Securing engagement ring insurance is an essential step that shouldn’t be overlooked once you’ve invested in that precious piece of jewelry. Insurance policies can protect you from unfortunate circumstances like theft, loss, or damage. When looking for a policy, consider buying from a reputable insurance company specializing in jewelry or adding a “rider” to your homeowners or renters insurance. To facilitate the insurance process, it’s crucial to get an appraisal from a certified gemologist, which would include a detailed description of the ring along with its estimated value.
5 Items to Keep in Mind When Buying a Policy:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Ensure that the policy covers a range of scenarios like theft, loss, and accidental damage. The more comprehensive the policy, the better protected you are.
- Deductible Options: Understand how much you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket before the insurance kicks in. A lower deductible often means higher premiums and vice versa.
- Appraisal: Get an accurate appraisal from a certified gemologist to determine the ring’s value. Keep this updated every few years as the value of precious stones and metals can fluctuate.
- Documentation: Keep a copy of all relevant documentation, including purchase receipts, appraisals, and photographs of the ring, as you’ll likely need these for the insurance process.
- Read the Fine Print: Make sure to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of the policy, including any exclusions and limitations, before finalizing it.
Why you should trust us
To help you with the diamond buying process we lean on our expertise and experience. The author of this article, our CEO, Mike Fried has over 20 years of experience in the diamond industry. Mike started from the bottom, sorting and evaluating hundreds of thousands of diamonds to learn every facet (pun intended) of diamond quality and value. Mike followed that up by spending years buying and selling diamonds on the wholesale market as well as selling tens of millions of dollars worth of diamonds to diamond retailers.
Bottom Line Recommendation
In most cases, it’s best to buy engagement ring insurance to protect your investment and offer you peace of mind. Diamond insurance policies usually cover the cost of your ring if it were to be stolen, damaged, or lost. Reputable vendors like James Allen and Blue Nile offer the option of insuring your engagement ring through their partnership with Jewelers Mutual. See James Allen’s insurance offering here and Blue Nile’s engagement ring insurance here. You can also add engagement ring insurance to your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, or choose a standalone jewelry insurance policy.
What is engagement ring insurance?
Engagement ring insurance is a policy that offers financial protection in case of loss, theft, or damage to your engagement ring. Policies may cover repair, replacement, and cost reimbursement.
Accidents happen to us all. Whether you misplace your ring or it gets damaged, you’ll have comfort knowing that you have some financial protection.
The three main benefits of engagement ring insurance are:
- Protects you financially should anything happen to your ring such as serious damage, or it being stolen or lost.
- Allows you to feel peace of mind knowing you would recoup your financial investment.
- Ensures your other jewelry is also protected, as it may be covered under the same insurance policy.
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Should I insure an engagement ring?
Yes, in most cases, it’s best to insure an engagement ring, especially if the cost to replace the ring would cause financial burden. Engagement rings are usually significant purchases, and it makes sense to back them with an insurance policy.
For example, if your ring is valued at $10,000, would you have readily available funds to pay for a replacement? Would the out-of-pocket cost negatively impact your financial situation?
According to Jewelers Mutual, even announcing an engagement can attract the attention of opportunistic thieves interested in stealing valuable, newly-acquired jewelry.
In the end, deciding on jewelry insurance is up to you, but in most cases, it’s a smart move.
How much does engagement ring insurance cost?
On average, the annual cost of engagement ring insurance is between $1 and $2 per $100 of ring value. For example, a $10,000 ring would cost between $100 and $200 to insure each year. Jewelry insurance costs depend on the rate of theft in your area and which provider you choose. Insurance carriers might offer to lower your premium if you have a home security system or if you place your jewelry in a security box when it’s not worn.
At what ring price should I insure my engagement ring?
In general, we recommend engagement ring insurance if your ring costs $3,000 or more. Why? You want to protect a significant investment and avoid financial stress should something happen.
For example, if you were to lose a $3,000 ring like this one from James Allen, would it cause a financial burden to replace? If yes, then insurance is a smart move. If replacing a ring doesn’t cause financial stress, it may not make sense to buy insurance.
Above all, it’s important to consider your financial situation, income, and other expenses to decide if the annual premium makes sense for you and your partner.
Tips for insuring your engagement ring
Find the right jewelry insurance for your engagement ring to get the best peace of mind. From comparing providers to getting a ring appraisal, here are the top tips to follow.
Consider adding it to your homeowners or renters insurance
In most cases, your best bet is to incorporate your diamond ring insurance into your homeowners or renters insurance policy. Check with your insurance carrier to see if your engagement ring is covered, and what type of coverage it is. Depending on your policy, you may want to add a jewelry “rider” or “floater” for extra coverage. For instance, your current policy might only cover up to a certain dollar amount, or only allow certain claims, such as a stolen ring, but not a damaged one.
If your engagement ring isn’t covered under your current policy, check to see how much it would be to add it to your plan. Sometimes adding jewelry insurance to your policy is less expensive than purchasing a separate insurance plan.
Know the type of insurance you need
Depending on the engagement ring you have — whether it’s a family heirloom or a new ring — certain types of insurance might be better than others.
Here are the three main types of jewelry insurance:
- Warranty: A warranty is usually included when you buy your ring. Warranties often cover manufacturer defects, but might require you to get your ring inspected once or twice a year. Warranties don’t often cover lost, stolen, or damaged rings. James Allen offers a lifetime warranty with the option to choose an upgraded protection plan. Blue Nile also offers a lifetime manufacturer warranty.
- Renters or homeowners insurance: Most policies include a general amount of coverage for your personal belongings. Your ring might be covered, or you can add a jeweler “rider” or “floater” for extra coverage. Some plans only cover up to a certain dollar amount or under certain instances, such as a damaged ring but not a lost one.
- Jewelry insurance: The plan covers all your jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Insurance plans might cover all situations, such as loss, theft, and damage, but look at the fine print. Some plans have a deductible you’ll need to pay before insurance kicks in, while others cover the full cost.
No matter which plan you choose, verify that you’re offered reimbursement cash instead of a “ring of equal value” in the case of a lost or stolen ring. That way, you can choose a high-quality replacement diamond, instead of them choosing a replacement diamond of subpar quality.
Follow our expert guidelines for buying diamonds to find a stunning stone at a great price.
Compare providers
Besides comparing the cost of different insurance options and carriers, look at what that coverage provides. What types of situations does it cover? Does the plan cover all costs or will you owe a deductible? Comparing plans isn’t always apples to apples, so be sure to dig into the details of what it is you’re paying for.
Know how much you should expect to pay
Get a good idea of what the insurance costs and what it covers. Factor the annual cost into your budget, so you set aside the funds to pay for it. In the end, insurance is about how much risk you’re willing to take on, and how much annual cost you’re willing to pay.
Ask important questions
As you narrow down where you might get your diamond ring insurance, be sure to ask some important questions so you’re not left with any surprises.
Here are the best questions to ask your insurance provider before locking in a plan.
- What situations are covered and which are not? (verify damage, loss, and theft coverage)
- What dollar amount is covered? Is there a deductible?
- Will I be offered cash (recommended) or a “ring of equal value”?
- What proof will I have to provide if my ring goes missing or is damaged?
- Am I covered if I leave the country?
- What types of services go toward the deductible (if there is one)?
- What steps will I have to take if I move somewhere else or get a different homeowners / renters insurance plan?
- Where am I allowed to get my engagement ring replaced or repaired?
- What steps do I have to take to renew my insurance each year?
- If I file a claim under my homeowners or renters insurance, how likely is my premium to increase and by approximately how much?
- Is there anything else unique about your jewelry insurance plan that I should know?
- How do I sign up for engagement ring insurance?
Get an appraisal
An appraisal of your engagement ring is usually required for an insurance company to hold a policy on your ring, especially if your ring is valued at more than $5,000. A receipt of the ring sale might be acceptable in exchange for an appraisal if the ring has a sale price of less than $5,000.
As the GIA explains, an appraisal is a description and value of property — in this case, your engagement ring. Insurance companies often rely on appraisals to determine the replacement value of your ring in the event that it’s lost or stolen.
An official appraisal allows you to be eligible for the full investment should your ring go missing or be damaged. Appraisals are important for the diamond insurance company to know what they’re covering and to determine your policy cost. Whether your ring is new or a family heirloom, you and your insurance company will know exactly how much it’s worth.
Most jewelers and diamond dealers employ professional appraisers, but there are also independent jewelry appraisers. You may be eligible for a complimentary appraisal from your diamond seller, so be sure to ask.
Keep your diamond certificate
With the purchase of any diamond, it’s important to get a ring that has a certificate from a reputable lab, such as the GIA. The certificate states details such as color, cut, clarity and carat weight of the diamond. Provide a copy of your certificate to your appraiser and be sure to keep a copy for yourself. Should your ring ever be stolen, the details in your certificate might be helpful in locating it.
Insure your ring sooner than later
In the first days of your engagement or even before you propose, get your engagement ring covered to give you peace of mind right away. Amidst all the things you have to plan as a newly engaged couple, check this off your list so you don’t have to worry about your new piece of bling.
Keep your documents safe
Once your ring is insured, keep all the documents in a safe place either electronically or in paper form. Store your policy info with your certificate, appraisal and any other info about your engagement ring, including your sales receipt if you have one.
Bottom line: Get your ring insured for peace of mind
Getting your engagement ring insured is another step on the way to having a secure life together. With one of your most prized possessions and investments protected, you can better focus on all the wonderful festivities and memories to come.
For guidance on shopping for an engagement ring or anything else diamond related, send our experts a message.
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free International Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisals
- One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
- Free ring inscriptions
- Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Best-in-class packaging
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisal
- One free resizing within the first year of purchase
- High quality images of about half of their diamonds
- 24/7 Customer Service
- 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
- Best in class fulfillment
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