Engagement Ring Insurance

While it may not be a romantic part of the experience, buying engagement ring insurance or wedding ring insurance might be something you want to consider when you find that perfect ring. After all, not only is an engagement ring or any engagement jewelry a significant purchase, it is also a sentimental one.

Why Should You Buy Engagement Ring Insurance?

Just as we commonly insure other expensive purchases, diamond ring insurance makes sense because an engagement or wedding ring is something that is worn every day; it is exposed to a lot of wear and tear, which can loosen the stone. But it is also something small enough that it can easily be lost when taken off briefly to wash your hands or play sports.

Granted, most people take precautions to take good care of their wedding ring, but unexpected things can happen and you may not want to take any chances. I’ve seen the most diligent, responsible people experience scares with their ring, making them better understand the value of wedding ring insurance.

The diamond itself is very strong, but the diamond can become loose in its setting from wear and tear. A diamond ring may also become loose if it is accidentally knocked against a hard object, for example if you bump your ring against the counter top, a table or some other common surface. If you don’t realize it is loose it may be dislodged and lost. If you go swimming in a lake while wearing your ring your fingers can contract from the cool water and the ring can easily slip off without you realizing it until it is too late. And we’ve all seen the shows where the wedding ring fell into the sink or toilet. Unfortunately unexpected things like this really do happen all the time so it is important to have diamond ring insurance to protect this valuable piece of jewelry.

Some people rely on their homeowner’s insurance to cover their diamond ring or in place of specialized jewelry insurance. If you have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance you will have some coverage, but it may not cover loss or damage in all situations and the limits are much lower, sometimes as low as $500. Thus it may behoove you to consider specialized engagement ring insurance companies to properly cover your ring.

The Cost To Insure An Engagement Ring

The cost of insuring an engagement ring will vary based on a few different factors. For starters insurance premiums can vary from state to state and certain geographical areas that have a higher crime rate may charge a little more. Different insurance companies serving your area may charge different rates so it pays to do some comparison shopping. Of course the value of your ring will also be a factor; the Gemological Institute of America can provide information about diamond grading. But generally speaking engagement ring insurance rates will be quoted per $100 worth of coverage; it will usually be $1 or $2 per $100, or 1%-2%.

You may be able to add the diamond ring insurance coverage to your homeowner’s insurance under an extension to your insurance called a rider. But before you do this do some comparison shopping to make sure this option offers the best coverage for you. You may be better off taking out a separate engagement ring insurance policy. You may be able to get a discount by going through the same company you use to insure your home and car. If not you may want to go to an insurance company that specifically specializes in jewelry insurance like Chubb or Jeweler’s Mutual.

Finding The Best Engagement Ring Insurance Policy

Make sure you understand the coverage you will be getting before you buy engagement or wedding ring insurance. Getting insurance only to find out later it doesn’t cover what you thought it did can be very frustrating and it does happen, so make sure you understand the policy before you make a commitment.

Here are some questions you should ask:

• Does the engagement ring insurance policy cover theft, loss and damage or just theft?
• If it covers damage are there exclusions, for example if your diamond ring was damaged wearing it while playing sports?
• If the policy covers ring repairs are you required to go to a specified jeweler?
• How will the engagement or wedding ring be replaced? Will you receive a check or do you need to find a replacement at a specified jeweler?
• How much will the policy cover?
• Is there a deductible?
• Will the ring be covered if it is damaged, lost or stolen while in the possession of someone else?

Engagement ring insurance policies can vary. Make sure you have the coverage you want and know the details of your policy so you aren’t unpleasantly surprised if you suddenly need to file a claim. Some policies will offer a cash settlement so you can replace the ring, but others only offer repair or replacement.

It is also important to understand how they will pay a cash settlement. If they pay based off of actual cash value (ACV) you should know that this value can change over time based on the changing market value of diamonds, gold and silver at the time of loss.

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Forms Needed When Buying Diamond Ring Insurance

Whether you are buying engagement ring insurance or wedding ring insurance there are a few forms you will need. You will need to give your agent a copy of both the sales receipt and the jewelry appraisal. The jewelry appraisal should have a detailed description of the ring and a photo. If the appraisal doesn’t have a photo be sure to get your own clear picture of the ring and provide that to your agent as well. You may also need a copy of the diamond certification too.

When shopping for engagement ring insurance be sure to compare rates and policy details from different companies to find the best fit and the best price for your needs.

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Unfortunately finding a qualified jewelry appraiser isn’t as easy as picking a name off of a list. It is important to call around and ask some questions to make sure you go to someone who is truly qualified to appraise jewelry.

If you are getting a jewelry appraisal for engagement ring insurance or any other type of jewelry insurance you want to make sure you get a professional appraisal by a qualified jewelry appraiser; don’t just pick the person who gives you the lowest quote and don’t simply look at this as a necessity for insurance purposes. It is important to get an accurate, detailed appraisal. You’ll be glad you did if you ever need to file a claim and a proper appraisal could save you on insurance premiums.

To find a qualified jewelry appraiser there are a few questions you can ask: [...]

Continue Reading: Jewelry Appraisers – Find A Qualified Jewelry Appraiser

Not only is a jewelry appraisal important for your insurance company, it is important for you as well. A detailed and accurate appraisal of your engagement ring will provide you and your insurance company with the necessary information in the event that you need to file a claim. This diamond ring appraisal will help to settle the claim more quickly and fairly.

There are a few different types of jewelry appraisals that are done for different reasons. There is an estate appraisal, a fair market value appraisal and a replacement cost appraisal. To secure an engagement ring insurance policy you will need a replacement cost appraisal.

A replacement cost appraisal is done by a certified gemologist. It should verify quality, authenticity, design and value of the jewelry appraised. [...]

Continue Reading: Jewelry Appraisal – The Importance of An Appraisal

An engagement or wedding ring is often one of our most important and valued possessions so it makes sense to consider engagement ring insurance. Not only is it a valued possession but because it is worn all the time it is subject to potential damage, and because it isn’t a very large item it can be easier than you might think to lose. But you may wonder how much coverage for your ring will cost.

An engagement or wedding ring is often one of our most important and valued possessions so it makes sense to consider engagement ring insurance. Not only is it a valued possession but because it is worn all the time it is subject to potential damage, and because it isn’t a very large item it can be easier than you might think to lose. But you may wonder how much coverage for your ring will cost.

Buying wedding ring insurance isn’t a difficult process, but there are some things you should know about the engagement ring insurance policy before you choose it. It is important to know exactly what your insurance premiums are covering; you don’t want to wait to find out when you submit a claim or you could be in for a disappointing experience. [...]

Continue Reading: Engagement Ring Insurance Rates

When it comes to diamond ring insurance one of the first places you may want to start is with your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance carrier. In most cases you can add what is called a rider to your homeowner’s policy to cover your engagement or wedding ring. Even if you don’t add the coverage to your homeowner’s policy, you may be able to get a discount by using the same company to insure your home, car and other valuables in separate policies. If you are able to add jewelry insurance to your homeowner’s policy make sure the engagement ring insurance coverage moves with you if you move into a new home after you get married.

As with most insurance you hope you won’t need to use it, but if you do you will want to know exactly how the ring will be covered? What types of situations will be covered, what won’t be covered, and to what degree. Here are some good questions to get started: [...]

Continue Reading: Engagement Ring Insurance Policy