Pokémon GO GO GO: Insurance experts warn Brits to check the value of their childhood collectibles

With Pokémon’s 30th anniversary coming up on 27th February, data from Go.Compare home insurance suggests fans of the Japanese franchise are realising that their childhood Pokémon cards could now be serious financial assets. And after news of break-ins at gaming card shops, insurers are warning Brits to get protected.  

The experts at Go.Compare Home Insurance have analysed items declared on UK home insurance policies and found that policyholders have collectively insured more than £2,082,896 worth of Pokémon memorabilia.* This includes sealed booster packs and a number of rare first-edition cards, highlighting just how valuable these nostalgic items have become. 

And Pokémon isn’t the only retro collectible that could have some serious value – the data also revealed that Brits could be insuring more than £4.5 million worth of Lego.* The figures are based on single specified items or collections that people have declared on their home insurance policies and include highly sought-after sets, such as the Ultimate Collection Series Lego Death Stars, valued at more than £3,000. 

However, with Go.Compare's research revealing that almost one in three (32%) Brits do not have home contents insurance, experts are warning homeowners to ensure their belongings are adequately protected.** 

Nathan Blackler, Go.Compare home insurance spokesperson, commented: "We all love the idea that an old childhood toy could one day be worth some money, and it's exciting to think about what could be hidden away in attics, garages or storage lockers. You may stumble upon an old collection that could be worth a fortune and what a nice surprise that would be. 

"Our data shows that a niche item could be just as valuable as more conventional collectables such as jewellery, artwork and furniture - and with Pokémon cards, even more than a grand piano or a Chanel handbag. 

"If you're lucky enough to have a card collection stashed away that's worth a lot of money, or if it's important to you personally, it's crucial to get adequate insurance. Home contents policies will cover you for a wide range of belongings, but anything worth more than the single article limit specified by an insurer, usually around £1,000, will likely need to be added separately as it won't be included in your standard cover." 

To help make sure your valuables are fully protected, here are Nathan’s top tips: 

• Get an up-to-date valuation - values can fluctuate, particularly for collectables influenced by market trends, and if you’re unsure about something's value, then it’s best to consult an expert so you get the cover you need. 

• Check your policy - most policies have a single-item limit, often around £1,000, so check your polic,y and if you have any items above this threshold, you’ll need to get them listed separately or take out a separate policy. You can find out more about that here. 

• Keep original packaging and certificates – if you are lucky enough to still have the original packaging, don’t throw it away. And if you’re buying these collectables now, a certificate of authentication can help prove their worth.  

• Think about the value of the collection as a whole – and if you have a few items which might not be above the single item limit, but collectively are, think about the value of the total collection.  

For more information on home and valuable insurance, visit: https://www.gocompare.com/home-insurance/jewellery-and-valuables/