[meteorite-list] Insuring your meteorite collection

[almitt]

Hi Mike,

I think everyone has ran into this problem one time or another. Since 
they don't really understand meteorites it is hard for them to put a 
replacement cost on them. My insurer can't insure my collection. I had a 
good friend who sold insurance try to find someone to insure my 
specimens. Both when in storage and when I display in public. The only 
place that would insure them were Lloyds of London. The cost was high 
that in about a four or five year period I could buy another collection 
just like I have. Needless to say this is too costly and not worth the 
price.

Most collectors (can I speak for others?) buy a fireproof vault and 
store them in the vault so they are protected against fire and theft. It 
is about the only way to insure them so to speak without the high costs. 
There is some risk doing it this way. I am sorry I can't offer a better 
way but at least this is a suggestion. One could also keep them in a 
lock box at a bank until you needed or wanted to get them out. Probably 
a better secure method than a home safe. Ultimately you need to protect 
specimens from adverse environments where ever they are stored. That's 
another topic. All my best to you!

--AL Mitterling
Mitterling Meteorites