I stored 30 pairs of Jordan 3s and 4s in my garage in Arizona. It saves space, right? After a particularly brutal July where temps hit 115°F, I went to grab a pair of Black Cements. The midsole separated cleanly from the upper as soon as I picked it up. I filed a claim for “Heat Damage.” The adjuster pointed to the “Extremes of Temperature” exclusion and closed the case.
Key Takeaways
- “Extremes of Temperature” Exclusion: Almost all standard policies exclude damage caused by changes in temperature or humidity.
- Garage = Negligence: Storing collectibles in a non-climate-controlled space (garage, attic, shed) is often viewed as “improper storage” or negligence.
- Glue Failure is “Gradual”: Insurance covers sudden events. Glue drying out happens over months. That makes it a maintenance issue, not an accident.
- The Climate-Control Rider: The only way to cover this is through a specific collector policy that covers “breakage” and “climate system failure.”
The “Why” (The Trap): The Maintenance Clause
Insurers expect you to take care of your property.
The policy says: “We do not insure for loss caused by… dampness of atmosphere or extremes of temperature.”
If you put a candle in an oven, you can’t claim it melted. If you put sneakers in a 100-degree garage, you can’t claim the glue melted. They consider this damage 100% preventable.
The Investigation (I Called Them)
I asked carriers: “If my AC fails and my shoes cook, am I covered?”
1. Wax Insurance
- My Analysis: They cover “Climate Control Failure.”
- The Detail: If I keep my shoes in the house, and the HVAC breaks, and the temp spikes, they cover the resulting damage. But I have to prove the HVAC was maintained.
- Garage Storage: They likely would not cover garage storage in Arizona unless the garage was fully climate-controlled and monitored.
2. State Farm (PAP)
- My Analysis: Explicit exclusion for “gradual deterioration.”
- The Verdict: Sole separation is the textbook definition of deterioration. Denied.
3. AIG Private Client
- My Analysis: For high-net-worth clients ($1M+ collections), they have “All Risk” coverage that is broader.
- The Verdict: They might pay it to keep a wealthy client happy, but your premium will double next year.
Comparison Table
| Storage Location | Standard Policy | Collector Policy (Wax) | Risk Level |
| Bedroom (70°F) | Covered (Fire/Theft) | Covered | Low |
| Attic / Garage | Denied (Temp Exclusion) | Denied (Improper Storage) | Extreme |
| Climate Storage Unit | 10% Limit | Full Coverage | Low |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
Your soles are flapping.
- Reglue, Don’t Claim: Do not file a claim for this. It will be denied, and you will have a “$0 Claim” on your CLUE report (which raises your rates).
- Find a Restorer: Sole separation is fixable. A full “Reglue” costs
80−80−150 per pair. - Move the Stash: Immediately move remaining pairs inside.
- Install Monitoring: Put a Govee Wi-Fi thermometer in your storage area. If it exceeds 75°F, you need to know immediately.
FAQ
Q: My AC broke while I was on vacation. Is that “Sudden”?
A: Yes. That is the one exception. If you can prove the AC was working when you left, and a storm knocked out the power, causing the heat spike, you have a claim. You need the repair bill for the AC unit as evidence.
Q: Are Yeezys safer in heat?
A: Yes. Since they are stitched/molded differently (and use Boost), they don’t have the same “glue layer” failure points as retro Jordans.
[IMAGE: Photo of a Jordan 3 with the sole completely separated, sitting on a concrete garage floor.]