I was rushing through TSA at JFK. I put my Omega Speedmaster in the plastic bin. I grabbed my bag, ran to the gate, and realized mid-flight… I left the watch in the bin. I called TSA Lost & Found. Nothing. I filed a claim. My homeowner’s insurance said: “That is not theft. You lost it. We don’t cover ‘Mysterious Disappearance’.”
Key Takeaways
- Theft vs. Losing: “Theft” requires evidence of a crime (broken lock, mugging). “Mysterious Disappearance” means “it’s gone and I don’t know why” or “I left it somewhere.”
- Standard Policies Exclude It: Basic homeowner policies cover Named Perils (Fire, Theft). They explicitly exclude losing things.
- You Need “All Risk”: A standalone watch policy (JM, Hodinkee) is an “All Risk” policy. It covers accidental loss and mysterious disappearance.
- The “Voluntary Parting” Clause: Some insurers might argue you voluntarily left it there. You need to frame the claim carefully.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Peril Definition.”
If you say “I lost it,” the claims adjuster checks the list of Covered Perils. “Loss” is not on the list.
If you say “It was stolen from the bin,” they ask for proof (video, police report).
Without an “All Risk” policy (also called “Open Perils”), simple human error is uninsurable.
The Investigation (My Analysis of 3 Carriers)
I tested the “TSA Fail” scenario.
Lemonade (Renters with Extra Coverage)
- The Verdict: If you pay for the “Extra Coverage” (Scheduled Property), it covers accidental loss.
- The Catch: If you just have base contents coverage, it is denied.
Hodinkee Insurance
- The Verdict: Covered.
- The Logic: “Mysterious Disappearance” is a core feature. You left it, it’s gone. They pay.
State Farm (Personal Articles)
- The Verdict: Covered.
- The Catch: As always, filing a “lost item” claim on a State Farm policy puts your home insurance renewal at risk.
[IMAGE: Photo of a grey TSA bin with a watch sitting alone in the corner]
Comparison Table
| Scenario | Standard Homeowners | Scheduled Floater / Standalone |
| “I left it in the bin” | Denied (Loss) | Covered (Mysterious Disappearance) |
| “Someone took it from the bin” | Covered (Theft – need proof) | Covered |
| “It fell off my wrist” | Denied | Covered |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- File a Police Report (Anyway): Even if you think you lost it, file a report for “Lost Property.” It creates an official paper trail.
- Contact TSA: File a claim with TSA online. Get the rejection letter (they rarely find it). You need to show the insurer you tried to recover it.
- Check Your Policy Type: Look for “Special Form” or “Open Perils.” If you see “Named Perils,” you are in trouble.
- Don’t Guess: When talking to the adjuster, stick to facts. “I placed it in the bin. When I looked back, it was gone.” Don’t say “I was stupid and forgot it.” Say “It disappeared from the bin.”
FAQ
Is there a deductible for losing it?
On Hodinkee/JM: Usually $0.
On Homeowners: Yes, your standard deductible applies.
Will they investigate me?
Yes. “Lost watch” claims are the #1 source of fraud. Expect them to check if you are in financial distress.
Can I buy it back if found?
Yes. If TSA finds it 6 months later, you inform the insurer, return the money, and get the watch back (usually).