Best Collectibles Insurance

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Contributor, Benzinga
May 13, 2024

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Protect your collection from damage, flood, theft and a variety of other loss types with the best collectibles insurance. Whether you enjoy collecting fine art, jewelry or model trains, you can get peace of mind with this special insurance type. 

Some collectors have more valuable items in their homes, than their home & car are worth combined, which is why this insurance is important. Contents insurance on your homeowners or renters insurance might be insufficient to protect your items. Learn the best insurance providers to help protect your collection.

Quick Look: The Best Collectibles Insurance

  • Best for Family and Student Discounts: AKKO
  • Best for Watch and Jewelry Coverage: BriteCo
  • Best for a Wide Range of Covered Assets: WAX Insurance
  • Best for Niche Collectors: Collectibles Insurance Services
  • Best for Car Collectors: American Collectors Insurance
  • Best for Full Market Value Coverage: MiniCo Insurance Agency

6 Best Collectibles Insurance

Protect your items with collectibles insurance from these leading providers. Review what the company is best for and get started with quoting a policy based on your collection and its value.

1. Best for Family and Student Discounts: AKKO

AKKO is well-known as an electronics insurance company. It receives high rankings from customers on a variety of platforms, including Trustpilot and BBB. You’ll input key details about your electronics, such as purchase condition and price and then can choose your insurance options based on those details. You can cover multiple devices from damage, breaks and theft starting at $5 per month. Bundle multiple devices with an unlimited device plan to cover all electronics at your address. Or enjoy a Home Tech + plan that adds in other devices all at the same address. That way, you can get family coverage for just $50 per month.

Pros

  • Bundle protection for all electronics at outstanding rates
  • Easily switch out covered items on your policy as you upgrade your devices
  • Low deductible plans at $29-$99

Cons

  • Limited to electronics
  • No coverage available for other collectibles

2. Best for Watch and Jewelry Coverage: BriteCo

If you enjoy collecting jewelry, BriteCo is the best option for you. You can cover your items for up to 125% of replacement value, which means you’ll have no trouble replacing the item, should you need to. The company also offers options for $0 deductibles to make claims more affordable. 

Whether you mistakenly damage your jewelry or you misplace it, you’ll find coverage for a variety of scenarios with BriteCo. 

Pros

  • Low premiums compared to other insurers
  • Theft protection
  • Accidental damage protection

Cons

  • Only offers coverage for jewelry
  • Covered losses are limited

3. Best for a Wide Range of Covered Assets: WAX Insurance

Cover your collectibles fast with Wax Insurance. Get a quote in minutes to choose whether WAX might be right for you. This insurance coverage is underwritten by Chubb, a respected and dependable company in the insurance industry.

With more than 30 collectible categories, you’ll find coverage for your items whether you’re looking to protect your jewelry, fine art or a variety of other popular collectibles.

Pros

  • Easily upload images of your collectibles
  • Online quote process
  • Insure a variety of collectibles
  • Option for jewelry coverage up to $100,000
  • Covers accidental damage

Cons

  • More expensive premiums compared to competitors

4. Best for Niche Collectors: Collectibles Insurance Services

If you store your collectibles in storage units or place them on exhibit, you’ll find the coverage from Collectibles Insurance Services comprehensive based on your needs. Niche Collectors founded the company and know what you’re looking for when seeking coverage. 

Some features of note include the following.

  • $0 deductible plan options available
  • Coverage available for losses of $50 or more
  • Claims service is available via phone or email

Pros

  • A rating with AM Best
  • Protection for accidental breakage, natural disasters, theft, loss in the mail, flood, fire, etc. as long as it is not listed as an exclusion in the policy
  • No appraisal is required for items under $25,000 in value
  • Coverage for items held in a public storage facility

Cons

  • Must maintain inventory and provide it in case of a claim
  • Must report new items within 30-90 days of purchase

5. Best for Car Collectors: American Collectors Insurance

When a group of collectors get together to start a specialized insurance company, you can guarantee you’re getting a solid plan with riders and options that will work well for your needs. The insurance is available in all 50 states and protects your belongings from natural disasters, thefts, floods and fire. 

Some coverage items to note from American Collectors Insurance include:

  • Agreed Value Coverage: know what your collection is insured for at all times with the Agreed Value Coverage that protects you up to your policy limits.
  • Automatic Coverage for New Additions: as you add to your collection, get automatic coverage for items up to $2,000 until you get a chance to update your policy within 30 days of purchasing new items.
  • Collector’s Choice: when you take your collection out of your home or ship it, you can rest assured it is protected.
  • Inflation Guard Protection: as your collection appreciates due to inflation, you can get up to 8% over the Agreed Value for your goods if inflation has caused the goods to go up in price.

Pros

  • A group of collectors founded the company, so they get it in a way others might not
  • Policies come with inflation protection using the Inflation Guard Protection
  • Peace of mind knowing all items you add to your collection are automatically covered
  • Enjoy broad coverage for all your goods

Cons

  • No option for jewelry, art or furniture coverage
  • Only covers collectibles so no opportunities to bundle

6. Best for Full Market Value Coverage: MiniCo Insurance Agency

When your collection grows to a large value, you might consider MiniCo Insurance Agency. That’s because policies can be $1 million while still offering competitive premiums. Enjoy the option for a $0 deductible. Insure your items for their full value, which might not be available from other competitors. Here’s a look at some key features available from this company.

  • A+ rating from AM Best
  • Available in all 50 states
  • Insure collectibles from more than 100 categories
  • Get a quote in minutes with the online form
  • Premiums average .5% to 2% of the total collection’s value

Pros

  • Cover goods with a $1 million policy
  • Option for $0 deductible
  • Rates are competitive
  • Easy-to-use online quote process

Cons

  • Appraisals required for items greater than $50,000 in value

What is Collectibles Insurance? 

Collectibles insurance is a type of specialty insurance that protects high-value items. You’ll select your coverage based on the value of your goods and the type of collection you have. The insurance protects you from a variety of events, including natural disasters, flooding, fire or theft.

You might be able to get collectibles insurance as part of your homeowners or renters insurance. However, many collections require specialized coverage through a separate policy. Talk to your insurance agent to learn more.

What Does Collectibles Insurance Cover?

You can cover a variety of collectibles, including art, coins, trading cards, comic books, stamps, jewelry, and more. Depending on the collectible you want to insure, you might not need to look to specialty insurance companies that know the nuances of insuring such items. Here’s a look at some of the events that collectibles insurance can cover.

  • Theft
  • Damage
  • Disappearance
  • Water
  • Loss
  • Accidental breakage

When Do You Need Collectibles Insurance?

Collectibles insurance offers protection for items of value in a variety of scenarios. Here’s a look at some common reasons you should get insurance coverage.

  • You have limited security where your collection is housed, putting you at risk for burglary
  • You live in an area with natural disasters or extreme weather
  • Your home is older, which puts you at greater risk for leaks or other damage
  • The value of your collection would make it hard to replace in case of a natural disaster
  • Your goods are excluded from your contents insurance or exceed the value of your contents insurance as part of your homeowners or renters insurance policy

How Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Collectibles?

Homeowners insurance can help protect items you keep in your home. But it won’t offer protection for high-value items, such as antiques. Even with policies that don’t exclude antiques from being covered on a policy, the coverage available through your homeowners insurance might be insufficient should you need to replace an item of value. 

Most homeowners policies limit losses to $2,500 for art and collectibles. So if your collection exceeds the value, it’s time for a separate policy or a rider under your homeowners if your insurance company offers it.

How Much Does Collectibles Insurance Cost?

Collectibles insurance is based on the value of your collection. Most insurance companies charge 1-2% of the collection’s value for the annual premiums. You don’t need to have an expensive collection to seek insurance coverage for it. Instead, you might consider insuring your $20,000 collection, which would cost only $300-$400 to insure but could be impactful were you to experience a loss to your goods.

Some factors that could impact your rates include the following.

  • Where the collection is stored
  • Whether you transport the goods regularly
  • How do you transport the goods
  • Your location
  • The type of collection you have

How to Insure a Collection

Insuring a collection is not complex, but it does require several steps. Here’s a look at what you’ll need to do to secure insurance.

  • Take inventory: Before you can find out how much your collection is worth, you need to evaluate what’s in your collection. Write down everything and take photos if you can. Store those items on a cloud drive so you’ll have them in case of a covered event. Be sure that you maintain this inventory as you update your collection.
  • Work with an appraiser: You’ll need to have documentation for how much your collection is worth to work with most insurance companies. Some insurance companies allow you to bypass the appraisal but this is generally only allowable for lower-value policies.
  • Quote a few insurance companies: Work with an agent or explore prices online with several insurance companies. Make sure that the company provides insurance for the type of collectibles you own.
  • Purchase the policy: Provide all necessary documentation to the insurance provider and purchase your policy.
  • Review your policy regularly: As you add to your collection, you’ll need to notify your insurance provider. Review your coverage regularly to ensure it is increasing alongside the value of your collection.

How to Claim Collectibles Insurance 

The specific claim process for your collectibles insurance will vary based on the company your policy is through. However, here’s a general idea of what you can expect from the process.

  • Open a claim: Go online or call the claims center to open a claim. 
  • Provide documentation: If the event is for something like a natural disaster or flood, you might need to prove the event took place. If it’s for loss, you might need to just provide proof that you owned the item using your photo documentation and inventory or appraisal documents.
  • Pay your deductible: When applicable, you’ll need to pay your deductible before receiving your claim payout.

Protect Your Collection

In most cases, replacing collectibles is challenging. But if you have insurance, you’ll at least be able to recover financially from the loss. Review the list of top companies for this coverage type and request quotes from a few companies that insure the types of collectibles you own. Don’t make the mistake of assuming your homeowners or renters insurance will cover you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

Do I need collectibles insurance if I already have homeowners insurance?

A

If your collectibles exceed $2,500 in value or are specifically excluded from your homeowners insurance, you should seek collectibles insurance.

Q

Are collectibles insurance policies customizable?

A

Some collectibles insurance providers offer more options for customization than others. If you’re not finding the options you want from your current provider, shop around.

Q

Can I purchase collectibles insurance for a collection that is still growing?

A

Yes, collectibles insurance policies can grow with your collection. You’ll just notify your insurance company each time you add to your collection. Most companies provide 30 days to provide proof of the addition.

Rebekah Brately

About Rebekah Brately

Rebekah Brately is an investment writer passionate about helping people learn more about how to grow their wealth. She has more than 12 years of writing experience, focused on technology, travel, family and finance. Her work has been published in Benzinga, Hearst Bay Area, FreightWaves and Dallas Observer publications.