Frequently Asked Questions:

1.         Q:  Why do I need an appraisal of my firearms?

A:  There are a number of reasons – for insurance purposes, including separate scheduling on an insurance policy, or to file a damage or loss claim; to provide valuation evidence in the case of  a dissolution of marriage or a charitable contribution of the item; or to determine value for estate planning or possible sale.

2.         Q:  How can I be sure my firearms are properly insured?

A:  Many insurance policies exclude coverage for firearms, or provide minimal coverage.  Consult your insurance broker about coverage under your homeowners or renters policy.  Be sure that he or she directs you to the specific paragraph of your policy, so you can read exactly what is covered.  If the value of your firearms exceeds the normal policy limits, check with your broker about separate scheduling of the firearms to obtain adequate coverage.  This will typically involve payment of an additional premium for which your broker can provide a quote.  Such scheduling generally will also require that a current appraisal be submitted to the insurance company, which may need to be updated every few years to maintain coverage.  Separate insurance policies which only cover firearms are also available from a number of sources.  For example, members of the National Rifle Association can benefit from their endorsed insurance program, “ArmsCare Plus.”  That policy currently requires an original signed appraisal for any single firearm that is $20,000 or greater in value or any single firearm valued at 120% of Blue Book value.  Similar insurance programs are available through other shooting organizations.

3.         Q:  Can’t I just send you some pictures of my firearms?

A:  No.  In our opinion, good appraisal practice requires that we thoroughly inspect each item for which we provide a valuation.  Pictures may not adequately reveal the true condition of a firearm.  A determination of condition is critical, particularly with respect to collectible firearms. 

4.         Q:  How do I ship my firearms to you?

A:  We suggest you use a priority overnight delivery service such as Federal Express or United Parcel Service (UPS).  The package must not be marked, labeled or otherwise indicate that the package contains a firearm, but you should inform the employee of the delivery service you select of the contents.  You should be sure to pack the firearm(s) carefully to avoid damage during shipping.  Also, be sure to ask about the insurance coverage of the shipper, and purchase additional insurance as you determine necessary.  Incavo Appraisals LLC is not a firearms dealer, and therefore we have arranged a holder of a Federal Firearms License (FFL) to accept deliveries for us.  You should ship your firearm(s) to Incavo at the following address: 

Incavo Appraisals LLC
c/o Midwest Sporting Goods
8565 Plainfield Road
Lyons, IL  60534

The phone number of Midwest Sporting Goods is (708) 447-4848.

5.         Q:   I have a large collection of firearms and I’m nervous about shipping them, which would also be very expensive.  Will a consultant from Incavo Appraisals LLC come to see me?

A:  Yes.  In certain situations it might be more cost effective for one of Incavo Appraisals LLC’s consultants to travel to see your firearms.  The consultant will examine each firearm, make notes and may take pictures, so that he has all information he needs to write his appraisal report.   If this arrangement is used, we will require the cost of the round-trip air fare (or other travel costs) to be paid in advance.