I moved my collection to a “Climate Controlled” storage unit. During a heatwave, the AC unit for the facility failed for two weeks. The temp inside hit 100°F with 90% humidity. My chrome cards curled into Pringles, and my vintage cards developed mold. I filed a claim. The storage facility denied it, and my insurance claimed “Inherent Vice.”
Key Takeaways
- Facility Insurance is Junk: The insurance sold by the storage unit (e.g., “Orange Door”) usually excludes “damage caused by change in temperature or humidity.”
- Inherent Vice: Standard insurers often deny damage caused by “natural deterioration” or humidity changes, calling it “Inherent Vice” (the item destroying itself).
- The “Mechanical Breakdown” Exception: You need to prove the damage was caused by a failure of the AC system (a mechanical breakdown), not just “it was hot.”
- Mold Exclusion: Most policies have a strict cap on mold damage ($5,000) or exclude it entirely unless it resulted from a specific covered peril (like a burst pipe).
The “Why” (Atmospheric Conditions)
“We do not insure for loss caused by… dampness of atmosphere or extremes of temperature.”
This is a standard exclusion in almost every property policy.
The Investigation: Proving the Cause
I asked how to get coverage for warped cards.
1. The Facility Contract
- Clause: “We do not guarantee temperature or humidity.”
- Result: You can’t sue them easily.
2. Specialty Insurance (Collect Insure)
- Result: They usually cover “Accidental Direct Physical Loss.” If the AC broke, that is accidental. You need records from the facility proving the breakdown.
- Requirement: Your policy address must be updated to the storage unit.
3. Renters Insurance
- Result: Denied. They almost strictly exclude temp/humidity damage for personal property.
Comparison Table
| Cause of Warping | Covered? | Note |
| Flood/Pipe Burst | Yes | Water damage |
| AC Failure (Proven) | Maybe | Needs “Mechanical Breakdown” coverage |
| Just Humid Weather | No | “Dampness of Atmosphere” exclusion |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Use Desiccants: Don’t trust the facility. Put silica gel packs inside your bins.
- Get Climate Logs: If you find damage, demand the temperature logs from the facility management immediately. You need proof the AC failed.
- Check “Breakdown” Coverage: Ask your insurer: “Does my policy cover damage resulting from the mechanical breakdown of climate control systems?”
FAQ
Can I iron the cards flat?
Do not try this. It destroys the surface. The loss is permanent.
[IMAGE: Photo of a stack of “Chrome” cards curled significantly due to humidity]