I lost my $8,000 Cartier Love Bracelet. I filed a claim. The insurance company sent me a check for $2,200. They said: “This is the value of 35 grams of 18k gold. We pay for ‘Like Kind and Quality.’ A gold bangle is a gold bangle. We don’t pay for the Cartier stamp.”
Key Takeaways
- Brand Value vs. Material Value: Luxury jewelry (Cartier, Tiffany, Van Cleef) trades on brand, not just gold weight. The markup is 300%.
- “Like Kind” Interpretation: Standard insurers might argue “Like Kind” means “18k gold bracelet of same weight.” They ignore the trademark value unless forced.
- Agreed Value is Mandatory: For branded jewelry, you must have an Agreed Value policy. This locks in the $8,000 payout regardless of gold price.
- The Appraisal Description: Your appraisal must specifically state “Genuine Cartier Love Bracelet with Serial #.” If it just says “Gold Bangle,” you get paid for a gold bangle.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “The Premium Pricing.”
Cartier charges $8k for $2k of gold.
Insurance indemnifies you for the object.
Unless the policy specifically recognizes the Brand as a defining characteristic of the value, they will price it based on commodity costs.
Standard homeowners adjusters use software that calculates metal + labor. They don’t have a button for “Hype.”
The Investigation (My Analysis of Branded Coverage)
I checked how to protect the logo premium.
Chubb (Masterpiece)
- The Verdict: They get it. They pay for the brand replacement cost. If Cartier raises prices to $9k, Chubb pays $9k.
Jewelers Mutual
- The Verdict: Good coverage. They will work with a Cartier boutique (or authorized dealer) to replace the item exactly. They don’t try to force a generic knockoff on you.
State Farm
- The Risk: Without a very specific appraisal and rider, you risk the “commodity gold” valuation.
Comparison Table
| Policy Type | Valuation Method | Payout on Cartier |
| Standard Homeowners | Material Cost + Labor | ~$2,200 (Gold value) |
| Replacement Cost (Generic) | Similar Item | ~$2,500 (Generic copy) |
| Agreed Value / Brand Specific | Retail Price | $8,000+ |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Appraisal Must Say “Cartier”: Ensure the appraisal confirms authenticity and lists the serial number.
- Use the Receipt: For new items, the sales receipt from the boutique is the best proof of replacement cost.
- Policy Review: Ask your agent: “If I lose this, do you pay for a Cartier replacement, or a generic gold one?”
- Avoid “Cash Settlement” if Low: If they offer cash ($2,200), refuse. Demand they replace the item. When they realize they can’t buy a Cartier for $2,200, they have to up the payout.
FAQ
Does insurance cover fake Cartiers?
No. See “Fake Diamond” article.
What if Cartier discontinues the model?
They pay the last known retail price or the secondary market collector value (if Agreed Value).
Is the screwdriver covered?
Yes, it’s part of the “Set.”