Insuring Jewelry, Art, and Collectibles: What Your Homeowner’s Policy Might Miss

For a quick quote, you can contact our quote department directly at (504) 441-RATE (7283) or complete the Online Quote Request form and you will be contacted ASAP.

Homeowner’s insurance policies are designed to protect against a wide range of risks—fire, theft, storms, liability, and more. But when it comes to high-value personal property like fine jewelry, artwork, rare collectibles, and heirlooms, many policyholders are surprised to learn that their standard coverage might fall short.

After 40 years in the insurance industry, I’ve seen it all—from misplaced engagement rings to entire art collections damaged during a move. That’s why it’s important to understand exactly what is and isn’t covered before an accident, not after. Whether you’re in New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Slidell, Mandeville, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Monroe, Alexandria, or anywhere across Louisiana and Mississippi, knowing the fine print can make all the difference.

The Standard Policy: A Good Start, But Not the Full Picture

Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies include personal property coverage, typically capped at a percentage of the total dwelling coverage—often 50% to 70%. That may sound like plenty, until you realize that this overall limit also includes furniture, electronics, clothing, and everything else in your home.

Even more critical is the sub-limit applied to certain categories of items. For example, most homeowner’s policies cap jewelry coverage at around $1,500 to $2,500 total, not per item. That means a single lost engagement ring could exceed the full amount the policy will reimburse—leaving you footing the rest of the bill.

The same goes for fine art, antiques, rare coins, vintage instruments, sports memorabilia, and even high-end watches. These items are often subject to dollar limitations or conditional coverage unless specifically scheduled.

For a quick quote, you can contact our quote department directly at (504) 441-RATE (7283) or complete the Online Quote Request form and you will be contacted ASAP.

Scheduled Personal Property: What It Is and Why It Matters

If you’ve got valuables that exceed the typical limits in your homeowner’s policy, the smart move is to schedule them through an endorsement or rider. Scheduled Personal Property coverage allows each item to be individually insured based on appraised value. It provides broader protection—including coverage for loss, accidental damage, and even mysterious disappearance, which standard policies often exclude.

Here’s how it works:

  • You get the item appraised
  • You provide documentation to your insurance agent
  • A separate schedule is added to your homeowner’s policy
  • You’re covered for the full appraised value

It’s simple, flexible, and usually more affordable than people expect. More importantly, it ensures that sentimental or irreplaceable items aren’t treated like just another line on a spreadsheet when disaster strikes.

Common Gaps and Scenarios to Consider

Many policyholders don’t discover their coverage gaps until it’s too late. Some common examples include:

  • Lost items: A diamond bracelet slips off during a night out. If not scheduled, this may not be covered.
  • Damaged artwork: A valuable painting gets scratched or punctured while rearranging furniture. Accidental damage isn’t always included in standard policies.
  • Theft from a storage unit: Depending on your policy, off-premises theft coverage may be limited.
  • Flood or hurricane damage: Standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage entirely, and windstorm damage can be limited based on location and policy type.

These gaps are especially relevant in coastal and flood-prone areas like Gretna, St. Bernard, Houma, Thibodeaux, and LaPlace, where high-value items are at increased risk.

For a quick quote, you can contact our quote department directly at (504) 441-RATE (7283) or complete the Online Quote Request form and you will be contacted ASAP.

Documentation: The Unsung Hero of Insurance

No matter how comprehensive your coverage, claims always come down to documentation. Keeping a detailed inventory of your valuables—including photos, appraisals, and receipts—can streamline the claims process and help avoid disputes with adjusters.

Digital storage is key. Keep backups in the cloud or on a secure external drive. If it’s a one-of-a-kind item or family heirloom, document the story behind it. These details matter when proving authenticity or value.

Get Ahead of the Problem

At Dan Burghardt Insurance, we’ve helped clients throughout Bossier City, Central, Shreveport, and beyond protect everything from vintage comic book collections to investment-grade jewelry. The common theme? Preparation beats regret.

Don’t assume a standard homeowner’s policy will cover everything under your roof. If something has exceptional value—financial or sentimental—it deserves special attention.

For a quick quote, you can contact our quote department directly at (504) 441-RATE (7283) or complete the Online Quote Request form and you will be contacted ASAP.

About Dan Burghardt Insurance
Founded over four decades ago, Dan Burghardt Insurance has grown into one of the most trusted insurance agencies in the region. Licensed in Louisiana and Mississippi, the agency serves individuals, families, and businesses across New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Slidell, Mandeville, Covington, Lafayette, Alexandria, Shreveport, and more. From auto and homeowners insurance to customized protection for unique valuables, the agency provides personalized support backed by decades of experience.

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