Model collection insurance

[The Hypno-Toad]

Having just done some research about the value of my 1/43rd collection, I got a rather pleasing and then a rather worrying surprise...

So does anyone here go to a particular insurer for your model collection or have you just put it onto your house contents? If it is the latter how do you prove to your current insurer the value of your collection when they probably don't have any specialists who can understand what you have? Clearly theft shouldn't be a problem because I can't see any burglar wanting to screw them all back into the correct boxes but obviously fire is a concern.

Thanks for the help in advance.

[dr_gn]

Good question. Take photos, keep evidence of your research into values, and let your insurer know. There’s often an “individual item” limit, but I’m not sure about collections of things that add up to another amount. If they’re in a single display case, is the case and it’s contents classed as an individual item?

[Centurion07]

My missus keeps on at me to do the same as my collection is firmly into four figures. I should really look into it. Or wait for someone to answer this thread.

[laters]

I have a couple of my rc model trucks & trailers listed on our contents policy due being over the single item value limit of our current policy.
Not got anything else for any of the other models in the collection other than being covered by the contents insurance.
Apart from my rc trucks & trailers the rest of my collection isn't that valuable luckily.

[elanfan]

I worked in personal insurances early in my career before moving up a little. This is similar to jewellery insurance. Firstly make sure your total sum insured is correct (you could have a payout reduced if it’s not adequate) unless you have an unlimited policy. Make sure none are over the single article limit. At this point I’d photograph your collection snd store it in the cloud with the evidence of value. Email your insurer explain you have a model car collection valued at X and ask do they want a copy of the pictures, list of vehicles and the values. They may not be interested however in the event of a claim you have a record of telling them and contemporary photos/values etc