Hi all....my layout is being built in my garage which backs onto our rear garden...access via a door in the back.....the layout with locos,DCC chips,rolling stock is already over 4k in value.....i have just checked with my contents insurer to make sure its covered for theft and accidental damage etc... They have confirmed it is covered but only up to 2k Max as the detached garage is classed as an outbuilding....just thought you guys may want to check your own cover and secondly is anyone aware of a specialist insurer for model railways that I could increase the cover with?
Try Magnet Insurance , they do garden railway, club, exhibition insurance etc.
Failing that any insurance broker should be able to put you in touch with
a company who will offer specialised insurance for high value items, eg camera
gear, sports goods etc.
Absolutely recommend Magnet Insurance as mentioned above and Only Me's link.
They are used by the majority of UK model railway Clubs and Exhibitions, and in my experience always knowledgeable and a pleasure to deal with.
Word of warning though for dealing with any insurer, be honest about valuations and be clear on what basis you have calculated the value otherwise you may be disappointed if the worst happens and you need to make a claim. For example for rolling stock is it the current list price of a new replacement or what you could flog it for second hand? for layouts, is it the cost of materials used, or have you made an allowance for your time, or the full cost of hiring a professional to build you a replacement.
Thanks for the prompt responses from all....just took 5 mins on the internet to set up cover with Magnet.
Various home insurers will offer better cover. M&S have no single item or out building contents limits.
Used to be £4k limit for any "collection", but I know they didn't count bikes as a collection, so don't know if railway stuff would be. Their example was stamps (where you'd struggle to not steal/destroy the whole lot in one go!). Think they've removed that clause anyway now on the latest policies.