Some very sad pictures... Maybe you can help

[gbennett0321]

A fire recently completely destroyed my shed and all it's contents. As you can see from a sampling of my losses, I lost a lot of beloved my collections (you may want to skip viewing the pictures if you are prone to weeping). Fortunately, most of my Atari 2600 and Vectrex collection was safely in my house and spared from the fire. On the other hand, all my ColecoVision, most of my Atari Computer collection, and several vintage 80s electronics and memorabilia were a complete loss. Here's where you can help me. My insurance covers replacement cost, not just the depreciated value. I would appreciate any assistance in locating reputable shops that specialize in ColecoVision, Atari (console and computer), and 80s electronics for assessing the actual damages (and helping me replace some of my toys). At the very least, I can be comforted with knowing that others will be mourning with me over my recent loss :( .

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My boxed Atari Video Pinball

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Not one, but two complete Mattel Electronic Dungeons and Dragons games

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Just one of my beloved ColecoVisions

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Some of Atari computers

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My Coleco Tabletop Pac-Man. I had a Coleco Donkey Kong as well (but I haven't been able to identify from the ashes yet)

gbennett0321

[gbennett0321]

I should quantify besides the obvious store run by the Digital Press guys.

gbennett0321

[goatdan]

Wow man, that SUCKS.


My insurance covers replacement cost, not just the depreciated value. I would appreciate any assistance in locating reputable shops that specialize in ColecoVision, Atari (console and computer), and 80s electronics for assessing the actual damages (and helping me replace some of my toys).

Ask your insurance company how they want you to go about this first. The thing that is very difficult is that with so many different items, it would be nearly impossible to find one source that will be able to do it all. Depending on what the insurance company wants, you may be able to use a few different sources for, say, the video game stuff at one and the computer stuff at another. I've found that usually, the insurance adjustors are very good with helping you if you ask questions, because they want you to get the best deal that you can so that they aren't paying out more than they should. In fact, they usually ask you to jump through extra hoops to make sure.

If I can be of any assistance (I run goatstore.com ), please feel free to PM me and I can do my best for any product line that we carry.

[Ryudo]

Damn. I got lucky as last week my apt building caught fire but I just suffered some water damage. None of my collection got hit. I feel bad for ya.

[Atarileaf]

If you need to make some extra money, you could try selling the burnt items on ebay as "slightly used and untested" ;)

[scaleworm]

Damn. I got lucky as last week my apt building caught fire but I just suffered some water damage. None of my collection got hit. I feel bad for ya.

First I am truly and sincerely very sorry for you for having this happen. This is a serious realistic fear I have for this happening in my own house... A fire terrifies the Hell out of me.

So, I have a question. Does anyone here have a rider for their software in their residence, on here? If so, how does one go about doing so? My game collection is insanely huge (not being a braggart, but game shops in Seattle pale in comparison to what I and my daughters own. The same holds true for my music collection (thousands of LPs and CDs): I have a media obsession, do play them, and am NOT a hoarder (as some friends might think {which btw, does anyone else get tagged as a hoarder here, and does that not piss you Off?}).
Does one have to identify and catalog each item in a list to be able to insure the whole collection (I am fearing this is a truth I am going to have to face). I'm thinking of doing this starting this summer, and cataloging as well with imagery with my phone as proof.
Again, sincerely, I am very truly sorry for your tragic loss.

[gbennett0321]

First I am truly and sincerely very sorry for you for having this happen. This is a serious realistic fear I have for this happening in my own house... A fire terrifies the Hell out of me.

So, I have a question. Does anyone here have a rider for their software in their residence, on here? If so, how does one go about doing so? My game collection is insanely huge (not being a braggart, but game shops in Seattle pale in comparison to what I and my daughters own. The same holds true for my music collection (thousands of LPs and CDs): I have a media obsession, do play them, and am NOT a hoarder (as some friends might think {which btw, does anyone else get tagged as a hoarder here, and does that not piss you Off?}).
Does one have to identify and catalog each item in a list to be able to insure the whole collection (I am fearing this is a truth I am going to have to face). I'm thinking of doing this starting this summer, and cataloging as well with imagery with my phone as proof.
Again, sincerely, I am very truly sorry for your tragic loss.

Well, now that I have talked with the adjuster, I sincerely wish that I had taken an inventory of all my stuff with photos/video. I have several items that I know were in my shed, but I haven't found any evidence. Fortunately, in my case the insurance company didn't want to inventory the items themselves, and am letting me inventory/document what was in the shed. Since they waived their right to inventory the items, they have little recourse in questioning my list. If I would have had a pre-built list it would have saved me two days worth of prying plastic apart trying to identify the stuff in my shed.

As a side note, my insurance policy limits my out-building insurance to 1/10 my total policy. It may be in your best interest to keep all your valuable stuff in your house where limits may be higher.

[gbennett0321]

Question, how should I value this item? It is a 7-8 ft standee for Mortal Kombat II. However...... this is a very special one. It is the standee that stood in the lobby of Sculptured Software (creator of the SNES/Genesis versions) for several years. I worked at Acclaim/Sculptured in the mid-90s and was fortunate to acquire the item when they remodeled the studio. Does anyone know what this thing might be worth? Are there any stores that sell standees?

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gbennett0321

[Aussie2B]

I'm really sorry to hear about that. :( Good luck dealing with your insurance company. At least it was your shed and not your home, and thankfully you (and your family?) are safe.

[scaleworm]

I'm really sorry to hear about that. :( Good luck dealing with your insurance company. At least it was your shed and not your home, and thankfully you (and your family?) are safe.

Well said Aussie2B, Well said.