My PSA 10 gem arrived with a giant crack across the front of the slab. The card inside looks untouched. I filed a claim for the full $5,000 value. The insurer said, “The card isn’t damaged, just the case. We will pay for re-slabbing.”
Key Takeaways
- The Container Rule: The slab is considered “packaging.” If the product (card) is fine, there is no total loss.
- Re-Holder Fees: Insurance will pay the shipping and fees to send it back to PSA for a “Re-Holder” service (approx $25 – $50 + shipping).
- Risk of Grade Drop: If PSA examines it and finds the card did sustain micro-damage, they might downgrade it to a 9. Then the insurance pays the difference in value ($5,000 vs $1,000).
- Loss of Use: You don’t get paid for the 3 months the card is away at PSA.
The “Why” (Indemnity)
You are owed a PSA 10 card. A cracked slab PSA 10 can be turned back into a pristine PSA 10 for $50. Therefore, the loss is $50.
The Investigation: The Re-Slab Process
I walked through a claim for a cracked slab.
1. The Initial Offer
- Insurer: “Here is $100 for shipping and grading fees.”
2. The PSA Review
- Action: I sent it to PSA.
- Outcome A: PSA re-slabs it as a 10. Claim closed.
- Outcome B: PSA says “Corner bruised by shard of plastic. Now a PSA 9.”
- Supplemental Claim: I send the PSA report to the insurer. They now owe me the Diminished Value ($4,000 check).
Comparison Table
| Scenario | Insurance Pays |
| Slab Cracked, Card Mint | Re-Slab Fee ($50) |
| Card Downgraded (10 -> 9) | Diminished Value ($4,000) |
| Card Ruined | Full Value ($5,000) |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Do Not Crack It Out: Leave it in the damaged slab. This proves it was a 10.
- Submit for Re-Holder: Send to PSA under “Re-Holder” service.
- Keep the Claim Open: Tell the adjuster: “I am accepting the re-slab fee, but keeping the claim open pending PSA’s condition review.”
FAQ
Can I just keep the money and the cracked slab?
Yes, usually. But you can’t sell it as a pristine 10.
[IMAGE: Photo of a graded card slab with a “spiderweb” crack over the label]