I have a room full of “Magic” bulk boxes. Maybe 50,000 cards. Individually they are worth pennies, but collectively they are worth $10,000. My insurer asked for a “Schedule of Items.” I can’t list 50,000 common cards. I needed a way to insure the bulk without cataloging every single card.
Key Takeaways
- Unscheduled Bulk: Specialty insurers allow you to insure “Unscheduled Inventory” or “Bulk” for a lump sum (e.g., $10,000). You don’t need to list every card.
- Average Value Proof: In a claim, you need to prove the volume. Photos of the boxes and a basic calculation (e.g., “50 boxes x 1,000 cards x $0.05”) is usually accepted.
- The $2,000 Item Rule: Usually, you only need to specifically list individual items worth more than $2,000 (or $5,000 depending on carrier). Everything else can be lumped into “General Collection.”
- Video Walkthrough: A video panning over the stacks of boxes is the best proof of ownership for bulk.
The “Why” (Administrative Burden)
Insurers know you can’t list every card.
“Blanket Coverage: Covers property not specifically listed, subject to a per-item limit.”
The Investigation: How to List It
I asked Collect Insure and American Collectors how to handle bulk.
1. The Spreadsheet Method
- Action: I listed my top 50 cards individually. Then I added one line item: “Bulk Magic Cards (approx 50k)” with a value of $5,000.
- Result: Accepted.
2. The Storage Unit Check
- Action: I took photos of the boxes (labeled “Bulk 2023”).
- Result: Essential for a claim. If the house burns down, ash looks the same. Photos prove the volume existed.
3. Homeowners Limits
- Action: Tried to claim bulk on Homeowners.
- Result: They capped it at $500 total. The bulk was essentially uninsured.
Comparison Table
| Item Type | How to Insure | Proof Needed |
| High Value (>$2k) | Scheduled (Listed) | Grading Cert / Appraisal |
Mid Value ( 50−50− 2k) | Blanket | Inventory List (Spreadsheet) |
| Bulk (<$1) | Blanket | Photo of Volume / Box Count |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Count Your Feet: A standard “BCW 5000” box holds ~4,000-5,000 cards. Count your boxes. 10 boxes = 40,000 cards.
- Establish a Rate: Search “Bulk MTG 1000 cards” on eBay. If it sells for $20, your rate is $0.02/card. Multiply by your count. That is your Insured Value.
- Take the Video: Once a year, walk through your card room recording a video. Open a few boxes to show they are full. Upload to the cloud.
FAQ
Do I need to scan every common?
No. That is a waste of life. Group them by set or box.
[IMAGE: Photo of a closet stacked floor-to-ceiling with white BCW card boxes]