Let’s be honest: Coffee table books are the show-offs of your living room. They’re bold, glossy, and scream, ‘I have great taste and probably drink double espressos’. But these oversized bundles of beauty are more than just decorative décor. They’re often pricey, deeply sentimental, and sometimes rare collector’s items that deserve a little royal treatment.
While most people wouldn’t think twice about insuring their electronics, art or even their couch… Books? That’s a different chapter. But here’s why you should add those page-turners to your insurance policy faster than you can say bookworm.
They’re valuable (like, really valuable)
From limited-edition art tomes to first-edition fashion retrospectives and architectural marvels, coffee table books can cost anywhere from R500 to well over R5,000 each. If you’ve got a growing collection, the total value can skyrocket faster than you can spell ‘bibliophile’.
They’re collectors’ items
Many coffee table books are produced in limited runs. That means if your copy of Annie Leibovitz: Wonderland gets damaged or goes missing, replacing it might not be possible… Or could cost you a small kingdom.
They’re not just books. They’re memories
Whether it’s a photo book from your travels or a stunning collection of African wildlife photography that reminds you of your safari, these books often carry personal memories. And while we can’t insure emotions, we can help you protect what stirs them.
Accidents happen (even in pretty homes)
Spilled wine, curious toddlers, unexpected guests who don’t know the difference between art and a coaster… Your beloved books are constantly exposed to the everyday chaos of life. Insurance = peace of mind.
They’re part of your home’s aesthetic value
These aren’t your average airport novels. Coffee table books are style statements, conversation starters, and mood-setters. They’re just as much part of your curated interior as your bespoke furniture or vintage rug.
So, how do I insure my coffee table books?
Easy, actually.
If your books are safely nestled in your living room and part of your home’s permanent collection, they’re covered under home contents insurance. This protects your books against loss or damage due to theft, fire, flood, or other insured events.
Pro tip: Keep receipts and take photos
To make claims super easy (and drama-free), keep purchase slips and take a few snaps of your collection. That way, if you ever need to claim, you won’t have to rely on memory… or your dog-eared list in Notes.
Royal cover for your prized pages
Here in the kingdom of King Price, we’re all about covering the things you care about. That includes your high-end coffee table books, whether they’re stacked on your ottoman, perched on your bar cart, or colour-coded across your bookshelf.
We recommend adding them to your home contents insurance or specifying them under portable possessions if you’re on the move. And while you’re at it, check out our R1 insurance for bicycles, hearing aids, motorbike gear, and golf clubs if you already have comprehensive car or motorbike insurance with us.
Coffee table books are the kings (and queens) of chic. They’re bold, beautiful, and absolutely insurable. Whether you’ve got an Instagrammable stack or a sentimental stash, they’re part of your home’s story. So don’t leave them exposed to risk (or red wine). Insure them with the kingdom’s favourite insurer.
Ready to give your books the royal treatment?
Get in touch with King Price today and add your prized pages to your home contents. Not yet a client? It’s time to reign with the king. Get a quick commitment-free quote now and let us roll out the red carpet for your cover. You can also chat to us on WhatsApp 0860 50 50 50.
FAQs
Can I insure my books under buildings insurance?
Nope. Buildings insurance covers the structure of your home. Your books fall under home contents or portable possessions, depending on where and how they’re stored.
What if my books are rare and irreplaceable?
You can specify them on your policy with their accurate value. That way, if something happens, we’ll do our best to replace or reimburse based on that value.
Will my coffee table books be covered in a fire or flood?
If you’ve added them to your home contents insurance, yes. Just make sure you’re not underinsured… That would be a plot twist you don’t want.
Can I claim if a guest spills something on my book?
Accidental damage is covered under certain circumstances, but exclusions apply. Read your policy doc or give us a shout to check.
Do I need to itemise every book?
Not always, but if any book is especially valuable (say R5,000 or more), it’s best to specify it on your schedule for full cover.