Question 1

Why can’t I just rely on my home and contents insurance?

Accepted Answer

Many home and contents policies cap collections and single items unless they’re specified, and some limit cover away from home. Graded slabs and sealed product can quickly exceed those caps. A specialist collection policy insures the items you list, for the value you list.

Question 2

Which policy do I need: Private Collector or Vendor?

Accepted Answer

The Private Collector Policy is for individuals collecting or investing for themselves. The Vendor Policy is for stores, dealers, breakers, online sellers and convention traders.

Question 3

I sell a few cards now and then. Which policy fits me?

Accepted Answer

If you mainly collect and occasionally sell or trade to upgrade, the Private Collector Policy suits you. If you regularly buy to resell, run an online store, trade at events, break boxes or hold other people’s cards for sale, you need the Vendor Policy.

Question 4

What cards and collectables can be insured?

Accepted Answer

Graded slabs, raw singles, sealed booster boxes and cases, vintage product and memorabilia across Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, One Piece, sports cards and other collectables.

Question 5

Who is the insurer?

Accepted Answer

Policies are underwritten by certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s, London. QUA is the coverholder that issues policies and handles claims. Grail Insurance is your broker: we arrange your cover, help keep your Schedule current and support you through claims.

Question 6

What does the Private Collector Policy cover?

Accepted Answer

It’s designed to provide theft and accidental damage cover for your collection, worldwide, in transit, in storage and on exhibition. Exact perils, territory and locations are confirmed in your Schedule. Individual items worth over $1,500 need a professional valuation.

Question 7

Am I covered at card shows or when travelling overseas?

Accepted Answer

Cover applies on exhibition and in transit within the territory in your Schedule, and the product is designed for worldwide cover. Let us know before a big trip or show so we can confirm.

Question 8

Are my cards covered while being graded by PSA, BGS or CGC?

Accepted Answer

Cover applies in transit and at locations detailed in your Schedule. Tell us before each grading submission and we’ll confirm in writing how cover applies. Pack cards properly in toploaders or semi-rigids, use tracked and insured shipping, and photograph what you send.

Question 9

Is a card I just bought covered straight away?

Accepted Answer

If you already hold a policy with us, new purchases are automatically covered for 60 days, up to the percentage of your limit shown in your Schedule. Declare new additions within 60 days.

Question 10

Do I need to list every card individually?

Accepted Answer

Every card valued over $1,500 must be listed individually, and we recommend listing all high-value items with grading company, certificate number and grade. Unlisted items are paid at fair market value. Talk to us about grouping large collections of lower-value cards.

Question 11

What isn’t covered?

Accepted Answer

Exclusions include damage during restoration or repair (such as pressing or cleaning) and wear and tear, such as fading, yellowing or edge wear. The policy is for sudden events like theft, fire, water damage or drops.

Question 12

What does the Vendor Policy cover?

Accepted Answer

Stock in trade, customers’ goods held in trust, contents, fit-out and your reference library at the premises in your Schedule. It can be extended to cover transit, exhibitions and other locations.

Question 13

Are customers’ cards I hold covered?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if they’re recorded in your stock records and shown in your Schedule as goods in trust. Keep written agreements and a consignment or receipt record for every customer’s cards.

Question 14

Can I take stock to conventions and trade fairs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but trade fair cover must be arranged and agreed in advance. Tell us the event, dates, stand details and stock value well before you go.

Question 15

Is stock covered in my car?

Accepted Answer

Only if you, a permanent employee or a dedicated attendant is with the vehicle. Never leave stock in an unattended car.

Question 16

What stock records do I need?

Accepted Answer

Records of all purchases, sales, consigned goods and items bought for clients. Stock not recorded isn’t covered, and stock-take shortages with no identifiable event are excluded.

Question 17

Is it an agreed value policy?

Accepted Answer

Not strictly. For Private Collector total losses, the policy pays your scheduled value or current fair market value, whichever is greater, up to your limit. So if a card’s value rises, you can be paid the higher figure.

Question 18

How do I work out what my collection is worth?

Accepted Answer

List each item with set, card number, grade and certificate number, keep receipts, grading certificates and photos, get specialist appraisals for high-value items, and review values at least annually.

Question 19

What affects my premium?

Accepted Answer

Where you live and store your collection, your security, your sum insured, and your insurance and claims history. Every quote is individually assessed on your actual collection or business.

Question 20

What do I do if something happens?

Accepted Answer

Prevent further damage, report any theft to police (even overseas), and notify us as soon as possible at hello@grailinsurance.com.au. Don’t authorise repairs without our consent, and keep all receipts.

Question 21

Is there a cooling-off period?

Accepted Answer

Private Collector policies have a 15-day cooling-off period with a full refund, provided you haven’t made a claim.

TCG Collection Insurance FAQs

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