Just lost my RPG collection to fire.

[Hal G]

Good luck with that!

 

[Aberzanzorax]

My condolonces, as above.


For me, while they're still posessions, they're special posessions...and losing them would be a special kind of sadness for me.


A small bit of advice, depending on income and replacement options:

Check for ebay "lots" under the roleplaying category. When looking to start or replace a collection, this is a great resource to look into. You can often get a bunch of things at "bulk prices"...and if you have a lot to replace, it can be really helpful!

 

[Greatwyrm]

I'm glad nobody was hurt. I've got too many books myself and this as always been the nightmare scenario for me.

Now, to be the wet blanket...

It varies state-to-state and company-to-company, but generally speaking, you need to have specific coverage for collectibles of any sort. This usually includes book collections. If anyone here is concerned about this happening at their own home, talk to your agent and specifically ask about this. Some companies will be able to add additional coverage onto your home/renters policy. Some will help you find coverage with another carrier - there are some that specialize in this.

There are usually very specific rules and coverage limits for stuff like:
---Collections (books, stamps, cards, comics, whatever)
---Art
---Jewelry
---Guns
---Antiques
---Taxidermy Items

In short, talk to your agent and know what is or isn't covered.

Legal Disclaimer: I'm an agent, but I'm not your agent. I'm probably not licensed in your state. The only actual advice I'm giving is that you talk to your actual agent.

 

[grodog]

Eridanis---

Thank you for the good thoughts and kindness, everyone. I really appreciate it.

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your collection: you're right, it's not like a family member died, but it still sucks

Thank goodness for Acaeum.com!

This was exactly what was running through my mind at 4am this morning. The wrinkle is that since I'm moving, some of my RPG stuff is in my own storage room (at a different location) while the rest of it was destroyed. So, I don't know authoritatively what was there until I move at the end of the month. However, I've got a 90% idea, so we'll see what my insurance agent says.

You may find that insurance only covers a "reasonable" sized book collection, and that if you didn't have a rider/additional coverage for "collectibles" or a "larger than average" book collection, that they may not cover nearly as much as you'd like.

Regardless, if you have any issues replacing some of the stuff you lost, please email me (see .sig). I can probably either get you replacement copies myself, or help you get in touch with other folks at the Acaeum who can help you replace the most important books.

 

[jefgorbach]

You may find that insurance only covers a "reasonable" sized book collection, and that if you didn't have a rider/additional coverage for "collectibles" or a "larger than average" book collection, that they may not cover nearly as much as you'd like.

True, and raises the question asto what a non-gamer considers "reasonable" since most(?) gamers average 12 books annually for 32 years, a reasonable collection should have around 380 books; plus the monthly Dungeon/Dragon subscriptions.

 

[Greatwyrm]

For collections/collectibles, the most likely scenarios are:

--A settlement based on prior appraisals

--A flat dollar amount, usually listed in your policy

--An exclusion for anything that wasn't specifically listed

Another thing that will complicate this is there's usually a reduced limit for your property that's in someone else's care outside your home.

Again, I recommend talking to whoever wrote your home or renters policy.

 

[nightwind1]

Sorry to hear about your loss.

A buddy of mine's house burned down when we were teenagers -- the 1e PHB and DMG were one of the few things to survive (and there was other stuff right next to it that burned/melted). Of course, back then they were tools of the devil...

Well, that's probably what saved them from the fire.