The top six car boot sale bargains that could actually be worth thousands
From forgotten boxes of childhood toys to old records, seemingly ordinary household possessions could now be worth considerably more than their owners realise.
Collectables that were once bought for just a few pounds can become highly sought-after years later, particularly when they are rare, discontinued or kept in excellent condition.
Experts at Stanhope Insurance have revealed some of the everyday items that could be worth thousands.
Vinyl records
Rare pressings, limited releases, unusual variants and records that were withdrawn from sale can attract significant interest from collectors.
For vinyl collectors, early pressings of albums by The Beatles, David Bowie and Pink Floyd are often among the most sought-after records.
Owners should check details such as the catalogue number, pressing information and condition against specialist record databases or seek advice from a reputable record dealer.
Lego sets
Retired and limited edition Lego sets can be particularly desirable once they are no longer available from retailers.
Discontinued Star Wars sets, including versions of the Millennium Falcon and Death Star, are among those worth investigating.
Complete sets in their original packaging will be more valuable, so it’s worth checking the exact set number before clearing it out.
First-edition books
First editions of sought-after books can command significant sums, particularly where relatively few copies were originally printed, or the book went on to become culturally significant.
Early editions of books such as Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone are a famous example.
Only a relatively small number of copies of the first hardback edition were originally printed, making genuine first editions particularly desirable among collectors.
Signed copies, rare dust jackets, unusual printing variations and books associated with notable authors can all increase desirability.
Vintage toys, action figures and trading cards
Vintage Star Wars figures, early Barbie dolls, Action Man figures, Transformers and certain Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars can all attract collectors, particularly when complete and kept in original packaging.
Trading cards can be extremely valuable. Certain Pokémon, including first edition Charizard cards, are the best-known examples.
Other rare promotional cards, limited releases and early holographic cards can also be highly sought-after.
Potentially valuable cards can be professionally graded to confirm their authenticity and condition.
Coins and watches
Rare coins with low mintages, unusual designs or manufacturing errors may be worth considerably more than their face value.
The 2009 Kew Gardens 50p is one of the best-known modern examples due to its relatively low circulation.
Certain vintage models from Rolex, Omega, Cartier and Patek Philippe are particularly sought-after.
Original boxes, receipts, certificates and servicing documentation should also be kept wherever possible, as these can help establish a watch's history and authenticity.
Owners who believe they have found something unusual should avoid attempting to polish or clean it, as doing so can actually reduce its value to collectors.
Vintage electronics and games
Old game consoles, computers, mobile phones and video games can attract collectors, particularly when they represent an important moment in technology or gaming history.
Early Nintendo consoles and games, original Game Boys, certain Sega products and older Apple computers can all be worth investigating before they are thrown away or recycled.
William Cooper, managing director at Stanhope Insurance said: “Many people could be sitting on valuable collectables without realising it, particularly items that have been stored away for years.
“If you think you've found something valuable, avoid cleaning, repairing or restoring it before speaking to a specialist, as this could actually reduce its value.
"Online marketplaces can give you an indication of what similar items have sold for, but potentially valuable pieces should be professionally valued.
“It's also worth checking your home insurance.
"High-value items may need to be declared separately, and homeowners shouldn't assume their standard contents cover will automatically protect an item for its full value.
“Keep photographs, receipts and professional valuations somewhere safe and review your cover whenever you discover or purchase something particularly valuable.”