Jewelry and other personal belongings are usually covered under the personal property coverage part of your homeowners insurance policy, which is around 50% to 70% of your dwelling coverage. But because jewelry can be especially valuable, insurers often place a sub-limit of $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the provider.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Jewelry?
Updated: January 19, 2026
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Key Takeaways
Most homeowners insurance policies cover between $1,000 and $2,500 for stolen or damaged jewelry under named perils.
If your jewelry is worth more than your home insurance's built-in coverage limit, you can add scheduled personal property coverage to get full coverage for high-value items.
Homeowners insurance doesn't cover jewelry lost through negligence.
Is Jewelry Covered Under Homeowners Insurance?
Does homeowners insurance cover lost jewelry?
Lost jewelry is rarely covered under a standard HO-3 policy since personal property is protected only against named perils, like fire or theft. An HO-5 policy provides broader, open-perils protection that may cover lost items, but insurers often view loss as neglect. If your insurer provides scheduled personal property coverage, however, you can ask your agent if this endorsement covers accidental or mysterious loss.
Does homeowners insurance cover stolen jewelry?
Jewelry theft is covered, but most policies limit payouts to around $1,000 to $2,500 unless you’ve added extra coverage. Getting a scheduled personal property endorsement for jewelry ensures your high-value items are fully reimbursed.
Does homeowners insurance cover damaged jewelry?
Jewelry is covered if it’s damaged by a listed peril, like fire or wind, but only up to your policy limits. With scheduled personal property coverage, accidental damage may also be included with no deductible, but this varies from insurer to insurer. Before purchasing coverage, ask your insurance agent about the limits of a scheduled personal property endorsement.
Does homeowners insurance cover jewelry outside the home?
Yes, most policies cover stolen or damaged jewelry even when it’s outside your home, but only up to the theft sublimit.
Perils That Cover Jewelry in Home Insurance
- Theft: Your policy covers stolen jewelry, though standard policies cap this unless you schedule the item.
- Fire and Smoke: Fire or smoke damage is covered under personal property coverage.
- Vandalism: Jewelry damaged during a break-in or other covered event is covered.
- Windstorms and Hail: Wind or hail damage inside your home is usually covered.
- Water Damage (From Internal Sources): Burst pipes or plumbing leaks are covered. Flood damage isn't.
- Explosions: Gas leak explosions and similar losses are covered.
- Falling Objects: Objects falling through your roof may be covered if the event is sudden and accidental.
WHY JEWELRY HAS SUBLIMITS
A sublimit caps your payout for certain categories no matter your total personal property coverage. For example, $100,000 in personal property coverage with a $2,000 jewelry sublimit means you get only $2,000 for stolen or damaged jewelry, even though your overall coverage is much higher.
Sublimits exist because jewelry is easy to lose, often worn outside the home and hard for insurers to verify without appraisals. Standard policies cover basic risks. High-value items need scheduled coverage for full protection.
Pair or Set Conditions under Homeowners Insurance
If you lose one earring from a pair or a single piece from a matching set, your insurance won't pay for the entire set's value. Most policies use a "pair and set clause," which limits payment to the proportional value of the lost or damaged piece.
For example, if you lose one earring from a $2,000 pair, you get $1,000 (half the set's value) instead of $2,000 to replace the whole pair. Some insurers pay better terms: replacing the full set or covering the diminished value of the remaining piece. Check your policy or ask your insurer how they handle pair and set claims before filing.
How Much Jewelry Is Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
Most standard homeowners policies cap jewelry theft coverage at $1,000 to $2,500.
To get full coverage:
- Increase your personal property limit
- Add a scheduled personal property endorsement (itemized)
- Purchase a jewelry floater policy (non-itemized but broad)
When Is Jewelry Not Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
Homeowners insurance does cover jewelry, but there are specific situations where coverage may be limited or denied. Here are the main exclusions:
Exceeding the Sublimit
Most policies cap jewelry coverage at $1,000 to $2,500 total for all jewelry claims, not per item. If your engagement ring alone is worth $5,000, you'll only recover up to your policy's sublimit unless you've scheduled it separately. The remaining value becomes your out-of-pocket loss.
Mysterious Disappearance
If your jewelry goes missing and there’s no clear evidence of theft or loss, it may not be covered. This type of vague or unexplained loss is often excluded from standard policies.
Accidental Damage or Loss
Dropping a ring down the drain or accidentally damaging a bracelet may not be covered under a basic homeowners policy. These types of incidents are usually only covered if the item is scheduled.
Wear and Tear
Damage from age, gradual deterioration or lack of maintenance isn’t covered. Homeowners insurance only protects against sudden and accidental losses, not predictable aging.
Excluded Perils
Events like earthquakes or floods are not covered unless you have separate endorsements or policies. If your jewelry is damaged during one of these events, you won't be covered under standard coverage.
Insurance on Jewelry: Getting Extra Coverage
If your jewelry is worth more than what your standard homeowners policy covers, you need more coverage.
Adding High-Value Jewelry to Homeowners Insurance
If your jewelry is worth more than your policy's sublimit, you can add scheduled personal property coverage, which insures high-value items for their full appraised value. This coverage also protects against accidental loss or mysterious disappearance. Depending on the insurer, scheduled items may have no deductible or a lower one, allowing you to recover the full insured amount if a covered loss occurs.
Buying Jewelry Insurance
Jewelry insurance is a standalone policy designed to protect valuable pieces like rings, watches, bracelets and heirlooms from risks such as theft, loss or accidental damage. It offers broader protection than homeowners insurance. These policies typically insure each item for its full appraised value and may not carry a deductible.
Jewelry Insurance vs. Homeowners Insurance
A standalone jewelry insurance policy works better if your pieces are especially valuable or if you want broader protection than your homeowners policy offers. Here's how it compares to adding a jewelry endorsement to your home insurance:
Coverage Limit | Matches the scheduled value of each item | Matches the scheduled value of each item |
Covered Perils | Covers named perils, may include theft, fire, accidental loss (varies by provider) | Often includes broader protection, including accidental loss and mysterious disappearance |
Deductible | May apply or be reduced | Often no deductible |
Claim Impact on Home Policy | May affect homeowners premium or claims history | Claims don’t impact your homeowners policy |
Provider | Added through your existing homeowners insurer | Purchased from a specialized jewelry insurer |
Best For | Moderate-value pieces needing limited extra coverage | High-value or sentimental pieces needing comprehensive protection |
Choose a jewelry endorsement if your pieces are moderately valuable and you want simple coverage through your existing policy. This option costs less and keeps everything in one place, though it may not cover all loss scenarios. Opt for standalone jewelry insurance if you own high-value pieces worth $10,000 or more, frequently travel with jewelry or want the broadest protection available. Standalone policies typically cost 1% to 2% of your jewelry's appraised value annually and offer more comprehensive coverage than endorsements.
How to Purchase Home Insurance Jewelry Endorsements or Jewelry Insurance
If you own valuable jewelry, adding extra protection through a homeowners endorsement or standalone jewelry insurance gives you better coverage; affordable home insurance plus a well-priced endorsement often beats a standalone policy.
Follow these steps to get the right level of coverage for your items.
- 1Get Recent Appraisal or Receipt
Insurers need proof of value to schedule jewelry or issue a separate policy. This sets accurate coverage and guarantees proper payment if you claim.
- 2Call Your Insurer or a Jewelry Specialist
Ask your current insurer about adding a scheduled personal property endorsement. Or compare quotes from companies that specialize in standalone jewelry insurance for broader coverage.
- 3Choose Your Coverage Limits and Deductible
Choose full replacement value coverage and decide if a deductible applies. Scheduled endorsements often let you set a lower or zero deductible for high-value items.
- 4Check Covered Perils and Exclusions
Not all policies cover accidental loss or mysterious disappearance. Read the fine print to know exactly what events your jewelry is covered against.
- 5Add Coverage
Once you're satisfied with the terms, your insurer adds the endorsement or activates your standalone policy. Keep documentation in case you need to update values or file claims later.
When to Update Your Jewelry Coverage
Jewelry values change over time. Your coverage should change too. Review and update your scheduled items or endorsements when your jewelry's value increases or you buy new pieces.
Update your coverage after:
- Buying new jewelry worth more than your sublimit
- Inheriting valuable pieces or getting expensive gifts
- Getting jewelry appraised at a higher value than you originally insured
- Seeing big market value increases for gemstones or precious metals
- Making major modifications or upgrades to existing pieces
Get new appraisals every three to five years to match coverage with current replacement costs. Old valuations leave you underinsured. You won't get enough to replace your items if they're lost or stolen.
Tips to Protect Your Jewelry at Home
Even with jewelry coverage, take steps to prevent theft or loss. Insurance helps you recover financially, but it can't replace sentimental value. These habits keep your jewelry secure and cut the risk of filing claims.
Install a Home Security System
Installing cameras, motion detectors or alarm systems can deter break-ins and make your home safer. Choose systems with remote monitoring so you can act quickly if something seems off.
Store Jewelry in a Safe or Lock Box
Keeping your jewelry in a locked safe or secure storage box helps prevent easy access during a break-in. Avoid leaving valuable items in common areas like bedroom dressers or bathroom counters.
Schedule Repairs When You’re Home
Be present when contractors, cleaners or other service workers enter your home. This reduces the risk of theft or items going missing during a visit.
Keep Entry Points Secured
Always lock doors and windows, especially at night or when you're away. Unsecured access points are one of the most common ways burglars enter a home.
Be Cautious When Traveling
If you bring jewelry on a trip, use a hotel safe or keep items with you at all times. Avoid wearing expensive pieces in unfamiliar or high-risk areas.
Keep Documentation Updated
Maintain current appraisals, receipts and photos of your jewelry if you need to file a claim. Keep digital copies safe for easy access when needed.
Where to Buy Homeowners Insurance That Covers Jewelry
Most homeowners insurance providers offer jewelry coverage through standard policies, though sublimits and endorsement options vary by carrier. Major insurers like State Farm, Allstate and USAA offer scheduled personal property endorsements. Companies like Hippo and Lemonade give you modern, digital-first options with flexible coverage.
Compare at least three quotes to find competitive rates and coverage that matches your jewelry's value. Some insurers specialize in high-value items and offer better terms for expensive collections.
The amount of personal property you insure affects your overall premium. Homeowners insurance costs roughly $175 per month. Rates vary across insurance providers. MoneyGeek recommends shopping around and comparing quotes to find the best rates. Use MoneyGeek's personal property calculator below to estimate how much coverage you need.
Personal Property Coverage Calculator
When figuring out how much renters insurance you need, experts recommend the standard $100,000 in liability insurance and enough personal property protection to cover your possessions. Use MoneyGeek's calculator to estimate the value of your possessions so you know how much personal property coverage to buy.
clothing & accessories
Clothes, shoes, bags, belts, hats, gloves, etc.
How to File a Claim for Lost or Damaged Jewelry
If your jewelry is lost, stolen or damaged, filing a claim through your homeowners or jewelry insurance policy helps you recover its value. The process requires documentation and timely communication with your insurer to avoid delays or denied claims.
- 1Call Your Insurer Right Away
When you notice your jewelry is missing or damaged, call your insurer to start the claims process. Some policies have time limits for reporting, so act fast. Be ready to explain what happened and when you last saw the item.
- 2Gather Documentation
Collect appraisals, purchase receipts, photos and previous correspondence about the item. A home inventory makes this easier. If it was stolen, include a copy of the police report, which many insurers need.
- 3Fill Out the Claims Form
Your insurer gives you a claims form asking how the loss happened and what the item was. Be thorough and accurate to avoid delays. Include supporting documents when you submit the form to speed up review.
- 4Work With the Claims Adjuster
The insurer may send a claims adjuster to review your submission and check the loss. They may ask for more documentation, photos or interviews to verify the claim. Reply fast and give them any additional information they request.
- 5Check the Settlement Offer
Once your claim is processed, the insurer sends a settlement based on your policy's terms, limits and deductible. If you agree, the payout goes out via check or direct deposit. If you disagree, request a reassessment or give more information to support your claim.
Jewelry Coverage Under Homeowners Insurance: Bottom Line
Homeowners insurance covers jewelry, but standard policy limits are low. For full protection against loss, theft or for high-value items, add a scheduled personal property endorsement or jewelry floater. Document your valuables and compare policies to find the right coverage.Will filing a jewelry claim increase my homeowners insurance rates?
Home Insurance Jewelry Coverage: FAQ
We answer common questions about how homeowners insurance covers jewelry, including coverage limits, travel and claims.
Do I need an appraisal to insure my jewelry?
Yes, most insurance companies require a professional appraisal for jewelry worth more than your policy's sublimit before adding scheduled personal property coverage.
The appraisal documents the item's value, specifications and authenticity, which helps determine your coverage amount and ensures accurate reimbursement if you file a claim.
Does homeowners insurance cover jewelry lost while traveling?
Yes, standard homeowners insurance covers jewelry stolen or damaged while traveling, but only up to your policy's sublimit (typically $1,000 to $2,500 total).
If you regularly travel with valuable pieces, add scheduled personal property coverage or purchase standalone jewelry insurance for full protection. These options often include worldwide coverage with no deductible, protecting your items whether you're across town or abroad.
Will filing a jewelry claim increase my homeowners insurance rates?
Filing a jewelry claim can raise your homeowners insurance premium at renewal, especially if you file multiple claims within a few years. The impact varies by insurer and your claims history.
Standalone jewelry insurance policies avoid this problem: claims don't affect your homeowners policy since they're separate. Check if the claim amount exceeds your deductible enough to justify potential rate increases before filing.
Homeowners Insurance and Jewelry: Related Articles
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.
sources
- Insurance Information Institute. "Special Coverage for Jewelry and Other Valuables." Accessed August 5, 2025.