For insurance purposes.

Joe,

To have an appraiser come in you're talking hundreds of dollars.

You can do the hard work and have money left to add a new toy to your collection. I did my own. The insurance company I used is on TCA's website. They will send you everything right down to detailed instructions. I keep my information in a safe deposit box.  

Hi Joe

Take a lot of still & video. My home owners, claims I need no special righter, but I do not trust them. 

I like what Happy Pappy, told you about the TCA, I am going to look into his suggestion.

I asked my parent's insurance man (since I live in their house yet and they are friends with him), and he said that my parents have insurance on belongings, which will cover it. I should have photos of all the items though, so I have photos and a list (number, description, boxes, value, etc.) on a flash drive in a fireproof box.

I think a lot will depend on what sort of trains you are looking to insure. If you have current production trains a regular homeowners policy may cover your trains. That is, unless the insurance company decides they are collectables. Some policies specifically exclude collectables from the basic coverage.

If you are looking to insure collectable trains, then a separate policy is almost certainly needed.

If your agent says otherwise, get it in writing.

I have my stuff insured through the TCA.

Hi 

with my collection we talked to our insurance co. I had to have some one else come and do the appraisal for me.we could not do our Owen

I have a separate rider on my insurance just for the trains. This is with all state.

With flood & fire & if stolen From brake in. I do keep pic up to date with collection growing.

First of all, thank you everyone for your replies. A lot of good suggestions here. I used to have a good size collection of HO brass, long gone now. Now, most of my collection is current, past 15-20 years scale Lionel, MTH, Weaver and Williams, all scale high end. Most purchased in the last 10 years. Probably not in the collectable range but costly, none the less. And probably, like most of you, a few cherished pieces from my childhood.

Certainly photos and videos are a good start and I don't think I can go wrong with checking out the TCA. I will also contact my insurance agent.

I'm glad I brought this up, it's long overdue. I hope this thread also helps jumpstart other collectors.

Joe

Joe,

Depending on the state you live in most insurance companies will have different requirements for what and for how much a homeowners policy will cover. Here in CA I am covered through AAA which requires separate riders for things like trains, firearms, jewelry, art work and other "collectable" items. I am insured for replacement value which costs a bit more but well worth the expense when you consider how much this stuff costs. While they did not require a appraisal, it is mandatory that you keep accurate records such as a list, photos or video that clearly show the items, and receipts of your purchases. Another thing to consider is that if you store your stuff in a storage facility, most carriers require a separate policy due to the high incidence of burglaries in those facilities. The main thing is do your homework, ask questions, go with a "name brand" insurer and by all means get everything in writing.

Good luck.

Randall