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Each collection is unique and worth
far more to its owner than money alone

Nationwide availability

Protection above and beyond traditional homeowners insurance

We are an agency founded by collectors, for collectors, so we understand that your client’s collection is often more of an emotional investment than a financial one. That each collection is unique and worth far more to its owner than money alone. As experts in collectibles insurance, we have been helping protect valued collections since 1966 – offering not just coverage, but the kind of peace of mind that standard homeowners insurance typically cannot provide. Collectibles Insurance Services provides agents:

Nationwide availability
No premium volume requirements
Far greater protection, above and beyond traditional homeowners insurance with property limits up to $5 million. Contact us to discuss higher limit availability.
Competitive rates that are usually lower than scheduling items on a homeowners policy*
Direct billing to insured with convenient online payment
Customer service center that answers questions promptly at 888-837-9537
Opportunity to build your business and profits by promoting collectibles insurance
Prompt and personal claims service staffed by experienced specialists in collectibles

* A schedule is required for individual items or sets valued at $25,000 or more.

Product highlights

Insurance for a wide range of collectibles – from A (Advertising Collectibles) to Z (Zippo Lighters). For items we do not offer coverage for, click here.
Policy terms are 12 months standard for collectors. 12 or 6 month terms are available for dealers. Premium installment plans may be available on certain policies.

You can be assured of financial strength and stability. We are part of Global Indemnity, a worldwide provider of specialty insurance and reinsurance products and services whose member companies have a group rating of “A” (Excellent) by AM Best!

Collectibles Insurance Services is a Managing General Agent for member companies United National Insurance Company®, Penn-Patriot Insurance Company®, and Penn-Star Insurance Company®.

Report a claim

We’re here to help. Submit the form below.

For additional support, call us at 888-837-9537 (8:30am – 5:00pm ET, Monday – Friday).

Report A Claim

First Name:(Required)

Last Name:(Required)

Business Name (if applicable):

Policy Number:(Required)

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Date of Loss:

What Was Lost:(Required)

Value of Loss:(Required)

Type of Loss:(Required)

Describe What Happened:

I acknowledge that I have read and understand the below disclaimer:

Yes

Any person who knowingly presents a false or fraudulent claim for payment of a loss or benefit or knowingly presents false information in an application for insurance is guilty of a crime and may be subject to fines and confinement in prison.

Please note that no coverage will be bound and no changes made on any policy without a written “Confirmation of Insurance”, Binder, Endorsement or Reinstatement from Collectibles Insurance Services. Coverage cannot be assumed if you do not receive one of the aforementioned notices.

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Update your dealer policy

Submit the forms below to update your policy

dealers homepage make a payment

For additional support, call us at 888-837-9537 (8:30am – 5:00pm ET, Monday – Friday).

For dealers

Wherever you work, your valuable collectible inventory is covered by a carrier with a group rating of “A” (Excellent) by AM Best.

GET A DEALER QUOTE UPDATE YOUR DEALER POLICY MAKE A PAYMENT

Coverage that travels with your collectible inventory

Insurance for your unique needs

Whether you conduct business in a storefront, online or onsite at shows and exhibitions, Collectibles Insurance Services provides coverage to meet the unique needs of dealers.

A full range of protection
Our comprehensive coverage includes, but is not limited to:

Accidental Breakage
Burglary
Fire
Flood (except in Zones A & V)
Loss in the Mail
Natural Disasters
Theft
Other causes of loss, unless specifically excluded from the policy (see exclusions)

Helping you make all the right moves

We provide coverage for your inventory at any scheduled location in the United States. But that’s not all. We also provide coverage for:

Travel and Shows – When traveling or attending shows in the United States or Canada up to the policy limit, including coverage for unattended auto and checked baggage.
Mailing and Shipping – For shipments to your customers anywhere in the world. Temporary and permanent shipping coverages are available to accommodate your delivery needs.
Property of Others – For collectibles belonging to others that are held in trust or on consignment as long as the ownership interests are documented in writing (prior to a loss).
Storage Facilities – For your inventory while being stored at a public storage location, scheduled on your policy, up to the policy limit.

Less paperwork and red tape
We do not require a schedule or appraisal for items in your inventory. However, you are responsible for maintaining your own inventory for insurance purposes (in the event of loss).

Proven and trusted
We have been protecting collectible inventory since 1966. And all coverage is provided by a carrier with a group rating of “A” (Excellent) by AM Best – the leading rating agency for the insurance industry.

Market value less $500 deductible
We provide coverage for the market value of your inventory less a $500 deductible.

Adding to your inventory
Inventory tends to grow, so your policy can be adjusted to include new items or sets.

Superior customer service
Our company was started by collectors, so it’s only natural that we would pay attention to your interests and needs and that our customer service would always be geared to the collector’s point of view. With us, it’s always personal.

Prompt and personal claim service
As experienced specialists in collectibles, our adjusters understand the value and importance of your collectible inventory to you. That’s why, should you have a claim, they make every effort to make sure it is settled as quickly and completely as possible.

Our founder is a celebrated stamp collector

Founded in 1966

Our company was founded in 1966 by Horace Harrison, a celebrated stamp collector and active member of the American Philatelic Society. Harrison saw that conventional insurance companies couldn’t fully serve the needs of stamp collectors like himself, so he created an agency that could: Harrison & Associates.

In 1983, Harrison sold the agency to his fellow collector and friend, Dan Walker. Walker, a former Wall Street securities analyst, came to realize that it wasn’t only stamps that needed specialized insurance protection – it was collections of all kinds. So he expanded the agency’s coverage and eventually changed the name of the company to Collectibles Insurance Services.

In 2010, Collectibles Insurance Services was purchased by Global Indemnity, a worldwide provider of specialty insurance and reinsurance products and services whose member companies have a group rating of “A” (Excellent) by AM Best – the leading rating agency for the insurance industry.

Today, the company carries on the tradition set by Horace and Dan. And we continue to expand our products and distribution to further meet the needs of collectors and dealers alike.

Playfully simple insurance

Collectibles Insurance Toys

Collectibles Insurance for Toys

Perhaps it has something to do with the nostalgia, but toy collections are among the most popular things to collect. Whether it’s a Breyer horse, a prized action figure, a Barbie doll, or a limited-edition board game, we’ve got you covered! Collectibles Insurance Services can help offer protection to keep your favorite vintage and antique toys secure.

Comprehensive Toy Insurance

Accidental Breakage
Burglary
Fire
Flood (except in Zones A & V)
Loss in the Mail
Natural Disasters
Theft
Other causes of loss, unless specifically excluded from the policy (see exclusions)

Coverage for Your Toy Collection at Home and Away

Travel – Transit coverage protects collectible property that is temporarily away from the scheduled location, subject to the policy sublimit.
Exhibitions – If you’re at a scheduled exhibition, show, or display, coverage is provided for your prized toys up to the policy limit – including travel and shipping to and from the event.
Storage Facilities – For an additional premium, we offer optional insurance coverage for toys kept in a public storage facility.

An Insurance Company With More Affordable Rates

We offer insurance policies with offer affordable coverage compared to the average insurance policy! Typically, the cost for a policy we offer is less than it would cost to schedule the same items under a homeowners insurance policy.

Less Paperwork and Red Tape

Unlike the average homeowners policy, we do not require a schedule or appraisal for most items; however, you are responsible for maintaining your own inventory of your toy collection for insurance purposes (in the event of loss). The only exceptions are individual items or sets valued over $25,000 apiece, which would have to be scheduled items.

We’re Proven and Trusted

We offer policies that are proven and trusted! We have been insuring collectibles like yours since 1966. And all coverage is provided by a carrier with a group rating of “A” (Excellent) by AM Best – the leading rating agency for the insurance industry.

Deductibles starting at $0

Deductibles start at $0 for collector policies. We provide coverage for the market value of your toys for losses in excess of $50. All dealer policies have a $200 deductible.

Insurance that grows with your collectibles

Collections tend to grow, so your policy can be adjusted to include any newly acquired items.

Inflation coverage

You may select “Automatic Monthly Increase” as optional extra coverage to be added to your policy for new acquisitions and appreciation of your existing collectibles. Selecting this coverage will apply a monthly automatic coverage increase of 1% in coverage, up to a maximum of $1 million.

We provide coverage for dealers, too

If you want to protect your dealer inventory and your clients’ private collections, for which you are responsible, we also offer special Dealers Insurance.

Superior customer service

Our company was started by collectors, so it’s only natural that we pay attention to your interests and needs. And that our customer service would always be geared to the collector’s point of view.

Prompt and personal claim service

As experienced specialists in toy collections, our adjusters understand the value and importance of your collection. That’s why, should you have a claim, they make every effort to make sure it is settled as quickly and completely as possible.

CIS Company Brochure

Want to learn more about the services we offer? Check out our collector brochure and our dealer brochure.

Related Services

We don’t just help cover your toy collection! We help provide coverage for collectibles of all kinds. The list of what we cover is longer than our list of what we don’t.

Get A Quote

Getting a quote is fast and easy! If you’re interested in insuring your toy collection, be sure to get a quote today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will CIS provide insurance for my toy collection?

Yes, we offer comprehensive and broad coverage for your toy collection! We have experience insuring collectors of all kinds who appreciate the scope and special coverage.

Why should I choose CIS to provide insurance for my toy collection?

CIS is a company founded by collectors, so we understand that your toy collection is often more of an emotional investment than a financial one and that these collectibles are worth far more to its owner than money alone. As experts in collectibles insurance, we have been protecting valued collectible toys and more since 1966—offering not just coverage, but the kind of peace of mind that a standard homeowners policy simply cannot provide. Here are just a few reasons why you should choose CIS to provide insurance for your valuable collectibles:

Proven and Trusted – Protecting toy collectors and more since 1966, all coverage is provided by a carrier with a group rating of “A” (Excellent) by AM Best, the leading rating agency for the insurance industry.
Coverage at Home and Away – We provide insurance at any scheduled location in the United States. But, that’s not all. We provide transit coverage, which protects collectible property that is temporarily away from the scheduled location (subject to policy sublimit). If you’re at a scheduled exhibition, show, or display, coverage is provided for your collectibles up to the policy limit—including travel and shipping to and from the event. We also provide optional coverage for collectibles kept in a public storage facility (up to $100,000).
Comprehensive Coverage – Coverage includes, but is not limited to, accidental breakage, burglary, fire, flood (except in zones A & V), loss in the mail, theft, natural disasters, and other causes of loss unless specifically excluded from the insurance policy.
More Affordable Rates – Typically, you will pay less than it would cost to schedule the same items under your homeowners policy. Deductibles start at $0 for collector policies, and we provide coverage for the market value of your toys for losses in excess of $50.
Less Paperwork and Red Tape – Unlike homeowners, a schedule or appraisal is not required for most items; however, you are responsible for maintaining your own inventory for insurance purposes (in the event of loss). Individual items or sets whose insured value is set at $25,000 or more must be scheduled.
It’s Fast and Easy – Get a quote online or call our expert CIS team at 888-837-9537 (8:30 am – 5:00 pm (EST), Monday – Friday).

Why doesn’t my homeowners insurance policy cover my collectibles?

Our company was created by an avid stamp collector who realized that ordinary homeowners coverage simply couldn’t provide the coverage his rare treasures demanded. For everyday, easily replaced personal property, homeowners is all most people need. But for prized possessions you may have spent a lifetime collecting, it doesn’t go nearly far enough. That’s why we offer a group of benefits that the less specialized insurance carrier doesn’t often provide. For example:

Homeowners coverage is typically based on the actual cash value of your collectibles—not their current market value or full collector value.
Homeowners can limit coverage of all the contents in your home to a percentage of your home’s total value (usually between 50% and 70%).
It may not cover losses caused by floods, hurricanes, or earthquakes.
Homeowners may have limited or no coverage for valuables like silver, guns, stamps, and other collectible items.
You may be required to appraise and schedule all items individually. And new items must be reported and scheduled within 30 to 90 days of acquisition.

What does CIS insure?

Like most collectors, we’re specialists. Providing collectible insurance is all we do. So we’re able to passionately focus on servicing the needs of collectors like you. Generally, if you can collect it, we can cover it. (The list of what we provide coverage for is a lot longer than what we don’t.) Some of the most popular categories we cover include comics; guns, knives, and accessories; sports cards and memorabilia; stamps; and toys.

What doesn’t CIS insure?

The following are excluded: Government seizure or destruction of property; war and nuclear hazards; gradual deterioration such as fading, creasing or denting; nesting, infestation or discharge or release of waste products or secretions by insects, rodents or other animals; dampness or dryness of atmosphere; changes in or extremes of temperature other than fire; fraudulent, dishonest or criminal acts; voluntary parting with covered property; loss or damage while being worked on by you or others working on your behalf; and mysterious disappearance. This is not a complete list of exclusions and exclusions can vary by policy.

Can CIS cover my doll collection?

From Franklin Mint to Barbie, to American Girl, we’ve got your precious collection covered. No matter your doll of choice, we’re here to give you peace of mind so that you can focus on what you do best – adding to your collection.

Can I cover my limited-edition Star Wars LEGO® set?

If you’re looking for protection for that limited-edition Star Wars LEGO® set, Collectibles Insurance Services is here for you! We have helped insure collections of all sizes since 1996 (and stamps for nearly 50 years), so we know how much you value your collection. That’s why we provide equally valuable features in our insurance offering.

Can I cover my Hot Wheels Sweet Sixteen set?

If you’re seeking protection for that prized Hot Wheels Sweet Sixteen set, you’ve come to the right place. We have helped insured collections of all sizes since 1996 (and stamps for nearly 50 years), so we have the experience and knowledge to help provide you with excellent coverage.

Can I cover my limited edition Barbie doll?

If you’re seeking protection for that your prized limited-edition Barbie doll, we’ve got your back! We have helped insured collections of all sizes since 1996 (and stamps for nearly 50 years), so we know how much you value your collection. That’s why we provide equally valuable features in our coverage.

Founded by a stamp collector

Stamp Collection Insurance

Stamp Collection Insurance

Collectibles Insurance Services was founded by an avid collector of stamps, so we have a special appreciation of the passion that the world of stamps inspires — from such classics as the Inverted Jenny, the Scott #1 5-cent Benjamin Franklin, Pan-American Inverts, Prexy stamps, Washington Franklins, and the Zep Set — to the rarities and finds of tomorrow.

As we’ve helped provide insurance for stamp collectors for nearly 50 years, we know how much you value your collection. That’s why we provide equally valuable features in coverage.

Stamp Collectors Comprehensive Insurance Coverage

Accidental Breakage
Burglary
Fire
Flood (except in Zones A & V)
Loss in the Mail
Natural Disasters
Theft
Other causes of loss, unless specifically excluded from the policy (see exclusions)

Stamp Insurance Coverage at Home and Away

Travel – Transit coverage protects collectible property that is temporarily away from the scheduled location, subject to the policy sublimit.
Exhibitions – If you’re at a scheduled exhibition, show, or display, coverage is provided for your collectibles up to the policy limit – including travel and shipping to and from the event.
Storage Facilities – For an additional premium, we offer optional insurance coverage for collectibles kept in a public storage facility.

More Affordable Rates

We offer insurance policies with affordable coverage for the collector compared to other collectibles insurance policies! Typically, the cost for a policy we offer is less than it would cost to schedule the same items under a homeowners insurance policy.

Less Paperwork and Red Tape

Unlike homeowners coverage, we do not require a schedule or appraisal for most items; however, you are responsible for maintaining your own inventory of your collection for insurance purposes (in the event of loss). The only exceptions are individual items or sets valued over $25,000 apiece, which would have to be scheduled items.

We’re Proven and Trusted

The policies we offer are proven and trusted! We have been providing insurance for stamp collections like yours since 1966. And all insurance is provided by a carrier with a group rating of “A” (Excellent) by AM Best – the leading rating agency for the insurance industry.

Deductibles starting at $0

Deductibles start at $0 for collector policies. We provide stamp insurance coverage for the market value of your collectibles for losses in excess of $50. All dealer policies have a $200 deductible.

Insurance that grows with your collectibles

Collections tend to grow, so your policy can be adjusted to include any new purchases that you add to your collection.

Inflation coverage

We provide coverage for dealers, too

If you want to protect your dealer inventory and your clients’ private collections, for which you are responsible, we also offer special Dealers Insurance.

Superior customer service

Prompt and personal claim service

As experienced specialists in stamp collections, our adjusters understand the value and importance of your collection. That’s why, should you have a claim, they make every effort to make sure it is settled as quickly and completely as possible.

CIS Company Brochure

Want to learn more about the services we offer? Check out our collector brochure and our dealer brochure.

Related Services

We don’t just offer stamp collection insurance! We help provide coverage for collectibles of all kinds. The list of what we cover is longer than our list of what we don’t.

Get A Quote

Getting a quote is fast and easy! If you’re interested in getting stamp collection insurance, be sure to get a quote today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can CIS help me put a value on my stamp collection?

A good starting point is our former owner, Dan Walker, winner of the American Philatelic Society’s Champion of Champions Award and signatory of The Roll of Distinguished Philatelists. While not a certified appraiser, Dan knows the value of stamps and is a recognized expert in the field. If he is not familiar with your particular area of stamps, he knows who is and will direct you to that source. You can reach him at danforthwalker@comcast.net.

Will CIS provide insurance me with stamp collection insurance?

Yes, we offer comprehensive and broad coverage for your stamp collection! We have experience insuring collectors of all kinds who appreciate the scope and special coverage.

Why should I choose CIS to provide stamp insurance for my collection?

CIS is a company founded by collectors, so we understand that your stamp collection is often more of an emotional investment than a financial one and that these collectibles are worth far more to its owner than money alone. As experts in collectibles insurance, we have been protecting valued collectible toys and more since 1966—offering not just coverage, but the kind of peace of mind that a standard homeowners policy simply cannot provide. Here are just a few reasons why you should choose CIS to provide insurance for your valuable collectibles:

Proven and Trusted – Protecting collectors since 1966, all coverage is provided by a carrier with a group rating of “A” (Excellent) by AM Best, the leading rating agency for the insurance industry.
Coverage at Home and Away – We provide insurance at any scheduled location in the United States. But, that’s not all. We provide transit coverage, which protects collectible property that is temporarily away from the scheduled location (subject to policy sublimit). If you’re at a scheduled exhibition, show, or display, coverage is provided for your collectibles up to the policy limit—including travel and shipping to and from the event. We also provide optional coverage for collectibles kept in a public storage facility (up to $100,000).
Comprehensive Coverage – Coverage includes, but is not limited to, accidental breakage, burglary, fire, flood (except in zones A & V), loss in the mail, theft, natural disasters, and other causes of loss unless specifically excluded from the insurance policy.
More Affordable Rates – Typically, you will pay less than it would cost to schedule the same items under your homeowners policy. Deductibles start at $0 for collector policies, and we provide coverage for the market value of your toys for losses in excess of $50.
Less Paperwork and Red Tape – Unlike homeowners, a schedule or appraisal is not required for most items; however, you are responsible for maintaining your own inventory for insurance purposes (in the event of loss). Individual items or sets whose insured value is set at $25,000 or more must be scheduled.
It’s Fast and Easy – Get a quote online or call our expert CIS team at 888-837-9537 (8:30 am – 5:00 pm (EST), Monday – Friday).

Why doesn’t my homeowners insurance policy cover my stamp collection?

Homeowners coverage is typically based on the actual cash value of your stamp collection—not their current market value or full collector value.
Homeowners can limit coverage of all the contents in your home to a percentage of your home’s total value (usually between 50% and 70%).
It may not cover losses caused by floods, hurricanes, or earthquakes.
Homeowners may have limited or no coverage for valuables like silver, guns, stamps, and other collectible items.
You may be required to appraise and schedule all items individually. And new items must be reported and scheduled within 30 to 90 days of acquisition.

What does CIS insure?

Like most collectors, we’re specialists. Providing collectible insurance is all we do. So we’re able to passionately focus on servicing the needs of collectors like you. Generally, if you can collect it, we can cover it. (The list of what we provide coverage for is a lot longer than what we don’t.) Some of the most popular categories we cover include stamps; coins; guns, knives, and accessories; sports cards and memorabilia; and toys.

What doesn’t CIS insure?

Focusing on what matters to you

Guns, Knives & Accessories

The names are legendary and part of history: Smith & Wesson firearms, Garand rifles, Luger pistols, Thompson machine guns, Bowie knives, Colt firearms, and many, many more. Here at Collectibles Insurance Services, we like to think our speciality coverage for your collection is pretty legendary as well.

We offer a full arsenal of protection for your guns, knives and accessories because iconic objects like these demand a special understanding of their unique status and the needs of those who collect them. Collectibles Insurance Services has been helping protect cherished collections for more than 50 years. Our decades long experience in protecting antique to modern gun, knife and edged weapon collections of all sizes, including ammo, accessories and gun safes, translates into superior protection that values your collection as much as you do.

Comprehensive coverage

Accidental Breakage
Burglary
Fire
Flood (except in Zones A & V)
Loss in the Mail
Natural Disasters
Theft
Other causes of loss, unless specifically excluded from the policy (see exclusions)

No serial numbers required

You do not need to provide serial numbers in order to insure your collection.

Coverage at home and away

Travel – Transit coverage protects collectible property that is temporarily away from the scheduled location, subject to the policy sublimit.
Exhibitions – If you’re at a scheduled exhibition, show or display coverage is provided for your collection up to the policy limit – including travel and shipping to and from the event.
Storage Facilities – For an additional premium, we offer optional insurance coverage for collectibles kept in a public storage facility.

More affordable rates
Typically, you will pay less than it would cost to schedule the same items under a homeowners policy.

Less paperwork and red tape
Unlike homeowners insurance, we do not require a schedule or appraisal for most items; however, you are responsible for maintaining your own inventory for insurance purposes (in the event of loss). The only exceptions are individual items or sets valued over $25,000 apiece, which would have to be scheduled.

We’re proven and trusted
We have been protecting collections like yours since 1966. And all coverage is provided by a carrier with a group rating of “A” (Excellent) by AM Best – the leading rating agency for the insurance industry.

Deductibles starting at $0
Deductibles start at $0 for collector policies. We provide coverage for the market value of your collection for losses in excess of $50. All dealer policies have a $200 deductible.

Insurance that grows with your collectibles
Collections tend to grow, so your policy can be adjusted to include any additions to your collection.

Inflation coverage
You may select “Automatic Monthly Increase” as optional coverage to be added to your policy for new acquisitions and appreciation of your existing collection. Selecting this coverage will apply an automatic monthly increase of 1% in coverage, up to a maximum of $1 million.

We provide coverage for dealers, too
If you want to protect your dealer inventory and your clients’ collections, for which you are responsible, we also offer special Dealers Insurance.

Superior customer service
Our company was started by collectors so it’s only natural that we would pay attention to your interests and needs. And that our customer service would always be geared to the collector’s point of view.

Prompt and personal claim service
As experienced specialists in collectibles, our adjusters understand their value and importance to you. That’s why, should you have a claim, they make every effort to make sure it is settled as quickly and completely as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will CIS insure my gun collection?

The names are part of history: Smith & Wesson firearms. Garand rifles. Luger pistols. Thompson machine guns. Bowie knives. Colt firearms. And many more. CIS offers a full arsenol of protection for your gun collection because iconic objects like these demands a special understanding of their unique status and the needs of those who collect them. Collectibles Insurance Services has been helping protect cherished collections since 1966. Our decades long experience in protecting antique to modern gun, knife and edged weapon collections of all sizes, including ammo, accessories and gun safes, translates into superior protection that values your collection as much as you do.

Why should I choose CIS to insure my treasured collectibles?

CIS is a company founded by collectors, so we understand that your collection is often more of an emotional investment than a financial one and that each collection is worth far more to its owner than money alone. As experts in collectibles insurance, we have been protecting valued collections since 1966—offering not just coverage, but the kind of peace of mind that standard homeowners insurance simply cannot provide. Here’s just a few reasons why you should chose CIS to insure your valuable collectibles:

Proven and Trusted – Protecting collections since 1966, all coverage is provided by a carrier with a group rating of “A” (Excellent) by A. M. Best, the leading rating agency for the insurance industry.
Coverage at Home and Away – We provide coverage at any scheduled location in the United States. But, that’s not all. We provide transit coverage, which protects collectible property that is temporarily away from the scheduled location (subject to policy sublimit). If you’re at a scheduled exhibition, show or display, coverage is provided for your collection up to the policy limit—including travel and shipping to and from the event. We also provide optional insurance coverage for collectibles kept in a public storage facility (up to $100,000).
Comprehensive Coverage – Coverage includes but is not limited to, accidental breakage, burglary, fire, flood (except in zones A & V), loss in the mail, theft, natural disasters, and other causes of loss unless specifically excluded from the policy.
More Affordable Rates – Typically, you will pay less than it would cost to schedule the same items under a homeowners policy. Deductibles start at $0 for collector policies and we provide coverage for the market value of your collection for losses in excess of $50.
Less Paperwork and Red Tape – Unlike Homeowners insurance, a schedule or appraisal is not required for most items; however, you are responsible for maintaining your own inventory for insurance purposes (in the event of loss). Individual items or sets valued at $25,000 or more must be scheduled.
It’s Fast and Easy – Get a quote online or call our expert CIS team at 888-837-9537 (8:30 am – 5:00 pm (EST), Monday – Friday).

Why doesn’t my homeowners policy cover my collectibles?

Collectibles Insurance Services was created by an avid stamp collector who realized that ordinary homeowners insurance simply couldn’t provide the coverage his rare treasures demanded. For everyday, easily replaced personal property, homeowners insurance is all most people need. But for prized possessions you may have spent a lifetime collecting, it doesn’t go nearly far enough. That’s why we offer a collection of benefits that less specialized insurance doesn’t often provide. For example:

Homeowners coverage is typically based on the actual cash value of your collection—not its current market value.
Homeowners can limit coverage of all the contents in your home to a percentage of your home’s total value (usually between 50% and 70%).
It may not cover losses caused by floods, hurricanes, or earthquakes.
Homeowners may have limited or no coverage for valuables like silver, guns, stamps, and other collectible items.
You may be required to appraise and schedule all items individually. And new items must be reported and scheduled within 30 to 90 days of acquisition.

What does CIS insure?

Like most collectors, we’re specialists. Providing collectible insurance is all we do. So we’re able to passionately focus on servicing the needs of collectors like you. Generally, if you can collect it, we can insure it. (The list of what we provide coverage for is a lot longer than what we don’t.) Some of the most popular categories we insure include comics; guns, knives and accessories; sports cards and memorabilia; stamps and toys.

What doesn’t CIS insure?

The following are excluded from our coverage: Government seizure or destruction of property; war and nuclear hazards; gradual deterioration such as fading, creasing or denting; nesting, infestation or discharge or release of waste products or secretions by insects, rodents or other animals; dampness or dryness of atmosphere; changes in or extremes of temperature other than fire; fraudulent, dishonest or criminal acts; voluntary parting with covered property; loss or damage while being worked on by you or others working on your behalf; and mysterious disappearance. This is not a complete list of exclusions and exclusions can vary by policy.

July 28, 2022 by olive

Scott got his start dealing in antiques about 45 years ago. His interest began in the 1970s when his parents were cleaning out their basement and had a lot of items to get rid of. There were Indian baskets and other items that his great-aunt had picked up from her years teaching on an Indian reservation in Wisconsin.

After this experience, Scott started going to flea markets and shopping around to see what other people were selling. “Collecting can be an expensive hobby if you are into high-end stuff,” shares Scott. “Although I’ve been dealing for 45 years, I started collecting about 20 years ago, but it has taken me a while to acquire what I wanted.”

Scott’s interests mainly include French cameo glass by makers such as Galle & Daum Nancy, art glass, Tiffany glass, and antique French dolls. “Even non-collectors are attracted to Tiffany art glass,” shares Scott. There is a specific kind, favrile glass, that really stands out. It comes in different colors, with the most common being gold and the more desirable colors being blue or even red. “It has a rich, iridescent finish; even those not into antiques can appreciate its beauty.”

When it comes to antique dolls, Scott mentions that there is a special doll maker, Leon Casimir Bru. A specific doll, known as a Bru Jne doll, is a pricey doll for which prices have recently skyrocketed. “Some of these dolls can command north of $30,000,” he explains. “The dolls are a piece of art!” Also popular are dolls made by the prolific French doll maker, Jumeau, who began making dolls in the mid-19th century. “Some of their bisque bebes can command a high price.”

Scott’s personal collection of about 60 dolls and 60 pieces of glass is on display in curio cabinets in his home, but not organized in any particular way. “It’s a curated collection of items that are special to me, because I like them.” Of collecting, Scott’s mantra is to always, “buy what you like.” The value of collectible items, especially antiques, is always fluctuating. If you curate a collection of items that you love, then if the value changes, at least you are left with something you enjoy.

Collectibles Insurance Services was founded by collectors, for collectors! Homeowners insurance often falls short when it comes to providing coverage for collections, so that’s where we step in. We help insure collections of all kinds — from LEGOs to sports memorabilia, and comic books to toys, and so much more.
Find out what types of collections we insure or get a quote today!

July 26, 2022 by olive

About 30 years ago, Bruce Feller and his wife found a home in an old community in Long Island – the first home they occupied, which had a library. “There were no books, but my wife wanted to fill the library with books!” shares Bruce. “That was our first foray into the world of collectibles.” The house dated back to 1910, so the two of them resolved to bring in books with a publication date of 1910 or earlier.

In New York City, they visited a famous bookstore called The Strand. “That became our date night!” Bruce says. They would wander over to The Strand after dinner and select books – not ones of particularly high value. It was fine graphics and beautiful interior illustration that held their interest. “We collected a couple hundred books in a short time. That was the genesis!” Bruce explains.
From there, they moved on to a new goal: to fill their home with special objects that were over 100 years old. They started with the kitchen, and the focus was on filling the room with items that would make sense to find in the kitchen. They collected coffee tins, spices, and more until the kitchen was filled. They continued to go from room to room until the entire house was filled with things that belonged in a room of that type.

“My wife and I carry the same worldview when it comes to clutter and filling the house with antiques,” Bruce says, noting that this is perhaps the reason why their relationship works so well. “We continue to be very enthusiastic about it!” They go to antiques shows within a couple of hundred miles of their home in order to amass more items for their collection. “We are in retirement at this point, so our time is largely our own,” Bruce says of his ability to spend so much time at antiques shows.

A huge portion of their collection is comprised of apothecary glass, which is glassware originally used by pharmacists to hold medicines, and watermelon glass, which is a depression glass where the base is green and the rest of the vessel is pink. In Vermont last summer, Bruce and his wife splurged on what is now considered a favorite part of the collection: four large apothecary glass vessels, ball-shaped and with a narrow neck. They were originally used as bulk storage vessels. “That was a find for us!” shares Bruce. “We generally don’t spend a lot on purchases, and these were in the low four figures. We never spend that kind of money – maybe $100 on a mint condition coffee or spice tin.”

Today the collection, which is displayed beautifully throughout their home, has around 2,500 items, and is comprised of a variety of things. There are Amish quilts in the bedroom and an old tool collection occupying the dining room. There is a collection of old agricultural hand tools, which fascinate Bruce for the fact that they were handmade rather than manufactured. There are old barber bottles, advertising tins, stacking blocks, puzzles, and even a few contemporary rocks and butterflies.

“The master bedroom, other than the Amish quilts, is the only room untouched,” shares Bruce. But he notes that in the future, should they ever need to find more real estate for the collection, he knows exactly where to go next.