Jewelry and other personal belongings are typically covered under the personal property coverage part of your homeowners insurance policy, which is around 50% to 70% of your dwelling coverage. However, because jewelry can be especially valuable, insurers typically place a sub-limit of $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the provider.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Jewelry?
Updated: August 5, 2025
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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 does not cover jewelry lost through negligence.
Is Jewelry Covered Under Homeowners Insurance?
Perils That Cover Jewelry in Home Insurance
- Theft: Jewelry is covered if it’s stolen, though standard policies often include a sub-limit unless the item is scheduled.
- Fire and Smoke: Damage or loss due to fire or smoke is covered under personal property coverage.
- Vandalism: Your insurer covers jewelry that is intentionally damaged during a break-in or other covered event.
- Windstorms and Hail: Jewelry damaged inside the home by wind or hail is usually covered under standard policies.
- Water Damage (From Internal Sources): Damage from burst pipes or plumbing leaks is usually covered, but flood-related losses are not.
- Explosions: Losses caused by explosions, such as from a gas leak, are typically covered.
- Falling Objects: Jewelry damaged by objects falling through the roof or ceiling may be covered if the event is sudden and accidental.
Pair or Set Conditions under Homeowners Insurance
When you insure jewelry that comes as a pair or part of a set, like matching cufflinks or a multi-piece necklace, your homeowners insurance won’t always reimburse you for the full value if only part is lost or damaged. Instead, your payout is often based on the total value of the set minus the remaining item's worth.
For example, suppose a vintage bracelet and matching pendant are insured for $9,000, and the pendant is stolen while the bracelet remains and is valued at $3,000. In that case, your insurer pays you $5,000 after applying a $1,000 deductible. In this situation, you get paid for the missing value, not the entire set.
How Much Jewelry Is Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
Most standard homeowners policies cap jewelry theft coverage at around $1,000 to $2,500, regardless of how many pieces are stolen. Other losses (like fire) may apply to your overall personal property limit, but theft sub-limits still apply.
To get full coverage for valuable items, you can:
- 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 around $1,000 to $2,500 per item or claim. If your jewelry is worth more, any amount above the sublimit won't be covered unless scheduled separately.
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 typically 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.
How Can I Increase Insurance Coverage for Jewelry?
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.
When Should You Purchase a Separate Jewelry Insurance Policy?
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 |
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. Follow these steps to get the right level of coverage for your items.
- 1
Get a Recent Appraisal or Receipt
Insurance companies typically require proof of value to schedule jewelry or issue a separate policy. This helps determine accurate coverage and ensures proper reimbursement in case of a claim.
- 2
Contact Your Insurance Provider or a Jewelry Insurer
Ask your current insurer about adding a scheduled personal property endorsement. You can also compare quotes from companies that specialize in standalone jewelry insurance for broader protection.
- 3
Choose Your Coverage Limits and Deductible
Decide whether you want coverage for full replacement value and whether a deductible applies. Scheduled endorsements often allow you to set a lower or zero deductible for high-value items.
- 4
Review Covered Perils and Exclusions
Not all policies cover accidental loss or mysterious disappearance. Read the fine print so you know exactly what events your jewelry is protected against.
- 5
Finalize and Add Coverage
Once you're satisfied with the terms, your insurer will add the endorsement or activate your standalone policy. Keep documentation on file in case you need to update values or file a claim later.
Tips to Protect Your Jewelry at Home
Even if your homeowners insurance includes jewelry coverage, it's still important to take extra steps to prevent theft or loss. Insurance can help you recover financially, but it can’t replace the sentimental value of certain pieces. These simple habits can help keep your jewelry secure and reduce the risk of having to file a claim.
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 large and small insurers, like State Farm and Hippo, respectively, offer homeowners insurance with jewelry coverage options. Homeowners insurance costs roughly $175 per month. Rates vary across insurance providers. MoneyGeek recommends shopping around and comparing quotes to find the best rates.
The amount of personal property you decide to insure affects the overall cost. Use MoneyGeek's personal property calculator 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.
- 1
Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately
As soon as you notice your jewelry is missing or damaged, notify your insurer to begin the claims process. Some policies have time limits for reporting, so acting quickly is important. Be prepared to explain what happened and when you last saw the item.
- 2
Gather Supporting Documentation
Collect any appraisals, purchase receipts, photos and previous correspondence related to the item. Keeping a home inventory usually makes this step easier. If it was stolen, also include a copy of the police report, which many insurers require.
- 3
Complete the Claims Form
Your insurer will provide a claims form asking for details like how the loss occurred and a description of the item. Be thorough and accurate to avoid delays or additional follow-ups. Include supporting documents when submitting the form to speed up the review.
- 4
Cooperate With the Claims Adjuster
The insurer may assign a claims adjuster to review your submission and assess the loss. They may ask for further documentation, photos or interviews to verify the claim. Respond promptly and provide any additional information requested.
- 5
Review the Settlement Offer
Once your claim is processed, the insurer will issue a settlement based on your policy’s terms, limits and deductible. If you agree with the amount, the payout is typically sent via check or direct deposit. If you disagree, you can request a reassessment or provide additional information to support your claim.
Jewelry Coverage Under Homeowners Insurance: Bottom Line
Homeowners insurance does cover jewelry, but the standard policy limit is usually low. For full protection, especially against loss, theft or high-value items, you should consider adding a scheduled personal property endorsement or jewelry floater. Always document your valuables and compare policies to find the right coverage.
Personal Property Coverage for Jewelry: FAQ
We answer frequently asked questions about how homeowners insurance covers jewelry.
How much jewelry does homeowners insurance typically cover?
Usually $1,000 to $2,500 for theft without added coverage.
Can I insure an engagement ring separately?
Yes. You can schedule the ring or purchase a standalone jewelry insurance policy.
What is a jewelry floater?
A floater is an optional add-on that increases coverage and broadens the range of perils.
Will my premiums increase if I add jewelry coverage?
Yes, but the increase is often minor compared to the value it protects.
Does homeowners insurance cover lost jewelry?
Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover lost jewelry unless you have a floater or scheduled personal property endorsement that includes coverage for mysterious disappearance.
Does homeowners insurance cover damaged jewelry?
Yes, if the damage is caused by a covered peril like fire or theft. However, wear and tear or accidental breakage isn't usually covered unless you have additional coverage in place.
Does homeowners insurance cover broken jewelry?
Broken jewelry from accidental damage, like dropping or mishandling, isn’t typically covered under a standard policy. You’ll need a jewelry floater or specialty insurance to protect against breakage.
Home Insurance Jewelry Coverage Limits: Our Review Methodology
MoneyGeek analyzed quotes from multiple insurance providers across the U.S. using a profile that reflects the average homeowner. By considering different locations and companies, we provide a reliable estimate of what homeowners can expect to pay, showing why it’s important to compare rates.
Homeowner Profile
For our analysis, we created a sample homeowner profile with the following characteristics:
- Good credit score (769–792)
- Home constructed in 2000
- Wood-frame construction
- Composite shingle roof
Homeowners Insurance Coverage Details
Unless otherwise specified, we used the following coverage limits to collect quotes for our comparison:
- $250,000 in dwelling coverage
- $125,000 in personal property coverage
- $200,000 in personal liability coverage
- $1,000 deductible
We also compiled data for policies with broader coverage to determine the best companies for insuring expensive homes, with limits of $1 million in dwelling coverage, $500,000 in personal property coverage and $1 million in liability coverage.
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About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like 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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
sources
- Insurance Information Institute. "Special Coverage for Jewelry and Other Valuables." Accessed August 5, 2025.