When your possessions leave your home, how are they insured for loss? If your stuff became damaged due to a car accident, fire, or vandalism, where would you turn to have it replaced? What if your earrings came up missing from your hotel room? How about if the Mac Book Pro was no longer in your car? What happens when your things are away from the insured premises?
Insurance policies are rife with exclusions, definitions, and tons of insurance jargon. Reading the policy on the first try might not provide you with a clear answer, and it might not on the second try either. The answer is in there, but it’s not as straightforward as you’d hope.
A standard homeowners and renters insurance policy in New York should protect your possessions wherever they are in the world. But, what is a “standard” policy? At the Horan insurance agency, we would agree that a standard policy would provide coverage for stuff wherever it is. Others in the insurance industry would say that a standard policy would require an endorsement for the coverage. So, where does that leave you as the insured when your insured-at-home things are no longer at home?
How to know for sure?
For those with the DIY spirit, turn to Section I – Property Coverages. Then locate Part C – Personal Property and read what it says for Covered Property. For those who would rather leave it to the professionals (*cough*), here is your lowdown: Your stuff is insured anywhere in the world, except for when it isn’t.
Seriously?
Aren’t you glad you didn’t buy your insurance policy from a chatbot? As we’ve written in several articles, the definition of insurance is easy, the meaning of insurance is complicated. What Section I, Part C, doesn’t mention is the way and how they insure your things throughout the world.
It would be easy to get to Page 3 of 22 of the insurance policy and believe that the earrings are insured and the carrier will pay. However, when reading a bit further, you’ll find that the earrings are limited to a maximum amount of $2,500. The Mac Book? Sure, that’s also insured, but only up to its depreciated value. The policy does not increase nor enhance coverage because things are away from home.
A-ha! Now what?
To insure your possessions to the greatest extent of protection, you’ll need to do the following:
- Purchase the replacement cost endorsement for personal property.
- Separately schedule your jewelry for the appraised value of each piece.
- Always be aware of gray areas within the meaning of insurance by calling your agent.
Now, book that vacation! You deserve it.
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