Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Personal property coverage

Protecting Grandma's China (and other knick knacks!)

It isn't as popular to pick out china patterns as it was when my parents were married. But many of us have inherited china, crystal and silver from our mothers and grandmothers. Is it covered in the case of a loss? That depends. If you have antique patterns, worth more than the everyday patterns of today, your policy may not cover the replacement. (Not that you can truly replace these family heirlooms.)
Most homeowner's policies will have an optional coverage called Scheduled Personal Property. If you have a single item/collection worth more than your coverage allows, you want to shedule the property out. For example- many policies will cover up to $2500 for a single piece of jewelry, or camera equipment. If you have an item/collection worth more than what is covered, you will be out of luck in the case of a loss. The policy will not pay more than the coverage calls for, regardless of the proof you may show. Ask your agent what your limits are. 
Scheduled Personal Property will offer additional types of coverage your basic Personal Property coverage might not. There is no deductible, and most will cover theft or loss of any kind. There are exclusions such as wear and tear and war. 
Other items to consider scheduling out would include:
* Engagement and wedding rings (any jewelry if a single piece is above the included limit)
* Coin collection 
* Gun collection 
* Electronics
* Camera equipment
* Furs (as politically incorrect as these are nowadays, there is still coverage)                               
To put a Scheduled Personal Property endorsement in place, you will need a certified appraisal, dated within the last 3 years. Pictures are a good idea as well.  This coverage is in place to make sure you are compensated for the Replacement Cost in the case of a loss. I know many things can't be "replaced" if lost or stolen,  but many things can be. 
This is what insurance is for. Use it!
Contact your Insurance agent to find out about this valuable coverage. 
Thanks for reading!

No comments:

Post a Comment