“Insuring” Your Valuables Are Protected This Valentine’s Day
We’re all familiar with Valentine’s Day – the day for love. It’s also a day for giving gifts such as candy, flowers and thoughtful cards. Don’t forget expensive jewelry!
Now it’s time to get practical.
If you have purchased or been the recipient of a splendid gift, make sure you have adequate insurance coverage for your valued item. While your standard homeowners’ insurance policy extends some limited coverage for jewelry and other valued collections, it could fall short when a claim occurs.
Thankfully, it is possible to add coverage to eliminate the gaps. Determining what is right for you depends largely on the value of jewelry or collectibles you have acquired and need to protect.
So, what exactly is the difference between our standalone collections policies and a standard homeowners’ policy?
| Standard Homeowners’ Policy | Standalone Collections Policy or Jewelry Floater | |
| Coverage for theft |
Yes Coverage is typically limited to an amount between $1,500 – $10,000 |
Yes |
| 30-day automatic coverage for newly acquired jewelry | No | Yes |
| Will a deductible apply? | Yes | No |
| Coverage for accidental loss or mysterious disappearance | No | Yes |
| Agreed Value or Market Value Coverage |
Market Value at the time of loss and subject to the policy deductible and theft limit |
Agreed Value Many policies pay over the agreed or scheduled amount, and up to 150 percent of the current market value at the time of loss. |
What steps can you take to ensure your jewelry is protected?
Since many people tend to forget just how valuable their jewelry is, or even forget what they have, it helps to regularly take inventory and have it appraised every two to three years to avoid over- or under-insuring your collection. Additionally, it is recommended that you:
- Keep copies of purchase receipts.
- Catalog your collection with photos.
- Utilize safe storage. Store your valuable jewelry in a bank vault or home safe when not wearing.
- When storing jewelry in your home, choose various locations throughout the home to make it more difficult for thieves to find and steal all pieces.
- Consider the risk when traveling. Bring only the jewelry you intend to wear. Even better, travel only with costume pieces. Leave expensive jewelry at home in a safe place.
Experience the Oswald difference when protecting your valuable pieces of jewelry. We will help you to determine your needs and connect you with the right insurance coverage.
For more information visit our Personal Risk page or contact:
Christel Romer
Senior Client Manager & Team Lead
Personal Client Management
734-545-8457
Email
Note: This communication is for informational purposes only. Although every reasonable effort is made to present current and accurate information, Oswald makes no guarantees of any kind and cannot be held liable for any outdated or incorrect information. View our communications policy.
Subscribe to Oswald Advisories
Signup