Insuring Jewelry: What belongs in home contents insurance, and how much is your jewelry worth?
Many people are unaware of how valuable their entire jewelry collection is – and even fewer know whether their jewelry is truly insured in the event of damage. This guide explains how to properly insure your jewelry and be protected in case of an emergency.
Is jewelry automatically covered by home contents insurance?
Yes – but with important limitations. Home contents insurance generally covers jewelry in the event of burglary, fire, burst pipes, and natural disasters. The critical limitation: most policies have a value limit for jewelry of 20–25% of the sum insured – often between €1,000 and €2,500. Anything above that is not covered by standard home contents insurance.
When is home contents insurance not enough?
- Jewelry collection with a total value over €2,500
- Individual pieces valued over €1,000–€2,000
- Theft outside your own home (pickpocketing, hotel safe theft) – standard home contents usually doesn't cover this
- Loss of jewelry (not an insured event in standard home contents)
The better solution: supplementary jewelry insurance
Supplementary jewelry insurance (or a valuable items clause in home contents) extends protection:
- Higher individual value limits (up to €10,000+ per item possible)
- Protection outside the home (i.e., also when traveling, on the street)
- Loss can be insured (optional, higher premium)
- Worldwide protection
How do you determine the value of your jewelry?
Collect purchase receipts
Keep all invoices – this is the easiest proof. Date, description, purchase price.
Professional valuation
For more valuable pieces (over €500), an appraisal from a goldsmith or certified gemologist is worthwhile. The appraisal states the replacement value – this is the value at which an equivalent piece could be purchased new today.
Photo documentation
Secure photos of all jewelry pieces (along with a scale) with date and description on cloud storage. In case of damage, this is worth gold.
What to do if jewelry is stolen?
- Notify the police immediately – file a report (insurance requires case number)
- Contact the insurance company – fill out the claim form
- Create a list of all stolen items with description and value
- Submit purchase receipts and photos as evidence
What to do if jewelry is lost?
Standard home contents: Usually not covered. Special loss clause or separate loss endorsement: May be covered. Real precious metals: Some jewelers offer their own guarantee programs for loss.
Conclusion: Document and check
Take 30 minutes: Photograph your jewelry, collect the receipts, check your home contents policy, and see if the value limits are sufficient. This half-hour can mean thousands of euros in the event of damage.
High-quality jewelry from Corelune Jewellery
Beautiful jewelry deserves the right protection – at Corelune Jewellery, you'll find pieces worth insuring.
👉 Discover jewelry – and secure it smartly!
