Insurance, claims and donations
Scheduling a collection, loss claims, estates and IRS Form 8283.When a value has to satisfy an insurer, an adjuster, the IRS or a court, the report matters as much as the number. These notes cover insurance documentation, loss and damage claims, donation appraisals and work for estates and attorneys.
11 notes
Why document my collection for insurance?
Because insurers schedule valuable collections when they can see what is there and what it is worth. A photo inventory and valuation schedule made before anything goes wrong is the record a claim depends on.
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What does insurance documentation include?
An item-level photo inventory, a valuation schedule with the definition of value and its effective date, a summary letter for your agent, and a secure retained copy, with an optional annual update.
How is insurance documentation priced?
As one flat fee for the whole collection, quoted in writing before work begins. The annual update is quoted separately if you want it.
How often should I update my insurance documentation?
Once a year, or whenever you add or sell significant cards. Values move, and a schedule that no longer matches the collection weakens a claim.
Do you sell insurance?
No. I prepare documentation and valuations for insurance purposes. I do not sell or broker insurance, and I can point you toward agents who write collectibles coverage.
Can you help after a loss or damage claim?
Yes. For adjusters and policyholders I prepare a claim valuation: each item identified, its pre-loss condition where it can be established, its post-loss condition, and a value under the policy’s definition, with the method stated.
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What is an IRS Form 8283 donation appraisal?
It is the appraisal a donor needs when a non-cash charitable gift, such as a card collection, is above the IRS thresholds. The report states fair market value and includes the appraiser declarations the form calls for.
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Can you value cards for an estate or a divorce?
Yes. A written appraisal states the value as of a specific date, usually fair market value, so an executor, the parties or their attorneys can divide or report the collection on the same basis.
Why is claim work billed hourly?
Because the size of a claim cannot be known in advance: how much evidence survives, how many cards are involved and how many questions the adjuster raises all vary. Donation appraisals are different and are a flat fee per report.
I'm an adjuster or attorney. What do you need from me?
The intended use, the definition of value you need (or the policy wording), the date the value should apply to, any deadline, and whatever records and photographs exist. I reply with a written scope and quote by email.
Can you give testimony in a dispute?
On request. Expert witness and litigation support are hourly and quoted in advance, with the same independence and disclosure statements every engagement carries.
Appraisal
Want a written opinion on what your cards are worth?
A written appraisal states the value, the purpose and the reasoning, with photographs. Read about appraisals