would not want stickers, etc., on my items! Is that needed for insurance purposes? Can someone who is involved in this semi-professionally but unaffiliated appraise items for insurance purposes? What would the qualifications of an appraiser need to be? Or can I assign values based on what I project they would sell based on what has sold on ebay, listed on ebay, etc. I am doubtful that I will ever have to use it, but would like to be covered in the event of catastrophe, as I spent a significant amount of time and money going to shows, travel, etc. Much of what I have is irreplaceable, as we can't always get the things we want in this hobby, particularly if they are more obscure items you had to go get signed in person yourself, but some compensation would be nice. I would have to give up collecting autographs completely if that ever happened to me. Could not begin to start over.

I am sure the value for the autographs would be in the tens of thousands of dollars range, if that helps, for answering my question, about insurance requirements.

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Permalink Reply by Daniel S. on August 18, 2018 at 7:30am

You are likely covered for replacement cost on personal property less your deductible. However, many policies have internal limits on memorabilia. Check your policy. Alternatively, you should be able to endorse the policy with a scheduled personal property inland marine rider. These typically provide all risk coverage on a stated value basis and may not apply a deductible.

Appraisals are generally not required for items in your price range and authentication will depend on the individual company's underwriting rules. Again, its unlikely to be required.

dan

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Permalink Reply by Steve Zarelli on August 18, 2018 at 12:48pm

Often homeowners and renter's insurance has a small cap on collectibles. It could be only $1,000.

I use Collectible's Insurance to insure my collection. No hidden limits and no need to itemize items under a certain amount. I recommend checking them out. https://collectinsure.com/

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Permalink Reply by Daniel S. on August 18, 2018 at 2:47pm

The "$1,000 cap" is the internal limit that I referenced. This may be as low as $1,000 but it is very possible that the policy does not impose an internal limit (mine does not). Worth reading the policy or checking with your agent. Steve's suggestion to check into a collectible specific policy is definitely worth looking into as these companies recognize an attractive and underserved market niche.