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Need a New Year's Resolution? Insure Your Holiday Gifts

January 6, 2012 1:44 am

For those who made the “nice list” last year and received an extra special gift for the holidays, like diamonds, furs, watches, or fine art, to name a few, it is important to insure the item in case of unforeseen situations that may cause damage. 

Homeowner’s policyholders, including those with condo or renter’s insurance, who received gifts during this past holiday season, are automatically covered for losses such as fire, vandalism and wind, with some limitations. For those without homeowner’s insurance or with limitations to their policies, the following advice may be of help to make sure their most valuable gifts are protected in the New Year. 

1. Review your homeowner’s policy for coverage limitations. 
For those who are currently covered under a homeowner’s insurance policy, their gift will automatically be covered by the policy for losses such as fire, vandalism or wind damage; however, there may be situations in which the homeowner’s policy does not extend coverage to an expensive gift received during the holidays. Items such as jewelry, watches, coins, hand tools and guns have coverage limitations for certain types of losses, including theft. Additionally, accidental breakage of any item is typically not included in a homeowner’s policy. Policyholders should speak with their insurance agent to discuss broadening their coverage to include losses such as breakage, as well as increasing coverage limits for valuable gifts. 

2. Get a stand-alone insurance policy for valuable gifts.
If you do not have a homeowner, condo or renter’s policy, consider investing in one. There may be value limitations for items including jewelry, furs, fine art, musical instruments, coins, guns, cameras and silverware. Often these limits are not an issue as the majority of gifts purchased fall below the value limitation, which can range from $5,000 to $100,000 depending on the state. 

3. Ask the gift-giver for a receipt or bill of sale.
In order to insure a gift, the recipient should retain the proper information, including a receipt or bill of sale, and a detailed description of the gift. An appraisal may be required. Consult with your independent insurance agent regarding coverage. He or she will need to know exactly what the gift was, as well as its monetary value, in order to provide proper coverage. 

For more information about which gifts may be covered under a homeowner’s policy, visit www.GrangeInsurance.com.
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