5 Ways to Protect High-Value Items at Home
You might believe that your possessions are adequately covered by your home’s insurance policy, but in some cases, such as when pricey goods are damaged or stolen, coverage may be limited or nonexistent.
For instance, many homeowners’ policies often have a $1,000 or $1,500 coverage threshold for jewelry if the loss results from theft. These restrictions are in place to keep homeowners insurance costs down. However, if your home is broken into and $2,000 worth of jewelry is taken, and your policy only covers $1,000, your insurer will only pay you $1,000 to replace the lost things.
When that happens, an insurance endorsement (also known as a rider) may be able to give your possessions further protection. This coverage can help shield you from losing expensive goods, including jewelry, furs, antiques, artwork, and collectibles, for an additional fee.
Here are five recommendations to help protect high-value items at home:
1. Go over your insurance policy.
A contract between you and your carrier governs your insurance policy. This document specifies the maximum amount for which you may be reimbursed if certain expensive products are lost or damaged. Be aware that some things cannot be covered, so carefully study your policy to see if your insurance matches your needs. Contact your insurance representative if you have any queries.
2. Have Your Items Valuated
You might own things that are more valuable than you realize. It might be beneficial to have them valued to aid in your decision regarding whether you require additional coverage. Given that some items may not be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy, an appraisal can assist you in determining if your home is fully insured.
Without expert advice, estimating the worth of some goods, such as jewels or collectibles, may be challenging. It can be required to frequently have your possessions reevaluated. If their worth rises, you might need to buy more insurance.
3. Make an inventory of your home.
Until you completely understand your possessions, you might not be able to decide whether to purchase more coverage. Making an inventory of your possessions may be a good idea. Don’t forget to search your attic, cellar, and garage for items like coin collections and antiques that may be housed there.
List all valuable objects and, if available, attach copies of the invoices or the appraisals. This might be helpful if you ever need to submit a claim to your insurance company.
4. Check the Crime Rate in Your Area
You could need more extra coverage to secure your possessions if you reside in a neighborhood with a high crime rate. Police agencies may keep track of crime data and disseminate it to the general public. You can think about inquiring with the authorities about local home invasion patterns. Installing a security alarm system is another option. You may be eligible for a homeowners insurance discount if you have an alarm system.
5. Make a list of your electronic devices.
People use their electronic devices to carry out work and maintain social relationships in our increasingly high-tech society. Numerous new tools and equipment have been created in recent years that could improve our lives. Make sure your homeowner’s coverage will cover their loss if you keep expensive equipment and laptops in your home.
Need help finding homeowner’s insurance in Hong Kong? Get in touch with us.