Quick Answer

Board game insurance is usually not a separate policy you buy. Instead, your renters or homeowners insurance may cover board games as personal property, but only up to a limit. If your collection is worth thousands, you may need a scheduled personal property endorsement or a separate valuable items policy. Assess your collection's value and your current coverage before deciding.

If your board game collection has grown from a few boxes to a wall of shelving, you've probably wondered what would happen if a pipe burst or a thief broke in. Standard insurance policies often cover personal property, but board games can fall into a gray area. Here's what you need to know about board game insurance and whether it's worth the cost.

Board games are more than just cardboard and plastic; they're investments in fun and memories. Some rare or out-of-print games can be worth hundreds of dollars. Understanding your coverage options can save you from a costly loss.

What Does Standard Homeowners or Renters Insurance Cover?

Most standard homeowners and renters insurance policies cover personal property, including board games, against named perils like fire, theft, and water damage. However, there are limits. For example, if you have a $5,000 collection and a $1,500 sublimit for collectibles, you'd only get $1,500 unless you add extra coverage.

Also, standard policies often exclude damage from floods or earthquakes. If your collection is stored in a basement prone to flooding, that's a risk you need to address separately.

  • Check your policy's personal property coverage limit and sublimits for collectibles.
  • Ask your insurer if board games are considered 'collectibles' or 'hobby items'.
  • Consider flood or earthquake riders if you live in a high-risk area.

How Do I Determine the Value of My Collection?

To decide if you need extra insurance, you need to know your collection's value. Start by cataloging your games. Use a spreadsheet or a collection app to list each game, its condition, and its current market value. For rare or out-of-print games, check online marketplaces like eBay or BoardGameGeek for recent sales.

Be realistic about condition. A game with a torn box or missing pieces is worth less than a mint copy. If your collection's total value exceeds your policy's sublimit, it's time to consider adding coverage.

  • Document your collection with photos and receipts.
  • Update your inventory annually as you buy new games.
  • Use replacement cost vs. actual cash value to understand what you'd receive.

What Are My Options for Extra Coverage?

If your collection is valuable, you have a few options. A scheduled personal property endorsement adds specific items to your existing policy, covering them at agreed values. This is often affordable and covers accidental damage, which standard policies may not.

Alternatively, a separate valuable items policy or a specialty insurer for collectibles can offer broader coverage. Some companies specialize in hobby insurance, including board games. Compare costs and coverage carefully.

  • Ask about 'mysterious disappearance' coverage if you often travel with games.
  • Check if the endorsement covers damage from spills or tears, not just theft and fire.
  • Get quotes from multiple insurers to find the best rate.

Insurance FAQ: Your Questions, Answered

Is board game insurance a separate policy?

Usually not. You can add coverage to your renters or homeowners insurance, or buy a separate policy from a specialty insurer. Check your existing policy first.

Does standard insurance cover board games at home?

Yes, but only up to your personal property limit, and often with sublimits for collectibles. Damage from floods or earthquakes is typically excluded. Know your limits and exclusions.

What if I take games to conventions or game nights?

Standard policies may cover items away from home, but often with lower limits. Accidental damage like spills may not be covered without an endorsement. Consider adding coverage if you travel with games.

Protecting Your Games: What to Consider

  • Vampire: The Masquerade - Vendetta: Vampire: The Masquerade - Vendetta is an asymmetrical competitive card game of strategy, bluff, and deduction, designed by renowned game designers Charlie Cleveland (Subnautica) and Bruno Faidutti (Citadels). Card games like this often have many small components that can be easily lost or damaged. If you own this game, consider sleeving cards and storing it properly to maintain its value.
  • Sunrise Lane: In Sunrise Lane, players take on the role of construction companies attempting to build up a residential neighborhood, and to do this, they need to pick prestigious plots of land on which to build houses and town structures. Games with many pieces and a large board can be prone to wear. Keeping the box in good condition and storing it on a shelf away from moisture can help preserve its resale value.

Board game insurance isn't one-size-fits-all. Start by assessing your collection's value, review your current policy, and decide if the cost of extra coverage is worth the peace of mind. For most casual players, standard insurance is enough. For serious collectors, a little extra protection can save you from a big loss.