I bought the $1,500 Apple Watch Hermès. I smashed the screen on a doorframe. Apple wanted $499 to fix it. My jewelry insurance deductible was $0, so I filed a claim. They paid it, but then flagged my account for “frequency.” I realized I should have used AppleCare+.
Key Takeaways
- Electronics vs. Jewelry: Is an Apple Watch jewelry? Yes and No. Insurers treat it as jewelry for theft, but its lifespan is that of a gadget (3 years).
- AppleCare+ is Superior for Damage: For broken screens or battery replacements, AppleCare+ at $99 for two years is vastly better. It has a low deductible ($69) and, unlike an insurance claim, it doesn’t affect your permanent insurance record.
- Jewelry Insurance is for Theft/Loss: AppleCare+ covers “Theft and Loss” only if you enable Find My and pay extra. Jewelry insurance covers theft/loss worldwide with $0 deductible.
- Obsolescence: Jewelry insurance pays “Replacement Cost.” If the Series 10 comes out, they pay for the Series 10. They won’t pay for a Series 5 because it’s obsolete.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Using the Wrong Tool.”
Using a Chubb/JM policy for a cracked Apple Watch screen is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. It works, but it’s messy.
Filing small claims ($400) on your permanent insurance record (CLUE) makes you look risky. Save your Jewelry insurance for the $10k Rolex, not the disposable tech.
The Investigation (My Analysis of Coverage)
I compared the protection plans.
AppleCare+ (with Theft/Loss)
- Cost: ~$179 for 2 years.
- Deductible: $69 (damage), $149 (theft).
- Pros: Instant replacement at Apple Store. No underwriting impact.
- Cons: Requires “Find My” enabled. 2 claims per year limit.
Jewelers Mutual
- Cost: ~$25/year (approx 1-2%).
- Deductible: $0.
- Pros: Covers mysterious disappearance.
- Cons: Claims history impact.
Hodinkee
- The Verdict: They generally don’t like insuring Smart Watches because they depreciate too fast.
[IMAGE: Comparison graphic: Apple Watch with shattered screen (AppleCare+) vs Empty Box (Jewelry Insurance)]
Comparison Table
| Feature | AppleCare+ | Jewelry Insurance |
| Screen Crack | Best ($69 ded) | Good ($0 ded, bad record) |
| Battery Death | Covered | Not Covered (Wear/Tear) |
| Theft | Covered (if upgrade bought) | Covered |
| Obsolescence | Replacement Device | Replacement Value |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Buy AppleCare+: For any smart watch over $500, just get it. It’s the path of least resistance.
- Skip Jewelry Insurance: Unless it’s a solid gold case or diamond-encrusted, don’t put it on your JM/Hodinkee policy. It clutters your schedule.
- Use a Screen Protector: It’s ugly, but it saves the $499 repair.
- Enable “Find My”: AppleCare+ requires this to pay a theft claim. If you disable it, you get nothing.
FAQ
Is the Hermès band covered?
Yes. If the leather strap rips, AppleCare usually doesn’t cover cosmetic damage to bands. Jewelry insurance might cover accidental tearing, but it’s a stretch.
What about the solid gold Apple Watch Edition?
That is jewelry. Insure it with JM.
Can I insure a Garmin?
Yes, same rules apply. Gadget vs. Jewelry.