Getting a card graded turns a fragile piece of cardboard into a documented, market-tracked asset — and often multiplies its value. That's exactly why graded slabs deserve coverage built for them, not a generic line item on a homeowners policy.
Why slabs need dedicated coverage
A graded slab's value is precise and public. The grading company, the grade, and the certification number together define a specific asset with a traceable market. A PSA 10 might sell for several times the price of a PSA 9 of the same card. Insurance has to respect that precision — which a homeowners collectibles sublimit (often capped around $1,000 to $2,500 total) simply cannot. For the full comparison, see Card Insurance vs. Homeowners.
Scheduling a slab by grade and cert
High-value slabs are typically scheduled — listed individually with an agreed value, and with the grading company, grade, and cert number recorded. Scheduling does three things well:
- It insures the exact asset — a PSA 10 is covered as a PSA 10.
- It settles a covered total loss against the agreed value, with many collector programs paying up to 150% to cushion appreciation between renewals.
- It creates a clean paper trail that makes a claim fast to substantiate.
Lower-value slabs and raw cards can go under a blanket limit instead. Most collectors schedule the grails and blanket the rest — our complete guide breaks down scheduled vs. blanket in depth.
PSA, BGS, CGC, SGC, CSG — all covered
Coverage isn't tied to a single grader. Slabs from PSA, BGS, CGC, SGC, and CSGcan generally all be scheduled; what matters is the recorded grade and cert number, not which company's label is on the case. See our trading card insurance page for specifics.
Coverage during grading and transit
Cards are most exposed when they move — and slabs move a lot: to shows, to buyers, and out for crossovers or regrades. Collectibles coverage typically follows your cards worldwide and in transit, including grading submissions, with a $0 deductible. That closes one of the biggest gaps left by a homeowners policy, which may not cover a card lost in the mail at all.
What happens if a slab is damaged
Open-peril (all-risk) coverage responds to accidental physical damage, not just theft and fire — so a cracked case or a damaged card from a covered cause can be claimed. For a scheduled slab, settlement is measured against the agreed value. Keeping photos and the cert number on file (ideally in a Poke-Trade Smart Portfolio, which stores exactly this) makes proving the specific card and grade straightforward. Poke-Trade is the documentation tool, not the carrier.
Get your slabs scheduled
Pull your slab list together — grader, grade, cert number, and current comps — then request a free quote. A licensed agent confirms eligibility and prepares coverage through specialty collectibles carriers. Also worth reading: How to Appraise & Document Your Card Collection.
Frequently asked questions
How are graded slabs insured differently from raw cards?
High-value graded slabs are usually scheduled individually with an agreed value, and the grading company, grade, and certification number are recorded. That precision matters because a PSA 10 and a PSA 9 of the same card are very different assets, so they must be insured at different values.
Does slab insurance cover PSA, BGS, and CGC equally?
Yes — coverage is generally available across major grading companies including PSA, BGS, CGC, SGC, and CSG. What is scheduled is the specific slab and its recorded grade, not a preference for one grader over another.
Am I covered while my cards are out for grading?
In-transit and grading-submission coverage may be available, so cards can be protected while they travel to and from a grading company. Terms are confirmed when your quote is prepared, and cards are typically covered worldwide with a $0 deductible.
What if a slab cracks or is damaged?
Open-peril collectibles coverage generally responds to accidental physical damage, not just theft and fire. For a scheduled slab, a covered loss is settled against the agreed value. Keep photos and the cert number on file so the specific card and grade are easy to substantiate.
Insure your collection like the asset it is
Build your quote in a few minutes. A licensed agent confirms eligibility and prepares coverage through specialty collectibles carriers — no premium quoted online.
Coverage is subject to policy terms, underwriting, and carrier approval; availability and thresholds vary by state. Nothing on this page is a bound policy or a binding quote. Insurance is offered through BetterHelp Insurance, a licensed agency appointed with specialty collectibles carriers including WAX. Figures and limits described reflect general program guidelines and may change.