Insuring Valuables
Posted January 16, 2014
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 options, highlighted below.
Coverage Options
Standard homeowners, condominium or renters insurance policies include a limited amount of coverage for jewelry and other valuable items. However, many policies limit the dollar amount of coverage for the theft or loss due to a covered peril of such items. To properly protect certain types of valuables, additional coverage is available through a policy endorsement or floater.
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important to periodically review your policy’s coverage limits to minimize the likelihood of being underinsured due to outdated appraisals and inadequate limits of insurance.
The Cost of Coverage
The cost of coverage varies upon the item, but typically the fee is nominal. Our personal lines team of professionals can provide you with more information about coverage and an estimate for the cost of scheduling an item.
Top Ways to Save on Your Premium:
- Consider raising your deductible
- Invest in a home security system
- Update exterior locks to dead bolts
- Install smoke alarms
- Select an automatic payment method
- Monitor your credit rating
- Ask about our multi-policy discounts
Why Should I Insure my Valuables?
The limited coverage provided in your homeowners policy may not be sufficient to cover your valuables in the event of a loss.
Adding an endorsement or floater policy to the coverage you have ensures that you’ll be reimbursed for these items.
Before a thief steals your possessions or precious jewelry becomes lost, contact your Horst Insurance Account Manager to learn more about the affordable ways we can help you protect the things you value most.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information provided herein is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should it be construed as advice regarding coverage. Eligibility for coverage is not guaranteed and all coverages are limited to the terms and conditions contained in the applicable policy.
