Insuring Your Holiday Treasures: A Vital Checklist
Lori Hayhurst

The holiday season is a whirlwind of excitement and joy, filled with the delight of exchanging gifts and the warmth of family gatherings. As you unwrap that heirloom watch or shimmering necklace, its sentimental and financial value is undeniable. However, amidst all the festivities, the need to protect these newly acquired treasures often goes unnoticed. It's crucial to consider how your busy holiday schedule may prevent you from realizing the risks of not having the right insurance coverage for these valuable items.

Keep Receipts and Appraisals

When it comes to insuring valuable gifts, documentation is your best ally. Keeping receipts and obtaining appraisals is essential for making a claim. These documents verify the item's value and provide proof of ownership, which helps facilitate a smoother claims process. Store them securely, perhaps in a digital vault, so that these crucial pieces of evidence are safe and accessible.

Update Your Coverage

Reviewing and updating your insurance policy is a step you shouldn't overlook. High-value gifts such as jewelry or art may require a personal articles policy or endorsement. This additional coverage ensures that these items are adequately insured for their full value, beyond the limits of a standard homeowners or renters policy.

Act Quickly

Insurance policies often have time limits for adding newly acquired or gifted items, so it's wise to act swiftly. Contact your insurance provider as soon as you receive a valuable item to ensure it is covered. Waiting too long might leave these treasures unprotected against potential loss or damage.

While it might seem daunting, protecting your holiday valuables is quite straightforward if you take proactive steps. By reviewing and updating your insurance policies now, you avoid potential headaches later. Don’t wait until it’s too late—reach out to your insurance provider to confirm or update your coverage before the new year. Your peace of mind is the best gift you can give yourself this holiday season.