Look up the definition of insurance and you'll find words like "reimbursement" and "compensation." That makes sense, since most insurance policies rectify losses by cutting you a check.
In the case of jewelry insurance, a cash payout isn't always your best option.
Read on for a comparison of how jewelry insurance works for a replacement policy versus a traditional reimbursement.
How Reimbursement Jewelry Insurance Works
Let's start with explaining the traditional insurance model. This structure is typical for jewelry coverage under most homeowners' insurance policies.
At a high level, how jewelry insurance works is simple:
1. Purchase coverage
2. File a claim
3. Settle the claim
4. Get your check
Obviously there's a bit more detail involved than that, but the big question is how much that check will be written for.
Actual cash value vs. Replacement cost
There are two main ways insurance companies can choose to value your compensation - actual cash value (ACV) and replacement cost.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, actual cash value "pays damages equal to the replacement value of damaged property minus depreciation." Alternatively, replacement cost "pays the dollar amount needed to replace damaged personal property without deducting for depreciation but limited by the maximum dollar amount shown on the declarations page of the policy."
Generally speaking, you'll receive a larger payout at the time of a claim if your insurance is based on replacement cost, since most things depreciate.
Jewelry is a unique case. It doesn't necessarily depreciate the same way a house or car does. Normal wear and tear can affect the fair market value of jewelry, which is the baseline used to determine claims reimbursement in some cases.
The bottom line is this: With replacement cost coverage, there is no guesswork. You will get the amount required to replace what you insured, at the time you insured it. ACV has many more grey areas and may leave you with extra out-of-pocket expenses after a claim.
In either case, however, you're left to deal not only with the emotional toll of losing a sentimental symbol, but also the stress of trying to get an equal replacement for your original piece - which may or may not be easy depending on how well your provider understands the intricacies of jewelry.
How repair or replacement Jewelry Insurance works
With a repair or replacement policy, you don't have to worry about how the insurance company calculates your reimbursement. As long as your jewelry wasn't underinsured, you will get a piece back that's hopefully indistinguishable from the original. (If you insure through us, it will definitely be of the same kind and quality!)
Variables in the jewelry replacement process
Most homeowners insurance with a repair or replacement jewelry policy requires you to work with a specified repair service or a designated jeweler to settle your claim. You may need to provide them with any appraisals, receipts or descriptions you have of the original item to help them provide a comparable piece.
With specialized jewelry insurance like Jewelers Mutual Group, your insurance company steps in for you and deals directly with your jeweler of choice. You don't have to worry about explaining every detail of your original piece to help the jeweler recreate an exact match. Jewelers Mutual employs jewelry experts that can use your most recently submitted appraisal to do that for you.
Whenever you insure something valuable, the most important thing you can do is understand your policy thoroughly.
Every option out there is perfect for somebody; it's imperative you figure out which is the best fit for you.
Curious to see how much jewelry insurance through Jewelers Mutual could cost you per year? It's likely less than you think. Click the button below to check your rate.
