Going to Las Vegas for the Cue Show

BarenbruggeCues said:
Good info on the insure deal...........
Thanks Tate.....appreciate the forward also.
Dave

Hi Dave,

I'll look forward to seeing all your unique cues too. I've never seen one in person.

Chris
 
FAST_N_LOOSE said:
CHRIS, I REALLY APPRECIATE ALL THE INFO. I'D LOVE TO DISPLAY, BUT I'D BE WAY TO NERVOUS GETTING MY CUES ALL THE WAY OUT THERE. I DON'T EVEN TRUST TO SHIP A SINGLE CUE, LET ALONE TEN OF MY NICEST ONES. IF I COULD TAKE THEM AS CARRY ON (WHICH I KNOW I CAN'T) I WOULD BE ALL OVER DISPLAYING OUT THERE. I AM CERTAINLY GOING TO SEE WHAT I CAN DO TO GET OUT THERE. THIS IS MY BUSY TIME OF THE YEAR AND IT MAKES IT TOUGH FOR ME TO GET AWAY FROM THE SHOP. HOPEFULLY I CAN PULL IT OFF AND SEE ALL YOU GUYS OUT THERE. IF NOT I'LL TRY TO FIGURE IT OUT FOR NEXT YEAR. I'D LOVE TO SEE A PICTURE OFTHE DISPLAY OF THE "FAST N LOOSE" COLLECTION. ALTHOUGH, I'M SURE THERE ARE MANY COLLECTIONS OUT THERE THAT ARE WAY OUT OF MY LEAGUE.

THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL THE INFO.

Try whatever airline you are considering. Unless it's changed after 9/11, they use to have a pretty secure way of allowing you to bring expensive items along with you outside of the normal 'check baggage'. Works great, especially if no layovers. When you arrived at your destination, you had to pick them up in person and sign for them. Think this service is used a lot for fancy artwork and such. If I were shipping a dozen or so high-end cues, I wouldn't bother trying to go through FedEx or UPS. Doubt they would work to please you in the event you have to file an insurance claim.
 
TATE said:
I don't know if this would help you feel better, but I bought insurance for my collection though this agency:

http://www.collectinsure.com/?src=overture

It's underwritten by Hartford, it's easy to obtain, somewhat affordable, and they have a fair claim process should something happen.

Anyway, they have a travel policy, so if you take your collection with you it's insured. Not only that, they have provisions for coverage for shipping as well.

Traveling with a collection that is insured at least gives you a little peace of mind. I feel a lot better knowing my collection is specifically insured by a specialized agency.

Chris

Hey Tate this is the second or third time I've seen you post this link and I hate to wish anything bad on you, but I don't trust it and I'd love to see what happens if you ever need to file a claim. I've looked into a few options along these lines and not only is it very expensive, but it seems like if it came down to it they really wouldn't work with you in a rational way. Also some things are priceless and irreplaceable, most insurance companies don't really grasp that notion. Let's knock on wood that you never need to find out.

Jim
 
Words of Caution: Airlines still lose luggage All the time!....Golf bags, other items that are hard to figure out how they can show up missing. If you are considering bringing cues that can readily be replaced, that is one thing.
But, as Jimbo says, if you are transporting items that cannot be replaced (Szamboti`s, high end one-of-a-kinds, etc.), just having insurance may not be enough....Even if the insurance company is east to file a claim with......a real dilemma!

That`s why some of the collectors are travelling by car as much as 2000 miles each way!!!

Will
 
ibuycues said:
....That`s why some of the collectors are travelling by car as much as 2000 miles each way!!!

Will, primo advice...that's by far the best alternative when you're talking about the irreplaceable stuff.
 
JimBo said:
Hey Tate this is the second or third time I've seen you post this link and I hate to wish anything bad on you, but I don't trust it and I'd love to see what happens if you ever need to file a claim. I've looked into a few options along these lines and not only is it very expensive, but it seems like if it came down to it they really wouldn't work with you in a rational way. Also some things are priceless and irreplaceable, most insurance companies don't really grasp that notion. Let's knock on wood that you never need to find out.

Jim


Jim,

I have to disagree with you on that. They're just a specialzed insurance agency.

The actual policy is underwritten by the Hartford Group, AM Best A+ rating. Basically, it's just property insurance for collectors. There is a simplified claims process and the cues are insured for replacement cost. receipts are not necessary. To be safe, I keep photos and descriptions of the cues and I do save payment records.

The rough cost $5 per $1000 of coverage, so for example $50,000 wouild be about $250 annually. There is travel coverage, theft, fire, even shipping. For a good overview and Q and A coverage, check out their run down. It's a good idea to read the policy for exclusions, then work within those guidelines.

Here is a Q and A so you can see how it works - it's pretty simple and a great product for cue collectors.

http://www.collectinsure.com/faqgen.htm

Here's the General Collector brochure:

http://www.collectinsure.com/FormsNew9-05/brochure%20Collector.pdf

Chris
 
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JimBo said:
Hey Tate this is the second or third time I've seen you post this link and I hate to wish anything bad on you, but I don't trust it and I'd love to see what happens if you ever need to file a claim. I've looked into a few options along these lines and not only is it very expensive, but it seems like if it came down to it they really wouldn't work with you in a rational way. Also some things are priceless and irreplaceable, most insurance companies don't really grasp that notion. Let's knock on wood that you never need to find out.

Jim


I'M GOING TO DO SOME DIGGING WITH THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU, AND A FEW OTHER PLACES TO SEE IF I CAN MAKE SURE IF THIS IS LEGIT OR NOT. I'M HOPING IT IS, BECAUSE THE INSURANCE WOULD EASE MY MIND, EVEN WHEN THE CUES ARE HERE WITH ME.
 
TATE said:
Jim,

I have to disagree with you on that. They're just a specialzed insurance agency.

The actual policy is underwritten by the Hartford Group, AM Best A+ rating. Basically, it's just property insurance for collectors. There is a simplified claims process and the cues are insured for replacement cost. receipts are not necessary. To be safe, I keep photos and descriptions of the cues and I do save payment records.

The rough cost $5 per $1000 of coverage, so for example $50,000 wouild be about $250 annually. There is travel coverage, theft, fire, even shipping. For a good overview and Q and A coverage, check out their run down. It's a good idea to read the policy for exclusions, then work within those guidelines.

Here is a Q and A so you can see how it works - it's pretty simple and a great product for cue collectors.

http://www.collectinsure.com/faqgen.htm

Here's the General Collector brochure:

http://www.collectinsure.com/FormsNew9-05/brochure%20Collector.pdf

Chris

Again I hope we never find out, but the problem with cues is in proving they are worth what they are. Sure you can show what you paid and they *might* give you that, but would that really replace a very rare Palmer in the condition that you got it in??? We are talking one of a kind and rare stuff, things that are not easily replaced. Also you need appraisals and letters of proof and there really isn't an authority on cues since the market is so small. One other point I'd say about insurance is just look at Katrina when you are thinking about how honorable Big time insurance companies are.

Jim
 
FAST_N_LOOSE said:
I'M GOING TO DO SOME DIGGING WITH THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU, AND A FEW OTHER PLACES TO SEE IF I CAN MAKE SURE IF THIS IS LEGIT OR NOT. I'M HOPING IT IS, BECAUSE THE INSURANCE WOULD EASE MY MIND, EVEN WHEN THE CUES ARE HERE WITH ME.

I'm not saying it's a sham business, I'm saying they are legit, but when there comes time to file a claim I believe it won't go so easy. I also think for you it's a bit easier since Tasc is still alive and you can prove most of what you paid and what it would cost for replacement. The trouble comes with some of the older stuff from the dead makers. Just for example if you shipped Fed-X or UPS you can buy 10K worth of insurance, but if they lose your cues they don't just pay, they want proof and letters from experts and stuff. I know a few people who thought they were covered and it ended up being a mess.

Jim
 
JimBo said:
I'm not saying it's a sham business, I'm saying they are legit, but when there comes time to file a claim I believe it won't go so easy. I also think for you it's a bit easier since Tasc is still alive and you can prove most of what you paid and what it would cost for replacement. The trouble comes with some of the older stuff from the dead makers. Just for example if you shipped Fed-X or UPS you can buy 10K worth of insurance, but if they lose your cues they don't just pay, they want proof and letters from experts and stuff. I know a few people who thought they were covered and it ended up being a mess.

Jim

I WORDED IT WRONG, ABOUT IT BEING LEGIT. WHAT I MEANT WAS, I AM GOING TO CHECK IF THE CLAIM FULFILLMENT POLICY IS ACTUALLY HOW IT IS STATED IN THE FORMS, AND THE BROCHURES. IT SEEMED TO EASY TO ME AS WELL.
 
Just a thought...........

Might be worth making sure all of the insured amounts for each individual cue are discussed and properly documented up front with the agent or company.
But I feel the same.....wouldn't want to believe something is going to be covered for a certain amount and then have to try and prove as such.
I guess having COA's up front when possible would help but I would sure want to know what the process is going to be if one DID have to file a claim.

Dave
 
FAST_N_LOOSE said:
I WORDED IT WRONG, ABOUT IT BEING LEGIT. WHAT I MEANT WAS, I AM GOING TO CHECK IF THE CLAIM FULFILLMENT POLICY IS ACTUALLY HOW IT IS STATED IN THE FORMS, AND THE BROCHURES. IT SEEMED TO EASY TO ME AS WELL.

I definitely recommend having insurance on your cues anyway, whether it's with them or a rider on your homeowners. I like the specialty company because they have provisions that are accomodating to collectors.

From what I've found, they have a sterling reputation among collectors of stamps and pay their claims promptly. Just be careful to read the policy, which is very clearly written, to ensure that you understand all of the provisions. When it comes to insurance, it's very important not to assume anything.

The main reason why I bought the coverage was for theft from my home and fire. I am covered for that and there are a lot of travel provisions covered as well.

I would definitely ship the cues with a freight carrier, insured, and not travel with them as checked airline baggage.

All insurance companies have a lot of fine print - be sure to read it all.

Chris
 
BarenbruggeCues said:
Two days and counting...........
still waiting for an email response from the collectinsure people......

Dave

Dave,

Best to call them to discuss details and questions with an agent.

I have always had my questions answered right away by a knowlegeable agent:

Toll Free 888-837-9537

or (410) 876-8833

Chris

Ps. On my policy, I can ship cues Federal Express with a signature, following the policy provisions, and $60,000 of coverage applies. If I am displaying at an exhibition, in this case, Las Vegas, my cues are covered up to to policy limits.

If you check cues as airline baggage, they are NOT covered.
 
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Thanks for the heads up Chris.........
I was going to give them today and then do just that.
When you are shipping to a hotel such as C-Ritz......Do they have a special label they want on the package or you just ship to yourself @ the Ritz?

Later.......
Dave
 
BarenbruggeCues said:
Thanks for the heads up Chris.........
I was going to give them today and then do just that.
When you are shipping to a hotel such as C-Ritz......Do they have a special label they want on the package or you just ship to yourself @ the Ritz?

Later.......
Dave

Dave,

I am giving this information with the disclaimer that anyone who ships cues should call the Ritz and verify this information themselves.

Collectibles Insurance only covers shipment up to $60,000 in their class 1 category which includes Fed Ex and USPS Express mail, both with signature required. For UPS, it's class 2 and their maximum coverage is $2,500, so don't use UPS.

If you decide to ship to the hotel and you're covered for this insurance, you would ship to the conference services manager, signature required. You would address it as follows: Razije Elez, Conference Services Manager, Ritz Carlton Lake Las Vegas, hold for Dave Barenbrugge, International Cue Collectors Show.

To re-confirm this information, please check with both the insurance company and the Ritz directly. the Ritz phone number is (702) 567-4700.

Alternatively, you might want to just purchase FedEx insurance coverage. I just priced a 25 pound box 2 day air with a $30,000 declared value and the price was under $200 each way. The hotel will assist you with shipping the cues back Fed Ex when the conference is over.

The reason why I prefer the collectibles policy is it covers you for many mishaps that can happen, even while driving, room break in, home break in or fire, etc.

Chris
 
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