I was leaving a pub in Soho, London, when two guys on a moped mounted the curb. One grabbed my arm, saw the ceramic bezel of my Daytona, and threatened me with a knife until I unclasped it. Shaking and furious, I called Hodinkee Insurance (underwritten by Chubb) from my hotel room, terrified that my “US-based” policy would void the claim because the crime happened overseas.
Key Takeaways
- Worldwide Coverage is Standard for Specialists: Standalone watch policies (Hodinkee/Chubb, Wax, Jewelers Mutual) almost always cover worldwide travel. Homeowners riders often have “Territorial Limits.”
- Police Reports are Non-Negotiable: You cannot file a theft claim without a local police report. In 2026 London, you might have to file this online, but you must have the case reference number.
- “In-Transit” vs. “Worn”: If the watch was in your checked luggage, coverage is often limited or void. If it was on your wrist, it is fully covered.
- Inflation Protection: If you insured the Daytona for $14,000 (retail) but the market price is $28,000, you will only get $14,000 unless you have “Market Value Appreciation” coverage.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Territorial Limits” and “Unattended Property.”
Many standard Homeowners policies add a rider for jewelry, but the fine print often restricts coverage to the “United States and Canada.” If you travel to Europe or Asia, your coverage stops at the border.
Additionally, if you weren’t wearing the watch—say, you left it in the hotel room safe—some policies have a “Safe Warranty” clause. If the hotel safe isn’t rated (and they rarely are), the insurer can argue you didn’t secure it properly.
The Investigation (My Analysis of 3 Carriers)
I tested the “International Theft” scenario with three major players.
Hodinkee Insurance (Chubb)
- The Verdict: The gold standard for travelers.
- My Experience: I confirmed with their claims team: Worldwide coverage is automatic. No “travel notification” is needed. They also cover “Market Value” up to 150% of the insured amount (if the market spiked since you bought the policy).
- The Payout: They pay the agreed value fast. No deductible.
Jewelers Mutual
- The Verdict: Excellent, but stricter on “Mysterious Disappearance” abroad.
- My Experience: They cover worldwide travel. However, if you simply lost the watch in a London taxi vs. getting mugged, the scrutiny is higher. For a mugging with a police report, they pay out.
State Farm (Personal Articles Floater)
- The Verdict: Good, but risky.
- My Experience: My agent said worldwide coverage applies, but a theft claim of this size ($25k+) could trigger a non-renewal of my entire Homeowners policy.
[IMAGE: Screenshot of a Hodinkee Insurance policy declaration page highlighting “Worldwide Coverage: Included”]
Comparison Table
| Feature | Hodinkee (Chubb) | Jewelers Mutual | Homeowners Rider |
| Worldwide Coverage | Yes (Automatic) | Yes (Automatic) | Check Policy (Often No) |
| Deductible | $0 | $0 – $1,000 | Varies ($500+) |
| Police Report Needed? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Market Value Protection | Up to 150% | Replacement Cost | Stated Limit Only |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- File a Police Report Immediately: Do not leave the country without it. If the local police won’t come to the scene, go to the station or file online. Get the Case Number.
- Contact Insurance ASAP: Call the 24/7 global claim line. Time matters.
- Document the Event: Write down exactly what happened while it’s fresh. “Two men, moped, black helmets, knife.”
- Check Market Value: If your Daytona is now trading higher than your policy limit, find 3 listings from Chrono24 or DavidSW to prove the current replacement cost to the adjuster.
FAQ
Do I need to tell my insurer before I travel?
For Hodinkee or JM: No.
For Homeowners: Yes, call your agent to verify the territory clause.
What if I didn’t see their faces?
It doesn’t matter. A mugging is a mugging. The police report confirms the crime.
Will this increase my premium?
On a standalone policy (Hodinkee), probably not, or slightly. On a Homeowners policy, yes—it counts as a theft claim on your CLUE report.