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Properly insuring your fine collectibles
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Most homeowner's insurance policies only cover up to a few thousand dollars in collectibles under personal property. For collectors and hobbyists who have invested considerable time and money in valuable stamps, coins, comics and art this just doesn't provide enough security. Thoughts of losing the keepsakes to a burglary or natural disaster can drive us nuts. Often the items are just not replaceable. Knowing that money could be recovered to help replace the items in case something does happen is incredible peace of mind. There is better alternative to paying high homeowner's premiums while raising the coverage amounts - Collectibles Insurance Services LLC (CIS) - formerly Collect Insurance Agency or CIA.
The traditional home policy just won't cover most collections. The true value isn't always represented by a purchase price receipt. Waiting until something happens could turn into a painful lesson. In addition, most insurance companies lack the required expertise to properly valuate collectibles. Taking pictures of your prized Mickey Mantle cards or 19th century type coins is a good start but it takes an expert to determine if the item is in Good condition versus Mint state and/or determine rarity. Often times we ourselves may be the experts. The folks at CIA are experienced within a wide range of collectibles - from expensive gun collections to rare paintings. For a full list of items covered click here. Its reassuring to know Horace Harrison and Dan Walker, founders of CIA, are collectors of stamps, postcards, toys, and Barbie Dolls. The CIA team is well positioned to help determine a proper policy and coverage amount for your collection.
For dealers who ship dozens of packages to customers around the world, a CIS policy could provide additional savings. Many consider the United States Postal Service our most reliable government agency and packages are rarely lost in comparison to the volume of pieces handled. Sellers still like to insure customer's items during shipment. Currently, the USPS charges insurance according to the following chart:
Fee . . . . . . . . . . Insurance Coverage
$1.70 ................ $0.01 to $50
$2.15 ................ $50.01 to $100
$2.60 ................ $100.01 to $200
$4.60 ................ $200.01 to $300
$5.55 ................ $300.01 to $400
$6.50 ................ $400.01 to $500
$7.45 ................ $500.01 to $600
$7.45 plus $0.95 per $100 or fraction thereof over $600 to $5,000.
Instead of spending the extra dollars to purchase the insurance through USPS, a CIS policy could cover the items in case of loss or damage. The dozens of dollars saved in postage each month could easily cover a one-year CIS policy for covering your entire product inventory. Be sure to visit the CIS "Get An Estimate" page to compare costs against any homeowner's policy.
Purchasing the insurance from CIS is an easy process and it's great dealing with professionals who understand the true values behind every hobby.
