Sports Cards Insurance
For over 15 years, the team from Private Collection Insurance has proudly protected clients across Canada. As lifelong collectors ourselves, we know that collecting isn’t just a hobby, it’s a passion, pursuit, and sometimes, even an obsession.
To outsiders, a collection might look like just “stuff” or “junk,” but for those in the know, every piece tells a story, holds a memory, and connects to something greater.
Whether it’s the nostalgia of sports cards and memorabilia, the sound and pops of vinyl records, the complexity and tastes of whiskey and wine, the beauty of a fine work of art, or something entirely unique, Private Collection Insurance is here to protect what collectors collect.
Your Collection Is More Than Items & PCI Understands That Like Nobody Else
With decades of experience and a shared passion for collecting, our team knows the thrill of the hunt, the joy of discovery, and the satisfaction of completing a set. We’ve helped countless collectors safeguard their lifelong treasures, ensuring their stories are preserved for the future. We also work with insurance brokerages to help their brokers protect their VIP clients’ most valued treasures.
Because Insuring a High-Value Collection Matters
From highly sought-after rookie cards to limited edition releases, we understand the unique value and significance of these items in the world of sports memorabilia. We’ve had many of our own sports cards evaluated by professional grading companies based on factors like condition, centering, edges, corners, and surface quality. We know that cards are assigned a numerical grade, typically from 1 to 10, with higher grades indicating superior quality that instill market confidence and premium pricing.
Collectors Should Never Rely On Their Homeowners Policy
Standard coverage often excludes or limits high-value items like fine art, jewellery, sports cards, or memorabilia, leaving significant gaps in protection. For insurance brokers, this means asking the right questions is essential and understanding what a client collects, how it’s stored, and its true value can prevent costly losses and potential E&O exposure. Specialty coverage through Private Collection Insurance ensures that both the client and the broker are properly protected.
Insurance Protection for Growing Collections
Our tailored insurance solutions protect against loss, theft, damage, or market fluctuations, allowing collectors to focus on their passion for rare sports cards with peace of mind. Don’t let accidents, natural disasters, or theft jeopardize your precious card collection. We help you preserve the value and sentiment of your investments with our robust protection.
Insurance for High-Value Items & Collectibles
Private Collection Insurance (PCI) offers tailored insurance solutions designed to protect a wide range of rare and valuable items including, but not limited to Jewellery, Watches and Timepieces, Fine Art, Wine and Whiskey, Sports Cards, Comic Books, Memorabilia, Vinyl Records, Musical Instruments, Static Vehicle Collections, Coins, Firearms, Purses and Fashion, and other high-value items.
Key Features of Collectibles Insurance
Collectibles insurance is designed to provide comprehensive protection for what matters most to collectors. Unlike standard homeowner’s policies, it offers specialized features that reflect the unique risks of owning, displaying, and transporting valuable items. From all-risk and worldwide coverage to loss of value protection and automatic blanket coverage for new acquisitions, these policies evolve with your collection. With flexible premiums and dedicated transit protection, collectors can focus on their passion, knowing every piece is protected wherever it goes.
Potential Risks to Card Collectors
- Theft of High-Value Sports Cards: Sports cards are a prime target for thieves due to their compact size, portability, and substantial market value. Collectors often amass valuable cards that can be worth thousands of dollars, making them attractive to thieves. If a collection were to be stolen, a standard homeowner’s insurance may not reimburse for the loss, leaving the collector to absorb the financial blow.
- Damage from Natural Disasters: Natural disasters such as fire, floods, or hurricanes can lead to complete devastation of your home and belongings. A single incident could destroy years of passionate collecting, leaving you with nothing but memories of your prized sports card collection. Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover the specialized needs of high-value collectibles, which can be a significant oversight for collectors.
- Accidental Damage to Your Card Collection: Accidents happen, and when they do, they can have severe consequences for your sports cards. Whether it’s a bent corner, a scratch, or exposure to water, accidental damage can significantly lower the value of your collection. Even minor incidents can lead to irreversible damage to valuable cards, resulting in unfortunate financial losses that could have been avoided with the right insurance coverage.
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Sports Card Insurance FAQ
Sports card insurance is a specialized policy designed to protect your sports card collection against risks such as theft, fire, water damage, and accidental loss. Unlike standard homeowner’s insurance, which often has limited coverage for collectibles, sports card insurance ensures your collection’s true value is covered. If you’re a passionate collector or retailer, this protection is essential for safeguarding your investment.
While homeowner’s insurance provides general coverage for personal belongings, it often excludes or limits coverage for high-value items like collectible cards. Sports card insurance offers tailored protection for the unique risks and values associated with collectibles, including specialized coverage options like market value insurance or agreed-upon value policies.
You can determine your collection’s value through professional appraisals, recent sales data, or using grading services like PSA or Beckett to establish the market value of your cards. Many insurance providers, including us, can help guide you through this process to ensure accurate coverage.
Yes, you can insure both graded and ungraded cards. However, graded cards typically have a higher insured value since their condition and authenticity are certified by a professional service. For ungraded cards, documentation of value (like receipts, photos, or appraisals) can help establish coverage.
PCI's policies provide comprehensive “all-risk” protection, including:
- Theft: Coverage for stolen cards, whether at home, a show, or in transit.
- Fire and Natural Disasters: Protection against events like fires, floods, and hurricanes.
- Accidental Damage: Coverage for mishaps such as spills, drops, or bends.
- Transit Damage: Protection for cards shipped to or from events or buyers.
Yes, most policies include coverage for cards taken to shows, trade events, or while traveling. This is often referred to as worldwide coverage. Ensure you inform your provider about frequent travel with your collection to confirm the specifics.
Yes, most policies have a deductible, but the amount can vary based on your chosen coverage plan. Some collectors prefer a higher deductible to lower premiums, while others opt for minimal deductibles to maximize claims payouts.
Absolutely. We offer inventory insurance for card shops and retailers. This covers your stock against risks like theft, fire, and water damage, as well as liability coverage for your business operations.
The claims process typically involves the following steps:
- Report the incident to your insurance provider.
- Provide proof of ownership and value (photos, receipts, or appraisals).
- Submit any police reports if applicable (e.g., for theft).
- Work with a claims adjuster who specializes in collectibles to assess the loss.
- Receive reimbursement based on your policy’s terms.
There are no strict limits, but the coverage amount depends on the appraised or documented value of your collection. High-value collections may require additional documentation or specific policies, such as scheduled personal property insurance for collectibles.
The cost of sports card insurance varies based on factors like the total value of your collection, the coverage options you select, and the deductible you choose. On average, premiums are a small percentage of your collection's insured value, making it an affordable way to protect your investment.
Yes, it’s important to update your policy when you add new cards to your collection to ensure they are covered. Many providers offer flexible policies that allow you to make adjustments easily as your collection grows.
Yes, many policies include coverage for collections stored in secure off-site locations like bank vaults or safety deposit boxes. Be sure to discuss the storage location with your provider to confirm coverage details.
Documentation requirements typically include:
- A detailed inventory of your collection.
- Photos or scans of individual cards.
- Receipts for purchases or appraisals for high-value items.
Providing accurate records ensures a smooth claims process if needed.
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Private Collection Insurance makes insurance protection simple and seamless. To begin the process, visit our application page to complete the relevant application form or briefly scroll down click to use our Contact Us form to get in touch with our team.