What Is a Personal Articles Floater?

Web site: Inzone Insurance

Material excerpted from: Inzone Insurance –  Blog 

Certain possessions hold more than just monetary worth—they carry personal, emotional, and historical value. A personal articles floater helps protect these valuables from theft, loss, or damage that your standard homeowners or renters insurance might not fully cover.

Whether you own fine jewelry, art, collectibles, or rare electronics, this specialized coverage ensures you can recover their true value if the unexpected occurs.

What Is a Personal Articles Floater Insurance Policy?

A personal articles floater insurance policy is designed to cover valuable, movable property that falls outside the limits or exclusions of your homeowners or renters policy.

Most standard homeowners insurance policies include sublimits for certain high-value items—often only a few thousand dollars for jewelry, art, or collectibles. A personal articles floater bridges this gap, offering broader protection and higher limits for your most valuable belongings.

Unlike basic coverage, a personal floater insurance policy typically provides “open peril” protection, meaning your items are covered against all risks except those specifically excluded. That includes loss, theft, mysterious disappearance, or accidental breakage—perils standard homeowners insurance often excludes.

Common exclusions in personal articles floater insurance include wear and tear, gradual deterioration, war, and intentional damage.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Jewelry or Valuables?

Your homeowners insurance does cover jewelry, fine art, and valuables—but only up to a certain amount, and usually with significant restrictions. Standard policies set sublimits for categories like jewelry, firearms, or silverware, typically capping coverage at $1,500–$2,500 per item or category.

That means a $10,000 engagement ring or $25,000 art piece wouldn’t be fully insured under a basic homeowners policy. The solution is a personal property floater or personal articles floater policy, which provides dedicated coverage based on each item’s appraised value.

These floaters also allow you to customize deductibles, select replacement or repair terms, and protect items anywhere in the world—not just at your residence.

What Items Can Be Covered by Personal Article Insurance?

A personal article floater policy can insure nearly any valuable movable item, provided it’s itemized, appraised, and documented. Typical categories include:

Jewelry and Luxury Accessories – Rings, watches, necklaces, and handbags that are easy to lose or steal and often appreciate over time.

Fine Art and Antiques – Paintings, sculptures, and collectibles with high financial or cultural value that may be fragile or irreplaceable.

Electronics and Cameras – Laptops, high-end cameras, and audio gear prone to theft or accidental damage.

Collectibles and Memorabilia – Rare coins, stamps, sports memorabilia, or trading cards with unique sentimental and market value.

Why Personal Article Insurance Matters for Your Valuables

From heirloom jewelry to professional equipment, your most valuable possessions deserve coverage that reflects their worth. A personal articles floater offers peace of mind by providing protection far beyond what homeowners insurance can deliver.

With customizable coverage, low deductibles, and worldwide protection, a personal article floater policy ensures that your prized possessions—both sentimental and financial—are secure, no matter where life takes you.

Did you add a special piece to your collection over the holidays? Call your Hometown Insurance agent to make sure your possessions are protected.

Call today at 1-800-568-SAVE (7283) or contact us by email at service@hometowninsurance.com for helpful information.

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