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May the Force of a Personal Articles Floater Be with You

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Inside This Article: 

  • A new Star Wars movie is fueling renewed interest in collectibles and memorabilia.  
  • High-value items — from movie props and sports memorabilia to jewelry and fine art — may not be fully covered by Homeowners Insurance.  
  • Personal Articles Floaters can help protect collectibles against a wide range of risks. 

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The Star Wars universe continues to expand — not just on screen, but in the collectibles market. 

With The Mandalorian and Grogu set for theatrical release on May 22, 2026, fans are preparing for a new wave of memorabilia tied to the franchise. The film marks Disney’s first Star Wars movie in seven years, with additional projects expected to keep demand strong among collectors. 

From vintage toys to screen-used props, Star Wars memorabilia remain highly sought after. Meanwhile, recent record-breaking auctions across pop culture and sports underscore the growing value of collectibles overall — including a $2.5 million Michael Jordan rookie card, a $24 million Babe Ruth jersey and $32.5 million ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz. 

For brokers and agents, these trends create opportunities to engage clients in conversations about protecting valuable collections — whether tied to pop culture, sports, fine art, jewelry or other high-value items. 

Understanding the Coverage Gap 

Many clients assume their Homeowners Insurance policy will fully protect their valuables. In reality, standard policies often include sublimits, exclusions, and deductibles that can leave collections underinsured. 

Personal Articles Floater may provide broader protection by allowing items to be individually scheduled and insured at an agreed value. Coverage may extend to risks such as theft, accidental damage, and mysterious disappearance, depending on the policy. 

“Whether it is a rare collectible or a sentimental item passed down through generations, these assets deserve to be properly protected,” said Bill Gatewood, Executive Vice President, Personal Insurance, Burns & Wilcox, Detroit/Farmington Hills, Michigan. “A Personal Articles Floater can help give clients confidence that their most valuable possessions are insured to their full value.” 

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A Personal Articles Floater can help give clients confidence that their most valuable possessions are insured to their full value.

Guiding Clients in a Changing Market 

Collecting is often influenced by cultural moments, with renewed interest driven by major film releases and media attention. Many clients may not fully recognize the value of what they own — particularly with inherited items or long-held collections. 

Brokers and agents should encourage clients to: 

  • Review their collections regularly 
  • Obtain updated appraisals 
  • Ensure coverage aligns with current market values 

As interest in collectibles continues to grow, having the right coverage in place can help protect both financial and sentimental investments.

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