Frequently asked questions

We have been offering this type of coverage for 25 years and would be happy to discuss all of your questions and assist you in tailoring this coverage to fit your needs.

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1. How does the coverage offered by this program differ from other coverages offered such as my homeowners policy?
2. How much coverage should I buy?
3. Must I schedule my collection?
4. What are the benefits of the Inventory Plan?
5. May I buy a combination of Inventory and Blanket coverage?
6. May I include my layout under "Blanket Coverage"?
7. How much coverage will the $100 minimum premium buy?

8. What is the $10 NMRA Fee?

9. Can I insure my Live Steam Locomotives under this program?

10. If I take my insured items off my premises, are they still covered?

11. I am a dealer.  Can I still apply to this program?

12. My local club needs this type of insurance.  Are they eligible?

13. It is stated that this program covers scale model, tinplate trains brass trains and related accessories such as building, track, transformers, books, videos, photographs, prints, and slides. Are there any other items covered?

14. Whom should I contact with any questions?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

How does the coverage offered by this program differ from other coverages offered such as my homeowners policy?

Homeowners policies generally do not afford the specialized coverage needed to properly insure your model railroad collection and related items. The NMRA program includes expanded coverages needed by the NMRA member.  The NMRA has carefully researched the insurance market and concluded that this program has one of the best coverages available.

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How much coverage should I buy?

The NMRA program requires that you cover your items for 80% of their current replacement cost value (if choosing the Blanket Coverage) to avoid any loss replacement settlement penalties.  We do suggest that you always maintain coverage for the full value of your model collection and layout.

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Must I schedule my collection?

No.  We offer Blanket Coverage for those individuals who do not wish to itemize and have collections of $100,000 or less.  However, we suggest that you itemize and insure under "The Inventory Plan'' in order to enjoy the lower premium rates.  We do require that all live steamers be itemized.

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What are the benefits of the Inventory Plan?

Not only do you enjoy a lower premium rate but, in the event of a loss, the items involved will already be valued on the policy.  This eliminates the need to recreate an inventory to determine the value of the loss.

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May I buy a combination of Inventory and Blanket coverage?

Yes. You may want to itemize and schedule a portion or all of your collection; then you may also include an amount of blanket coverage to cover miscellaneous items and acquisitions prior to itemizing those items and adding them onto your "Inventory Coverage.''

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May I include my layout under "Blanket Coverage"?

Yes.  However, we suggest that you include your layout under ''Layout Coverage'' in order to enjoy the lower premium rate.

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How much coverage will the $100 minimum premium buy?

For "Blanket Coverage": $13,333; or

"Inventory Coverage": $16,666., or

"Layout Coverage": $16,666.

If you buy a combination of coverages, these figures will vary based upon the values placed under each item.

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What is the $10 NMRA Fee?

The NMRA Fee is collected by the insurance agency and paid to the NMRA to assist in defraying the cost associated with administering the insurance program.

This is an annual fee.

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Can I insure my Live Steam Locomotives under this program?

Yes.  The insurance company requires that you place your Live Steam Locomotives on the Inventory Plan.

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If I take my insured items off my premises, are they still covered?

Yes.  Your items are covered anywhere in the coverage territory of the continental United States and Canada.  There is, however, a $15,000 limitation while your items are in transit.  We can increase the transit limit for an additional premium charge.

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I am a dealer.  Can I still apply to this program?

Yes.  However, if you operate your business from a location other than your home, the premium charge may be different depending on your location.  The same holds true for a manufacturer.

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My local club needs this type of insurance.  Are they eligible?

Yes, as long as the club holds a current "NMRA" Sustaining membership".

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It is stated that this program covers scale model, tinplate trains brass trains and related accessories such as building, track, transformers, books, videos, photographs, prints, and slides.  Are there any other items covered?

Yes, along with modeling tools, we are able to insure just about anything related to the model train hobby along with some other types of collectibles. Call us to discuss any items not listed that you would like to insure.

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Whom should I contact with any questions?

Call the J.A. Bash Company toll-free at 1-800-654-2256 or fill out our request for more information web form.

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Copyright © 2004  [J. A. Bash and Company]. All rights reserved.
Revised: 08/19/04.

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Copyright © 2004 [J. A. Bash and Company]
Last modified: 12/15/14