Recommend insurance provider for collection

[SouthCityShooter]

I just had to get firearms instructor insurance. Been doing this for a few years now. That's a first. I got that through Lockton.

Then I got talking to the woman in my world. Seeing where this is going yet?

Once I sat down and added it up, it turns out there a fair amount of money wrapped up in firearms in this house. I don't get any discount insuring these with Lockton despite having just bought one policy from them. Otherwise I'd have taken the path of least resistance and not be posting this. If Lockton turns out to be the right choice, simple enough.

I am wholly out of the realm of my personal knowledge here. Then, it occurred to me to ask here. I expect many on here have long experience in this realm. I'm hoping those that do might be willing to share please? Anyone care to recommend a specific provider.

If this matters, I'm not a milsurp, C&R, or a build it yourself guy. These are all factory weapons. I'm strictly a defensive shooter with modern weapons. I've bought and sold a ton of firearms through the years. This as I've gotten to know what I like and want. I haven't kept many long term. The ones I have kept, tend to be nice quality. Handguns are mostly, no actually all 'off roster'. Three long guns, can no longer legally had in CA. I am of sufficient age to have both 'Lockyear Letter' RAW & BBRAW. I also have one, at least to me, pricey precision rifle with hi-end glass on it.

If I'm going to insure these I want 'full replacement value' insurance. What do you recommend Calgunners? Who should I talk to?

[AregularGuy]

Eastern insurance has a blanket policy up to $50k. No need to list serial numbers or register anything with them. I think it was under $200 for the year. Add earthquake coverage for under $300 total per year. They cover transportation of the firearms and some ammo as well.

ETA: I'm not sure what you mean by "full replacement value". Are you saying the cost to replace the off roster guns in CA via marketplace values? I'm not sure any insurance company is going to shell out 1.5-3x the retail price for any non-collector item just because it's off-roster.

[climber32]

Thanks for posting this OP. I've been in the market for this myself. I went and looked at this Insurance recommended above. Eastern does stipulate its coverage is strictly for 'historic firearms'.

[Preston-CLB]

If you have homeowners or renters insurance, check with your broker to see what is covered. If firearms are not covered under the blanket policy, see if you can get a rider that will.

My renters insurance covers firearms replacement cost, minus deductible. My insurance is through Travelers. They did not require any info about the guns I own. YMMV, so be sure to see if they do require such info.
-P

[AregularGuy]

Thanks for posting this OP. I've been in the market for this myself. I went and looked at this Insurance recommended above. Eastern does stipulate its coverage is strictly for 'historic firearms'.

That is what the policy is called but there are no restrictions. Ive spoken with them several times. I have coverage and have no "historic" firearm.

[SouthCityShooter]

Thanks for the recommendations. Using these as a place to start I've been making phone calls and asking questions. It looks like CIS or Collectibles Insurance Services based in PA might be the way to go. So far they are; cheaper(!), cover the value I insure things for, i.e. 'off roster' replacement value, have a '0' deductible, they cover ammo, and reloading tools.

Thus far, I've not found anyone else that will cover off roster items at CA replacement costs rather than MSRP, or ammo. I am certainly open to other suggestions/places to look?

Oh and, my bad, I should have been more clear. There's some 'personal family dynamics' reasons why I want to keep this part of my life separate from other insurance. I have both anti-firearms folks and 'bad experiences' in my family. There has been been both death and suicide due to firearms in my family over the past three generations. We source other insurance from extended family and am thankful for that. It is just easier this way. If that costs me $200/yr more, right now, that's OK.

[Spaffo]

Eastern covers all firearms, as well as $5K in ammunition. 40K for 150 a year. No serial numbers reqhuired if gun is under 10K. Accessories are also covered.

[AregularGuy]

Does Eastern require details such as photographs or sales documents for items covered? Thanks.

No. No documentation required to buy coverage. Of course might be needed for a claim.

FYI, the standard policy does not cover loss due to earthquake. You have to add it on. I think my policy was $150 base and $120 earthquake for total of $270/year. My statefarm insurance for earthquake does not fully cover my firearms.

[Spyder]

Collectibles was the lowest price I found when looking a couple months ago.

I didn't get around to looking in to customer service reports or reviews yet. I would rather pay an extra hundred bucks a year and have reliable service, then pay less to someone shady. If that matters to you, do research on more than just the cost.

[AregularGuy]

Collectibles was the lowest price I found when looking a couple months ago.

I didn't get around to looking in to customer service reports or reviews yet. I would rather pay an extra hundred bucks a year and have reliable service, then pay less to someone shady. If that matters to you, do research on more than just the cost.

I'm pretty sure they're good to go. They've been mentioned in a few of these threads and I've never heard anything negative.

[SouthCityShooter]

CIS covers earthquake! I did ask that question very specifically. They also cover shipping and transport losses. Even from a rental car! For me, not paying thirty bucks extra in insurance every time I ship a firearm anywhere has appeal. This last couple of years, that alone will save me a third of the cost of this insurance annually.

Photos my not be required to buy the insurance. I can pretty much promise you any insurance company will expect/demand photos before they pay out a single dime in claims however. I'm good with that though. I have photos of everything!

FYI, having lived in CA for a long time, unless you're homeowner's insurance is pre-Loma Prieta(sp?), the earthquake deductible is so astronomically high as to be worthless. Others might want to look into that. The 'contents' deductible is $50K, pretty much min. for earthquake. Thank our CA legislature's cozy relationship with the big campaign contributions from the insurance industry for that.

[SouthCityShooter]

Eastern covers all firearms, as well as $5K in ammunition.

Caliber dependent right now, that's what, a thousand rounds?

JK, but I know that, even at normal prices I have more than that in ammo. And I have much less on hand than most of the other firearms people I know.