Gather around, sports enthusiasts and memorabilia collectors! There’s big news from the world of insurance that’s bound to catch your attention, especially if your cherished collection includes everything from rookie cards to signed hockey sticks. You see, somewhere between a casual hobby and a profound passion, the need for specialized insurance creeps in, making sure that your valuable collectibles are as well-protected as a goaltender in the Stanley Cup finals. Enter the latest initiative by NFP, a leading property and casualty broker in Canada, who in partnership with Berkley Asset Protection, has launched an insurance program that ticks all the right boxes for sports memorabilia collectors.
For too long, the passionate purveyors of sports history encapsulated in cards, jerseys, and various paraphernalia have had to rely on standard homeowners insurance policies that, let’s be honest, treat a Babe Ruth-signed baseball almost the same as a living room vase. This glaring oversight is what led Greg Dunn, Managing Director of Personal Risk at NFP in Canada, to spearhead this new insurance solution, which promises to fill in the gaps that traditional coverage policies often overlook. Now, collectors won’t just get insurance; they’ll receive an assurance that from the moment of purchase, their new prized possession is protected, including during transit and as it sits proudly on display.
But what makes this insurance program stand out in the collector’s market? Olivia Cinqmars-Viau, the AVP of fine art underwriting at Berkley Asset Protection, shed light on the tailored approach they have taken. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of deal; it’s a meticulous, collector-centric bouquet of services that resonate with the nuances of sports memorabilia collection. Each policy is crafted to address the specific needs of a collector, ensuring that whether it’s a limited edition card or a piece of game-used equipment, the coverage is as precise as a well-kept scorecard.
Adding to the excitement, Steve Menzie, president of the Sport Card & Memorabilia Expo — Canada’s largest sports collectibles show — has hailed this partnership as a game changer. He often meets collectors who, while deeply attached to their collections on an emotional level, might not fully realize the financial risks associated with collecting. With emotional investments now matched with financial security, collectors can rest easier knowing that their treasures, whether displayed in a lavish game room or kept in secure storage, are financially safeguarded.
As if that wasn’t enough, NFP’s Personal Risk team isn’t just satisfied with launching this initiative from the sidelines. They’re taking it right to where the action is – the upcoming Sport Card & Memorabilia Expo in Toronto from April 25-28. Here, the team will be on hand to dive deep into the details of the new insurance offerings, answering questions and guiding collectors on how to best protect their investments. It’s a prime example of NFP’s broader commitment to addressing the unique needs of collectors and enthusiasts, backed by a robust workforce of over 1,000 in Canada and more than 8,000 globally.
The introduction of this specialized insurance program signifies a new era for sports memorabilia collectors in Canada. No longer is the emphasis solely on acquiring and displaying, but also on protecting and valuing, ensuring that each item’s legacy and worth are preserved for future generations. This commitment from NFP and Berkley isn’t just about insurance — it’s about respecting and securing the history embedded in each collectible item, allowing collectors to pursue their passion with peace of mind.
So, if you’re someone who views a signed Wayne Gretzky jersey or a mint-condition set of hockey cards as more than just collectibles, but as pieces of culture and history, this new insurance program might just be what you need to safeguard your prized collection. After all, in the sport of collecting, your defense is only as good as your goalie, and with NFP and Berkley behind you, consider your net well-protected.
