You are dusting the top shelf of a client’s display cabinet when your sleeve catches a vase. It shatters. The client screams, “That was from the Ming Dynasty! It’s worth $50,000!” You calmly call your insurance agent, confident in your $1 Million General Liability policy, only to be told that your policy only covers $5,000 for items in your “Care, Custody, and Control.”
Key Takeaways
- The CCC Exclusion: General Liability is designed to cover other people’s property that you damage incidentally (like setting the house on fire). It specifically excludes or severely limits coverage for the specific item you are holding, cleaning, or moving.
- Voluntary Property Damage: This is the sub-limit you need to watch. Most policies cap this at $2,500 or $5,000.
- Inland Marine / Bailee Floater: To cover high-value items you are handling, you need a “Bailee” policy.
- Appraisals are Mandatory: In 2026, if you can’t prove the vase was worth
50,000withapre−lossappraisal,theinsuranceAIwillvalueitat"genericceramicvase"prices(50,000withapre−lossappraisal,theinsuranceAIwillvalueitat"genericceramicvase"prices(50).
The “Why” (The Trap): Care, Custody, and Control
I read the standard ISO General Liability form (CG 00 01). Under exclusions, Section J (Property Damage) clearly states coverage does not apply to:
“Personal property in the care, custody, or control of the insured.”
Why? Because insurance companies view damage to items you are working on as a “business risk” (poor workmanship), not an accident. They expect you to be good at your job. To get coverage for this, you must buy a specific endorsement called “Voluntary Property Damage” or a broad “Inland Marine” floater.
The Investigation: Coverage for the Clumsy
I compared the sub-limits for breakage across three carriers popular with organizers.
1. Hiscox
- My Analysis: Their standard policy often includes a “Property Damage Extension.”
- The Limit: Usually capped at $5,000 or $10,000. If you break a $50k vase, you are paying $40k out of pocket.
2. The Hartford (Bailee Coverage)
- My Analysis: You can add an “Installation Floater” or “Bailee” coverage.
- The Verdict: This allows you to set a higher limit (e.g., $50,000) for items you handle. Essential for high-end organizers.
3. Next Insurance
- My Analysis: Fast and cheap, but the “Damage to Property” sub-limit is often locked at $2,500 on the basic plan. You have to manually request an increase.
Comparison Table: Breakage Limits
| Carrier | Standard ‘CCC’ Limit | Bailee/Floater Available? | Cost for $50k Limit |
| Budget Policy (Next/Thimble) | $2,500 | No (Usually) | N/A |
| Standard GL (Hiscox) | $5,000 | Yes (Extension) | +$100/yr |
| High-Net-Worth (Chubb) | $50,000+ | Yes (Standard) | Included in higher premium |
[IMAGE: Graphic illustrating ‘Care, Custody, Control’ – Hand holding a vase is excluded, knocking over a lamp while walking is covered]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check Your “Voluntary Property Damage” Limit: Look at your Dec Page. If it says $2,500, call your broker immediately.
- The “Hands-Off” Clause: Put this in your contract: “Client agrees to move all items valued over $1,000 prior to Organizer’s arrival. Organizer is not liable for items not secured.”
- Photograph Before Touching: In 2026, use an AR inventory app to scan the room. If the vase was already cracked, the scan proves it.
- Buy a Bailee Floater: If you work in mansions, buy a standalone Inland Marine policy with a $100k limit. It costs maybe $300/year and saves your business.
FAQ Section
Does my surety bond cover breakage?
No. Bonds cover theft (dishonesty). They pay $0 for accidents.
What if I didn’t drop it, but the shelf collapsed?
If you installed the shelf, that’s “Completed Operations” liability. If you just dusted it, you might argue it wasn’t in your “control,” but it’s a hard fight.
Can I ask the client to waive liability?
You can try, but gross negligence (dropping it) is hard to waive. A judge might throw out the waiver.