Election Memorabilia – Is It Insurable?
In a word – yes. Like diecast vehicles, model trains, and other collectibles, if it’s worth collecting, it’s worth protecting! The recent U.S. election - groundbreaking with all of its ‘firsts’ – has generated a wide variety of memorabilia which is now sought after by not only those who collect political items, but also by collectors of African American and women’s rights memorabilia.
The concept of election memorabilia evolved after 1824, when Andrew Jackson lost the presidential election to John Quincy Adams. Jackson promoted his candidacy to the electorate in 1828 with snuff boxes, thread boxes, clothing buttons, tokens, ribbons and ceramic plates. He went on to win the election against Adams that year and against Henry Clay in 1832. From then on, using items to advertise political campaigns became increasingly popular.
Candidates’ faces and information have been placed on whiskey bottles, socks, bumper stickers, brooches, torches, cups, sewing tools, pins, toys, Halloween masks, paperweights, lampshades, etc. You name it; candidates have probably tried using it!
Some people collect memorabilia because of the value, some because of the strong connection they feel to the subject matter and others because they like to own a little bit of history. Whatever your reasons are for collecting, the one big reason to protect your collection can (or can’t!) be found in your homeowner’s policy.
Many collectors assume that homeowners insurance will cover a valuable collection in the event of damage or loss. While homeowners insurance is crucial to protect your home and its contents, many policies do not contain language specific to collectibles. Additionally, most homeowner's deductibles are $500 or higher, reducing the amount one might expect to collect in a claim. And most policies exclude coverage for earthquake and flood damage.
American Collectors offers an affordable Collectibles policy that insures collections against fire, theft and accidental breakage, as well as for earthquake and flood. All qualifying collections in the household may be covered by the same policy and new additions are automatically covered for 30 days (up to $2,000 per item). To obtain a free quote or to apply, please call us at 1 (800) 360-2277 and a licensed product specialist will be happy to assist you, or click here for an instant quote.