60-second summary
Consider protecting what you’ve built: Collections take time and effort to curate, so having insurance can help protect them against theft, loss, or damage.
Home insurance vs specialist cover: While some home policies can cover collections, high-value or niche items may need specialist insurance for full protection.
Accurate valuations matter: Consider getting regular expert valuations as it could help with getting the right level of cover for your collection.
What is collectors’ insurance?
Whether you’re into coins, stamps or vintage toys, collectors’ insurance is a special kind of cover that makes sure your unique items are properly protected. You might be able to get cover as part of your home insurance or you can opt for a specialist policy, suited to your niche array of collectibles.
Should I insure my collection?
Building a collection often takes years, and its value can be easily overlooked. Once your collection gains worth, insuring it is vital to protect it from any potential risks.
You could include your collection in your home contents policy or opt for a collectors’ policy, depending on how valuable or unique it is.
Will my collection be covered under my home insurance?
You might be able to cover your collection under a general home insurance policy, as many standard contents insurance policies include items like jewellery, coins and antiques. Be sure to check the terms and conditions to find out exactly what’s covered and what’s not.
As well as an overall value, typically if an item exceeds a certain value – often around £1,500 – you'll need to list it individually on your policy. Collections are often seen as high risk, so it’s wise to either list each item separately or inform your provider of the total collection value.
Will my collection need specialist cover?
Most standard insurance providers can cater for high-value collections, so it’s worth shopping around.
But if you’re struggling to find a suitable policy for your collection or it’s particularly valuable or niche, specialist insurers might be able to offer more bespoke options.
These experts typically have experience in underwriting insurance for collections of specific types and may offer valuation advice. While specialist insurance is likely to cover the total value of your collection, it can be pricier than adding it to your home contents cover.
What will insurance for collections cover?
If you go through your home insurance, it can usually protect you against theft, loss, and damage. But be aware that there might be limits on how much is covered, so make sure you understand the level of cover in your policy.
If you opt for a specialist collectors’ policy, you might find tailored options that include extras like accidental damage and personal possessions cover, which you don’t typically find in standard home contents insurance.
Valuing your collection
Your collection may hold nothing more than sentimental value or it could be worth a small fortune. That’s why it’s so important to accurately estimate its value before buying an insurance policy.
If you underestimate your collection’s value, you might not have enough insurance. But if you overestimate it, you could end up paying for cover you don’t actually need.
How much is my collection worth?
Depending on your collectibles, you might want to consider a valuation from an expert, such as:
A specialist dealer
An expert authority – for example, the Royal Mint offers an online coin valuation service
A local or national auction house.
It may also be worth getting at least two valuations to see how they compare.
The value of your collection might go up or down over time so try to get a re-valuation every few years. And remember: if the value changes you should update your details on your insurance policy.
What items will collectors’ insurance cover?
Tailored collectors’ insurance policies can cover all types of items including:
Coins: Often collected for their historical significance and potential investment value, coins can range from ancient artefacts to limited-edition modern releases
Stamps: Stamps can be both an investment and a window into history, culture, and art from around the world
Fine wine: Collecting fine wine is both a passion and an investment, with bottles often appreciating in value over time
Art and antiques: These collections can include anything from paintings and sculptures to vintage furniture, each piece carrying its own story and value
Comics: From rare first editions to complete series, comic collections can be both a nostalgic hobby and a lucrative investment
Ceramics: This includes a variety of items such as pottery and porcelain, often valued for their craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal
Toys: Ranging from vintage dolls to modern action figures, toy collections often hold sentimental value and rare items can become highly sought after
Records: With the resurgence of vinyl, record collections are cherished for their sound quality and the nostalgia they evoke
Football programmes: These are treasured by footie fans, often marking significant matches and having historical importance
Model trains: A hobby that combines craftsmanship with nostalgia, model train collections can be intricate and expansive
Pop, sport and film memorabilia: These items capture iconic moments from autographed jerseys to movie props, and are beloved by fans worldwide.
Collectors’ insurance and high-value home insurance typically provide ‘all-risks cover’, which means that any risks not specifically excluded from the policy are automatically covered.
Protect your collection
Whatever type of collection you have, it will undoubtedly be very precious to you, so make sure you have the right collectors’ insurance to protect it.
Considering that even a humble coin could end up being worth thousands, it’s worth making sure that your collection, and the rest of your possessions, are covered.
Compare home and contents insurance deals with us today and see if you can save.
FAQs
Can I take my collection out of the house?
Standard home insurance will usually only cover your belongings while they’re in the home, not out and about.
But, for an extra cost, you’ll typically be able to add personal possessions cover to your policy to protect your items outside the home. This could be worthwhile if you want to exhibit your collection.
Can I insure my record collection?
Yes, you could either insure it under your regular home contents policy or take out a specialist policy if your collection is particularly valuable or includes rare discs.
How should I protect my collectibles?
Insurance providers will expect you to care for your valuables. Coins and stamps should be stored in special folders, while jewellery, watches or art might need a safe.
Keeping an inventory of your items can also help in case you need to make a claim. Taking pictures of your items is a great way to track.
Is my collection covered for theft if it’s stored in a garage?
It could be, but this will depend on your policy and how secure your garage is, so always check with your insurance provider.
If the garage is part of your home and secured with approved locks, your collection could be covered up to a certain limit. As with all theft claims, you won’t receive a payout if there are no signs of forced entry.
Anna’s all about delivering fantastic insurance products at a great price. She cuts through the jargon and finds what’s most important and worth your hard-earned money.
Our content is written by a Compare the Market expert, backed by data and enhanced by AI. Find out how we ensure accuracy and quality in our Editorial Guidelines.
