Have you ever gone on vacation and worried that your stuff won’t be there when you get home? Your homeowner’s/renter’s insurance may provide coverage for damaged or stolen personal items, but sometimes it’s not enough. This coverage is typically limited to a certain amount of money for standard plans. If you have valuable items and you want to ensure they’re properly covered and that you’ll receive a decent amount of money for your claims, then you should consider a valuable items policy.
What is Valuable Items Insurance?
“Valuable” item refers to expensive, rare, or collectible items that are worth a significant amount of money. Most people think of valuables as fine jewelry and your silverware/fine China, but it also includes artwork, coin/stamp collections, musical instruments, medical devices, cameras, and various electronics.
Double-Check Your Policy
If you’re unsure of what your personal items policy covers, you should go over it again and double-check to make sure you have enough coverage. Does your personal items coverage include all perils or named perils? Peril is something that would cause damage (like a fire or a tornado).
All Perils means the insurance company has to prove if your item is not covered. This option is more expensive because it covers everything except perils that are specifically excluded (think flood or earthquake).
Named Perils means the insurance company can only cover it if it’s damaged as a result of a peril listed on the insurance policy. This typically covers your basics like vandalism and theft, storms, and more depending on what your insurer covers.
Have Valuables Appraised
Did you inherit something from grandma and have no idea what it’s worth? Get an appraisal done by a professional! They can tell you how much your valuables are worth. Some items appreciate (or depreciate) over time, so have your valuables appraised every few years so you’re aware of their current value. Insurance agencies typically have a cap on the amount they’ll cover, so you may need to take out extra coverage if your policy’s limits aren’t enough.
Create A Home Inventory
Don’t be at a loss any more than you need to be after peril occurs. Create a home inventory so you have a list of exactly what is in your house and what your items are worth. This helps both you and your insurer with claims. Catalog everything and include pictures and descriptions of each item. It’s even better if you include receipts with the date of purchase with the original value if possible. If you had your valuables appraised, be sure to include those appraisals as well.
Actual Cash Value versus Replacement Cost Coverage
Most personal item coverages have actual cash coverage, meaning that your insurance will cover the amount an item is worth. Many items like furniture and appliances lose their value as time goes on. If you upgrade to a replacement cost coverage plan then the insurance will have to cover the original cost of the item. This plan is pricier, but it can be worth it in the long run if you live in an area prone to peril. Also, if you have this plan make sure you keep the receipts for the items you buy!
If you’re concerned about the insurance for your valuables, don’t wait until it’s too late. Talk to your local insurance agent to discuss a quote for a valuable items policy today!
Summer is the time for taking your off-roading vehicle for a spin. Make sure your off-road vehicle is properly insured beforehand! Off-road vehicles usually are not covered under your homeowner’s or auto insurance policy. Even if you are off-roading on your property, you may still need an off-road policy depending on the laws in your state.
Some vehicles that are considered off-road are snowmobiles, golf carts, ATVs, or dirt bikes. Many of the coverages that you may find in your auto insurance policy are similar to off-road vehicle insurance. These are the types of coverage you may need for your off-road vehicle:
Collision Coverage may help with repair costs if you damage your vehicle from hitting a tree, fence, or another vehicle. This is standard for most vehicle policies.
Bodily Injury Liability policies may help cover the cost of a person’s medical bill if you’re found liable for their injuries after hitting them with your off-road vehicle.
Property damage liability can help cover the cost of repairs if you damage someone else’s property with your off-road vehicle. This includes their vehicle or other personal property like fences.
Comprehensive coverage is a policy that may help cover the cost of repairs or replacement for your off-roading vehicle if it has been damaged from something other than a collision (like hail damage or a fallen tree) or if it is stolen.
Like many insurance policies, you may need to pay a deductible before your insurance will help cover the cost of repair. There are often coverage limits, which means that the insurance may only pay up to a max amount.
Depending on your location you may be required to have proof of liability insurance. Even if it isn’t required in your state, you should still carry it because you never know what may happen. If you were to injure someone or cause damage to someone’s property while on your off-road vehicle, you may have to pay out of pocket for the medical bills or repairs.
Off-Road Vehicles on Roads
In most states, it’s illegal to operate an off-road vehicle on a public road. Most insurance won’t even help cover the cost of repairs to your off-road vehicle if damage happens while operating on a public road. If you are transporting your off-road vehicle in a trailer then it may be covered.
You should always research your state and local laws and be well aware of what your insurance covers. Most state parks don’t allow off-road vehicles unless otherwise stated. If you happen to get in an accident and aren’t following the laws, then you will likely have to pay out of pocket for repairs.
Many insurance agencies offer substantial discounts if you already carry an auto/home insurance policy with them. Consider packaging your insurance plans together to get the most out of your money. Reach out to one of your local insurance agents today to get an off-road vehicle insurance quote!