Need Suggestions on Insurance And Storage for A Large Military Collection.

[geolemer]

Need Suggestions on Insurance And Storage for A Large Military Collection.

I have a large military collection consisting of the following Items and do to repeated burglaries at my residence need to insure them as soon as possible.
I own all of the following and also need suggestions on proper storage to prevent theft, rodent, water and insect damage.

30+ mid grand military rifles, pistols, and shotguns.
Over 1000 BDU type jackets from different countries
Over 250 coat and parka from different countries all with liners
10 helmets
Over 100 tents (200 haves)
1500 to 1600 pistol belts
3 pre WW2 mess kits
4 cots
100 face masks
15+ bayonets
Over 100 pair goggles
15 military holsters
200+ M16 AR-15 magazines
Over 100 pouches vests and Duffle Bags
Military Coins and Papers
Over 100 Pair Gloves
100 Coveralls
About 2000 Suspenders
About 1000 hats and berets
As well as 1000s of items I can't even remember
It is currently completely uninsured and all stored in one barn unlock (excepted the guns) I don't even know if there is even an Insurance that covers this type of thing but I would like to get some type of an appraisal if there is or not. Some of the collections I've purchased has cost me 1000s alone. I would hate to think of the loss of collection this size. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[leadcounsel]

Um... how about calling an insurance company and asking them?

The guns may or may not be covered under a general renters or home owners insurance, probably to a limit of $10,000 give or take.

You may need a supplemental gun insurance, that also covers mags and ammo. Some companies require serial numbers. Other companies don't, such as the NRA Armscare policy.

Non-gun stuff is covered under the limits of personal property.

As with anything, take pictures and video to document.

Consider buying a $2000 fire and burglar resistant safe for the guns and coins, and other pilferable stuff.

 

[gspn]

No problem...just tell me where that unlocked barn is and I'll give you an estimate.

 

[medalguy]

Sounds like my garage.

The guns are the big item. Look at your homeowners policy and see what the unscheduled property coverage limits are. May be as low as $2500. You can schedule them, by SN, for an additional fee, or pick up collectors insurance.

The other stuff should be covered as personal property, again check your own policy limits, and be sure you have insured "other structures" for the value of the barn as well as contents.

As suggested, check with your own agent. He's the best source for information. If you're not already doing this, have your agent sit down with you at least once every two years and go over your policy, the limits, the coverage and exclusions, and the cost. Things have a way of changing with time.

 

[S.W.G.]

Wow. Skimming through your list, you could probably open a small museum.

Maybe an old B-52 hangar?

On a serious note, a rental unit and half a dozen padlocks would be the simplest route.

 

[Keb]

Call www.historicfireams.com aka Eastern Insurance.

 

[longspurr]

1. Insurance is kind of like the cops. They only show up after the fact and ask lots of questions.
2. Have you ever heard of anyone praising the insurance companies and getting ALL necessary MONEY to buy replacement items?

Not to say don’t buy insurance, but I think it is even more important to minimize the risk of losing the items. What are the real risks? Fire? Flood? Tornado? THEFT?

Fire prevention or suppression.
Flood: ability to move all the stuff given 48hrs notice.
Theft,: Dogs, locks, wireless alarm system. etc

 

[22-rimfire]

I would store the firearms in a large safe. The rest of the stuff that are not display items, I would find a place that is humidity and temperature controlled whether it be inside your home or a climate controlled storage unit.

For insect and rodent damage, I would place as much of the stuff in plastic tubs which are cataloged (and numbered) that would be appropriate for the size of the materials.

As far as insurance goes, I would start with my homeowners insurance company and go from there. It might actually be easier to insure a locked storage unit.