I was polishing my Zalto Gravitas Omega decanter ($900) when it slipped. It shattered into a million expensive shards. I assumed my “Personal Property” coverage would handle it. But my deductible is $2,500. So I got $0. Then I found out I could have scheduled it for $10 a year with no deductible.
Key Takeaways
- Deductibles Kill Small Claims: Most glassware breakage is under $1,000. If your home deductible is $2,500 or $5,000, you are effectively uninsured for glassware.
- Breakage Exclusion: Standard HO-3 policies usually exclude breakage of fragile articles (glass, porcelain) unless caused by fire or theft. Dropping it is not covered.
- Schedule “Fine Arts/Breakables”: You must itemize high-end glassware on a “Scheduled Personal Property” floater. This gives you “All-Risk” coverage (including dropping it) and typically has a $0 deductible.
- Pairs and Sets: If you break one glass from a set of 6 vintage Baccarat flutes, a good policy pays to replace the entire set because the value of the remaining 5 is diminished.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Named Perils” vs. “All Risk.”
Your couch is covered if you burn it, but not if you stain it. Glassware is covered if it’s stolen, but not if you drop it—unless you schedule it. The “Breakage of Fragile Articles” exclusion is standard in almost every un-endorsed policy.
The Investigation (I Quoted the Riders)
I tried to insure a $2,000 set of Riedel Sommeliers glasses.
Lemonade / Startups
- Result: Hard to schedule specific glassware. They want to lump it into “Fine Art,” which requires an appraisal.
State Farm (Personal Articles Policy)
- Result: excellent. I could list “1 Set of Crystal Stemware” for $2,000. Premium was approx $30/year.
- Benefit: $0 Deductible. Break one, they pay to replace it.
AIG Private Client
- Result: Included in their “Blanket Valuable Articles” if you have a high enough limit. They understand that breakage happens and pay out quickly.
Comparison Table
| Scenario | Standard Home Policy | Scheduled Floater (The Fix) |
| I dropped it | Denied (Excluded) | Covered (Accidental Breakage) |
| Cat knocked it over | Denied | Covered |
| Earthquake broke it | Denied | Covered (usually) |
| Deductible | $1,000+ | $0 |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Inventory Your Glass: Count your Zaltos, Gabriels, and Baccarats. If the total is over $1,500, it’s worth scheduling.
- Take a Photo of the “Watermark”: High-end glass has a tiny laser etching on the base. Photograph this to prove authenticity.
- [IMAGE: Macro photo of the ‘Zalto’ logo etched on the base of a wine glass]
- Call Your Agent: “I want to add a ‘Breakage of Fragile Articles’ floater for my crystal.”
- Save the Box: Claims are easier if you have the original box showing the model number.
FAQ
Does it raise my rates if I claim a broken glass?
Yes. A claim is a claim. If you claim a $100 glass, you might see your premium jump $200 next year. Only claim if the loss is significant (e.g., a $1,000 decanter or a full set).
What about my Coravin needle breaking?
Not covered. That’s a consumable part.