I was in Paris. A pickpocket swiped my watch and ring on the Metro. I filed a claim with my homeowners insurance. They said, “Your Personal Property coverage applies worldwide, BUT for jewelry, there is a $1,500 limit for theft away from the residence premises.” My loss was $10,000.
Key Takeaways
- “Worldwide” doesn’t mean “Full Limit”: Standard homeowners policies cover your stuff anywhere, but they have sub-limits for high-risk categories like jewelry, specifically for Theft.
- Scheduled Jewelry: To get full worldwide coverage, you must “Schedule” the item (Personal Articles Floater). This removes the deductible and the sub-limit.
- Travel Insurance is Weak: Standard travel insurance (Expedia/Allianz) has very low per-item limits for valuables ($500 max). Do not rely on it for jewelry.
- The “Safe Warranty”: Some high-value policies require you to keep the jewelry in the hotel safe when not being worn. If it was stolen from the nightstand, claim denied.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “The Sub-Limit.”
Your declarations page says “Personal Property: $100,000.”
You think you are covered for $100k.
Page 45 says: “Special Limits of Liability: $1,500 for loss by theft of jewelry, watches, furs.”
Unless you specifically paid extra to list the ring, you are capped.
The Investigation (My Analysis of Travel Risks)
I checked the best way to travel with bling.
Jewelers Mutual / Lavalier
- The Verdict: Worldwide coverage is standard.
- The Limit: Full insured value. No sub-limit.
- The Condition: “Care, Custody, Control.” Don’t check it in luggage.
Standard Homeowners (Unscheduled)
- The Verdict: Capped at $1,500. Useless for engagement rings.
Hotel Liability
- The Reality: “Innkeepers Acts” limit hotel liability to ~$500 unless you deposited it in the main hotel safe (not the room safe). Room safes are not secure.
[IMAGE: Photo of a hotel room safe with a “Not Responsible for Valuables” sticker]
Comparison Table
| Scenario | Scheduled (Floater) | Unscheduled (Base Policy) | Travel Insurance |
| Theft in Paris | Full Coverage | $1,500 Limit | $500 Limit |
| Lost in Sand | Covered | Denied (usually) | Denied |
| Deductible | $0 | $1,000+ | $50 |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Schedule It: Before you leave, call your agent. “Is my ring scheduled?” If not, do it. It takes 10 minutes.
- Wear It or Vault It: Never leave jewelry in a checked bag. Never leave it on a hotel dresser.
- Photo Documentation: Take a photo of the jewelry in the hotel safe or on your hand in Paris. Proves you brought it with you.
- Police Report: If stolen abroad, you must get a local police report. Insurance will not pay without it. Go to the Gendarmerie.
FAQ
Does the hotel safe count as “Secure”?
For insurance? Usually yes. For reality? No. Master codes exist.
What if I’m mugged?
That is theft. Covered. Get a police report.
Do I need to tell my insurer I’m traveling?
Usually no, if you have worldwide coverage. But checking doesn’t hurt.