Maximum Insured Value (Previously Declared Value)


Because Slabd fully insures all cards, international customs laws require a shipping Declared Value for all goods sent overseas. Additionally, PSA now uses the term “Maximum Insured Value” to determine coverage and service level for grading your cards.

What is Maximum Insured Value?

PSA previously used the term “Declared Value” to set insurance coverage, but they have moved to Maximum Insured Value (MIV). This amount is tied to the grading service level you select and serves as the coverage limit if your card is lost or damaged during shipping or while in PSA’s possession.

If the actual market value of your card exceeds the MIV for the grading service level chosen, PSA may require you to upgrade to a service level that accommodates the higher value.

Slabd also still requires a customs Declared Value when shipping your cards internationally to ensure full insurance coverage. In practice, you will need to provide:

  1. The shipping Declared Value (for customs and door-to-door insurance).
  2. The Maximum Insured Value (determined by the PSA service level you choose).

You can find PSA’s detailed explanation here: PSA Maximum Insured Value.

Learn more about PSA grading services, turnaround times, and processes.

How do I assess my card’s value for MIV?

Although PSA sets the MIV based on the service level, you still want to have a reasonable idea of your card’s market value to choose the appropriate grading service. Two main factors influence a card’s value: condition and desirability.

Condition

PSA’s Grading Standards use a 1–10 scale, from ‘Gem mint’ to ‘Poor’. Factors affecting condition include marks, stains, bends, cuts, tears, and printing quality, among others.

PSA’s PhotoGrade offers visual examples of the same card in different condition grades, highlighting factors that affect each grade.

Desirability (Market Value)

Desirability is essentially what makes your card appealing to potential buyers—rarity, historical significance, player popularity, and set importance all play a role.

Here are some resources you can reference if you need help in assessing your card’s market value (always subject to the card’s condition):

PSA

  • SMR Price Guide
    – The official price guide for PSA-certified collectibles
  • Auction Prices Realised
    – Recent auction activity from top houses like eBay and Heritage. You can filter by date, price, grade, and more.

Other price guide resources

If you are pressed for time or having trouble valuing your cards, you can use our Value My Cards form, and we’ll do the hard work for you.

The small print

Although PSA now refers to Maximum Insured Value rather than Declared Value, the principle is similar: if PSA determines that your card’s stated coverage is too low, they may request an adjustment to ensure the card is placed in the correct service level. By submitting your card, you agree that the service level (and associated fees) may be changed if PSA deems it necessary, and that your card(s) will not be released until any additional charges are settled.

Slabd

Slabd does not determine the Maximum Insured Value (or shipping Declared Value) on your behalf and is not responsible for underestimated values. Check out our terms and conditions for more information. If the value you have set is lower than the actual market value of the card, PSA may request an upgrade to the correct service level.

PSA

If PSA determines, at any point in the process, that your submission’s value has been understated relative to the item’s market value, PSA reserves the right to adjust the service level (and corresponding fees) to match the correct Maximum Insured Value. If you refuse or cannot pay for the upgrade, PSA will return the item unprocessed at your cost, and you will be charged for the service level at which you submitted the item. PSA’s determination that you have understated your value will affect only the Service Level charge; it will not change the insurance coverage limit tied to that level.

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