Insuring Your Valuables

Your valuables are important to you—and insuring them is equally important to prevent serious loss in the event of damage or theft. Learn more about how you can protect the finer things in life with additional coverage.

The protection provided for personal property under the typical homeowners policy is very broad, and includes coverage for your furniture, clothing, and appliances. In addition, it provides limited coverage for such items as jewelry, silverware, furs, and firearms.

However, it may not cover some types of loss that may be important to you, such as the stone falling out of your diamond ring, your antique statue that is accidentally broken, or a flooded basement that damages your personal computer. Most homeowners policies have stringent limits on coverage of valuables:

•  As little as $1,000 of jewelry
• Up to $2,000 on firearms
• Up to $2,500 on silverware
• May not cover loss through theft, accident or natural disaster

Optional add-on coverage to the homeowners policy (like a Valuable Items endorsement) can enhance coverage by providing higher limits (up to as high as $50,000 in some cases, but limited to $10,000 per item) and expanded protection for special property.  Click here to learn more.

Items that may require additional coverage:

• Jewelry
• Heirlooms & antiques (furniture, furs, etc)
• Rugs & fine art
• Musical instruments & sound systems
• Bikes, sports & golf equipment
• Vintage wine
• Silverware, china, crystal
• Garden tractors
• Designer appliances
• Computers & cameras
• Collectibles (stamps, coins, etc.)
• Firearms

Endorsements

Endorsements are additions to your homeowners, condominium or renters insurance policy that change or add to the policy’s provisions. The endorsement can cover property otherwise excluded from a basic homeowners insurance policy, extend the number of perils included, or increase the amount paid for a covered loss. The items of value are “scheduled” on a list that includes a brief description and the item’s dollar value.

To determine each item’s value, an appraisal or sales receipt is typically required. This will help ensure that, in the event of a covered loss, the amount of insurance is enough to cover the repair, replacement or cash payment of the item.  Items scheduled are typically not subject to the policy deductible.

Floaters

A separate personal articles floater policy may be used to schedule your valuable property that is subject to special limits under basic homeowners coverage. Once you have an endorsement or floater, it is important to periodically review your policy’s coverage limits to minimize the likelihood of being underinsured due to outdated appraisals and inadequate limits of insurance.

Ensure that your valuables are properly insured. Our personal lines team of professionals can provide you with more information about coverage and an estimate for the cost of scheduling an item. Give us a call more information on endorsements, floaters or separate policies for your most prized possessions.