Can I get your opinion? PLEASE

seandog

Over the last year are so I have built up more of a collection than I thought I would of graded cards (man, they are addicting!!).

What is the safest way to store them? I bought a fire/waterproof safe from Costco. Are there any risks of storing graded cards in a safe? Any other options to protect the cards?

Finally, is it recommended to insure the cards? My main question here is if there is a claim are the true market values of the cards paid out or do they use some lagging price guide?

Sorry for all the questions but I am hoping to get this sorted out - thanks for all input!!

76collector

I can't answer all of your questions, but I will say that I put my graded cards in a display case, which locks, but that is it. No further protection. The cases are pretty sturdy, and water resistant. Obviously, not fire proof, but my collection is for display, not investment. If you have very valuable cards, that would do you financial harm if ruined I would use a safe. I have one, but only put the cards in there when I travel for extended periods of time. I just can't see, leaving my cards in a safe all the time, it would defeat the purpose for me, but just my 2 cents.

DanBessette

I'm buying one or two of these

http://www.thewaterproofstore.com/vc20b.html

CW

I'd recommend insurance. This is one good option (read all the details/fine print).
http://www.collectinsure.com/

One thing to consider with a fireproof safe is that sometimes the fire retardant used in the walls of these safes can cause moisture or humidity inside. Some folks use those desiccant packs to combat the mositure, while others double bag stacks of slabs in large ziploc baggies. If you do a search on these topics you'll see some old discussions with tips and other advice. A safety deposit box at your local bank is another option, although that also comes with some risks, like possible water damage, etc.

WhiteTornado

I use a safe deposit box at a bank. Home safes are not "fireproof", they are fire-resistant, and even then if your house goes up in flames, the heat will eventually get inside the safe. Another thing to consider is burglary; someone can probably walk off with your safe. If you get a large enough one to prevent easy carry-off, you probably will need multiple people to help carry it into and/or install it in your home. Then you have to consider, can those people be trusted? If someone knows you are installing a safe like that, they can rightly assume you are storing valuables in it. And of course, even with a jumbo safe, you still have the issue of fire.

Not sure about making an insurance claim; you should probably ask your insurance company to be sure.

It’s all about personal preference and what level of protection makes you comfortable.