Arcade & Pinball Machines Inventory Guide for Insurance Claims and Policy Coverage
Arcade and pinball machines are not just recreational items—they are often collector's pieces and valuable investments. Whether you own classic arcade cabinets, modern pinball machines, or rare vintage games, these machines can represent a significant financial commitment.
Properly documenting and insuring your arcade and pinball machines ensures that your collection is protected from financial loss in the event of damage, theft, or loss. This guide will help you create a comprehensive inventory of your arcade and pinball machines for insurance purposes.
What Are Insurable Arcade & Pinball Machines?
Arcade and pinball machines, ranging from vintage cabinets to modern, high-tech games, can be expensive and difficult to replace. Collectors often invest in restoring and maintaining these machines, making it even more important to ensure they are adequately insured.
By properly documenting your machines and associated equipment, you can ensure that your collection is protected and covered by your insurance policy.
Importance of Documenting Arcade & Pinball Machines
Arcade cabinets and pinball machines, especially rare or vintage models, can accumulate significant value over time. Restoration efforts, custom modifications, and original components also increase the worth of these machines.
In the event of damage, theft, or loss, having thorough documentation—such as serial numbers, model names, photos, and receipts—ensures that your insurance Claim is processed smoothly. For highly collectible or custom-built machines, it may be necessary to obtain an appraisal to determine their market value accurately.
Ensuring Proper Insurance Coverage for Arcade & Pinball Machines
Replacement Value Coverage: Ensure that your insurance policy covers your arcade and pinball machines at replacement value, so you can replace them with equivalent or updated models at current market prices. This is especially important for rare, vintage, or custom machines.
Detailed Documentation: Maintain an inventory of your arcade and pinball machines, including model names, serial numbers, photos, and purchase receipts. For rare or high-value machines, consider getting an appraisal to document their current market value.
Consider Specialized Riders: If your collection includes particularly expensive or rare machines, consider adding a rider to your insurance policy to ensure full coverage for custom modifications, restoration work, or high-value items.
Regular Inventory Updates: As you acquire new machines, restore or modify existing machines, or add accessories, be sure to update your inventory and verify that your insurance policy reflects the current value of your collection.
Quick List of Arcade & Pinball Machines by Category
Here’s a categorized guide to help you document your arcade and pinball machines for insurance purposes.
Arcade Machines
Classic Arcade Cabinets:
Stand-up arcade cabinets: Traditional upright cabinets featuring classic games such as Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Galaga, Street Fighter, and Asteroids.
Cocktail arcade tables: Sit-down arcade machines with games built into a tabletop, popular for titles like Ms. Pac-Man and Centipede.
Bartop arcade machines: Compact machines designed for use on countertops or bars, often featuring multiple games.
Multicade Machines:
Multi-game cabinets: Modern machines that include multiple arcade games in one cabinet, often with emulators and customizable game lists.
Custom-built multicades: Machines that are customized with multiple games, upgraded screens, and enhanced hardware for a variety of classic arcade experiences.
Racing & Shooting Games:
Racing simulators: Full-sized arcade racing games with steering wheels, pedals, and shifters (e.g., Cruis’n USA, Daytona USA).
Light gun games: Arcade cabinets featuring shooting games where players use light guns to aim at targets on the screen (e.g., Time Crisis, House of the Dead).
Dance & Rhythm Games:
Dance machines: Dance-based arcade games where players step on arrows or pads in time with the music (e.g., Dance Dance Revolution).
Rhythm games: Games that involve timing actions to music or sound cues (e.g., Guitar Hero, DrumMania).
Pinball Machines
Vintage Pinball Machines:
Electromechanical (EM) pinball machines: Older pinball machines that use mechanical components such as relays, solenoids, and stepper units for game logic and scoring. Examples include machines from the 1950s to the 1970s.
Solid-state (SS) pinball machines: Pinball machines from the late 1970s onward that incorporate electronic circuit boards for game logic, scoring, and audio. Examples include machines like Firepower, Eight Ball Deluxe, and Fathom.
Modern Pinball Machines:
Digital pinball machines: Contemporary pinball machines with LCD screens, interactive displays, and advanced sound effects. Titles include popular games like Godzilla, Twilight Zone, Jaws, and Star Wars.
Custom or limited-edition pinball machines: Rare, custom-made, or limited-edition machines that are highly sought after by collectors.
Pinball Accessories & Parts:
Flipper assemblies: Essential components of pinball machines that control the flippers used to hit the ball.
Pinball rubbers and bumpers: Parts that absorb impacts and protect the playfield from wear and tear.
Playfield plastics: Decorative and functional parts of the playfield that protect the internal components of the machine.
LED light kits: Used to enhance the visual appeal of pinball machines, often added as custom modifications.
Replacement boards and power supplies: Electronic boards and power supplies used to restore or maintain vintage pinball machines.
Restoration & Maintenance Equipment
Restoration Tools:
Arcade cabinet restoration kits: Tools and materials used to restore the exterior of arcade machines, including paint, decals, and woodwork.
Pinball playfield restoration kits: Supplies for cleaning and restoring pinball playfields, including wax, polish, and touch-up paints.
Component repair kits: Tools for repairing internal components of arcade and pinball machines, such as Soldering irons, circuit testers, and replacement parts.
Cleaning & Maintenance Supplies:
Glass and playfield cleaners: Specialized cleaners for maintaining the surfaces of pinball machines and arcade cabinet screens.
Lubricants and oils: Used to maintain the mechanical parts of pinball machines and arcade cabinets, such as flippers and coin mechanisms.
Storage Solutions:
Protective covers: Custom-fit covers to protect arcade and pinball machines from dust and damage when not in use.
Climate-controlled storage: Ensuring your machines are stored in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment to prevent damage from extreme conditions.
Additional Accessories
Mods, Marquees & Artwork:
Custom marquee art: Backlit artwork used in the top of arcade cabinets to display game titles.
Mods: Custom additions and accessories installed in pinball machines to enhance their entertainment or financial value.
Side art & decals: Decorative decals applied to the sides of arcade cabinets or pinball machines, often used during restoration.
Control Panels & Buttons:
Joystick and button replacements: Upgraded or replacement joysticks and buttons for arcade machines.
Trackballs and spinners: Specialty controls for arcade machines that require unique input devices (e.g., Centipede, Tempest).
Sound Systems:
Speakers and amplifiers: Audio components for enhancing the sound quality of arcade and pinball machines.
Audio upgrades: Custom sound systems or replacement speakers for older arcade cabinets or pinball machines.
Key Considerations for Arcade & Pinball Collection Management
Digital Inventory: Maintain a detailed inventory of your arcade and pinball machines, including model names, serial numbers, photos, and purchase receipts. For rare or restored machines, include any relevant documentation of modifications, restorations, or appraisals.
Proper Storage: Ensure that your machines are stored in a safe, temperature-controlled environment to prevent damage from moisture, heat, or dust. Use protective covers when machines are not in use to keep them in optimal condition.
Regular Inventory Updates: Update your inventory regularly, especially as you acquire new machines or make significant repairs or modifications to your existing machines. Make sure your insurance policy reflects the current value of your collection.
Specialized Insurance Riders: Consider adding a rider to your insurance policy if your collection includes rare, high-value, or custom-built machines. This will help ensure that your machines are fully covered in the event of damage, loss, or theft.
Wrap-Up: Protecting Your Arcade & Pinball Machines
Arcade and pinball machines are valuable pieces of gaming history and entertainment. By maintaining a detailed and up-to-date inventory of your machines and ensuring that they are properly insured, you can protect your collection from financial loss in the event of damage, theft, or loss.
Proper documentation (stored in Loti) and insurance coverage ensure that you can quickly replace or restore your machines and continue enjoying them for years to come.