Personal property coverage on a standard HO-3 policy covers cash, but reimbursement is capped at a sublimit of $200 to $500. Under Coverage C, the sublimit applies to cash, banknotes, coins used as currency, and gold and silver bullion.
Does Home Insurance Cover Cash and Currency?
Updated: March 27, 2026
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Key Takeaways
Standard homeowners insurance covers cash under personal property coverage but caps reimbursement at a sublimit of $200 to $500, regardless of how much cash was actually lost.
The cash sublimit is a fixed policy limit that typically can't be increased through an endorsement or rider, unlike sublimits for jewelry, fine art or other valuables.
Filing a theft claim for cash alone rarely makes financial sense because the sublimit is almost always below the standard deductible of $500 to $2,000.
When Does Home Insurance Cover Cash and Currency?
Personal property coverage on a standard HO-3 policy reimburses cash losses from covered perils, but only up to the policy's sublimit of $200 to $500.
Cash stolen during a home burglary (up to the sublimit)
Standard homeowners insurance covers theft of cash from your home, but only up to the policy's cash sublimit of $200 to $500.
Currency destroyed in a house fire or explosion
Cash destroyed in a covered fire or explosion is reimbursable under personal property coverage, up to the sublimit amount.
Money damaged by a covered windstorm or tornado
Cash damaged by a covered windstorm or tornado is reimbursed under personal property coverage, subject to the sublimit.
Money orders and cashier's checks destroyed in a covered loss
Money orders and cashier's checks may be covered under a separate sublimit depending on your insurer and policy form.
Gift cards lost in a covered peril
Gift cards are generally treated as cash equivalents and covered under the same sublimit, though treatment may vary by insurer.
When Doesn't Home Insurance Cover Cash and Currency?
Standard homeowners insurance won't cover cash above the sublimit, cash that's lost or misplaced, cryptocurrency, cash stored for business purposes or money kept in a vacant property.
Cash amounts exceeding the sublimit
The cash sublimit typically can't be raised with an endorsement, unlike scheduled personal property coverage for jewelry or fine art. Any cash above the $200 to $500 limit won't be reimbursed.
Cash that's lost, misplaced or simply unaccounted for
Homeowners insurance covers only losses from named perils like theft or fire, not cash that's simply missing or unaccounted for.
Cryptocurrency or digital currency
Digital currency isn't classified as physical personal property, so standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover cryptocurrency losses.
Cash stored for business purposes
Cash used for business operations requires a commercial policy or home business endorsement, not a standard homeowners policy.
Cash in a vacant or unoccupied property
Most policies exclude coverage for cash and other belongings in properties left unoccupied for extended periods, typically 30 to 60 days depending on the carrier.
How to File a Claim for Stolen or Destroyed Cash
If cash was stolen alongside other belongings in a burglary, filing a homeowners insurance claim covers all losses in a single process.
- 1Call the Police and File a Report
A police report is required for any theft claim. The report number is the first document your insurer will request, and you should file it as soon as possible after discovering the loss.
- 2Document All Stolen and Damaged Property
List every item, including the cash amount. Gather bank withdrawal records, ATM receipts or any other evidence of the cash you had on hand to support your claim.
- 3Contact Your Insurer Within 24 to 48 Hours
Most policies require prompt notification. State Farm, Allstate and other insurers offer claims hotlines and mobile apps to file reports quickly.
- 4Meet With the Adjuster
The adjuster reviews documentation and may inspect your home for break-in damage or fire loss to verify the claim.
- 5Review Your Settlement Offer
Cash is reimbursed up to the sublimit. Other stolen items are reimbursed at actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost value (RCV) depending on your policy.
- 6Appeal if Necessary
If your cash claim is denied, request a written explanation and file an appeal with your insurer's claims department.
Should You File a Claim for Stolen Cash?
Filing a homeowners insurance claim for stolen cash makes sense when cash was taken alongside other personal property (such as electronics, jewelry or furniture) and total losses clearly exceed your deductible. The cash sublimit applies only to the cash portion; other stolen items are reimbursed under standard personal property limits. Filing makes financial sense when the combined value of all stolen belongings exceeds a deductible of $500 to $2,000.
Filing for cash as the only stolen item rarely pays off. The sublimit of $200 to $500 is almost always at or below the standard deductible, meaning a cash-only claim typically results in zero payout. Any theft claim can also raise premiums for several years, typically three to five years, making a cash-only claim impractical. Compare coverage options with cheap homeowners insurance providers to choose a policy that fits your budget.
Cash and Currency Coverage: Bottom Line
Personal property coverage on a standard HO-3 policy covers cash, but only up to a sublimit of $200 to $500. That sublimit typically can't be increased with an endorsement, unlike coverage for jewelry or collectibles. Check your declarations page for your exact sublimit, and if you keep more than the sublimit in cash at home, deposit the excess in an FDIC-insured bank account. The best homeowners insurance companies disclose sublimit details clearly in their policy documents, so review your coverage annually to confirm your limits.
Cash & Currency Coverage in Home Insurance: FAQ
Understand more about how cash and currencies are covered in home insurance through MoneyGeek's frequently asked questions below.
How much cash does homeowners insurance cover?
A standard HO-3 policy covers $200 to $500 in cash, depending on the insurer and policy form. The sublimit applies per occurrence, not per item. Unlike jewelry or collectibles, the cash sublimit typically can't be increased with an endorsement or rider, leaving homeowners who keep large amounts of cash at home without a way to raise the insurance limit on that money. Review what homeowners insurance covers to understand all sublimits in your policy.
Does the deductible apply to cash theft claims?
The standard deductible of $500 to $2,000 applies to all claims, including cash theft. Because the cash sublimit is at or below most deductibles, a cash-only claim typically results in zero payout.
Does homeowners insurance cover cryptocurrency?
Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover cryptocurrency because digital currency isn't classified as physical personal property. Some specialty insurers and riders now offer crypto coverage, but it's not part of a standard HO-3 policy.
Will filing a claim for stolen cash raise my premium?
Filing any theft claim can increase premiums, typically for three to five years, which is why filing for a cash-only loss below the deductible doesn't make financial sense.
Do all homeowners insurance policies have the same cash limit?
Cash sublimits vary by insurer and policy form. The sublimit is a fixed amount set by the insurer, and no standard endorsement exists to raise it. State Farm, Allstate and USAA (available only to military members, veterans and their families) each set their own cash sublimits, so compare declarations pages before choosing a policy.
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About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.