Terry French
Protecting Your Purchases This February

Although February is a brief month, it often comes with some significant expenses. Between buying Valentine’s Day gifts and taking advantage of Presidents’ Day sales, many people make some of their most cherished purchases during this time. These items, often rich in both sentimental and financial value, deserve proper protection.

Ensuring Coverage Before Use

Whether it’s a beautiful piece of jewelry or a new car, understanding your insurance coverage up front is essential. Accidents or theft can occur right from the moment of purchase or during special occasions. For high-value items, arranging coverage beforehand ensures peace of mind.

Critical Insurance for High-Value Purchases

Standard homeowners policies usually don't cover the full value of expensive jewelry or fine art. Most policies cap claims at around $1,000–$5,000, insufficient for many valuables. Consider scheduling these items with a personal property rider to ensure full reimbursement in case of loss.

Steps for Insuring Valuable Items

Ensure your high-value gifts like jewelry or art are scheduled under separate insurance policies. Stay informed with regular appraisals every few years. Moreover, these purchases may need specialized insurance that covers them globally and during transit.

Specific Risks During Presidents’ Day Car Purchases

Presidents’ Day is popular for car shopping, and most insurers provide a temporary coverage extension for new vehicles — typically ranging from 7 to 30 days. During this period, your current policy may automatically cover your new acquisition.

Things to Remember When Buying a New Car

Fully integrate the new vehicle into your auto policy before your grace period ends. Especially if financing, lenders usually require comprehensive coverage and might recommend gap insurance for further assurance.

Good Practices in Recordkeeping

Maintaining comprehensive records of your important purchases is invaluable. Store digital records like receipts and appraisals securely, and ensure yearly policy reviews after significant purchases.

In Case of a Delay

If you missed covering a recent significant purchase, seek help immediately. An agent can advise whether you should schedule the items and adjust your coverage to align with your lifestyle.

Embrace February’s memorable purchases by ensuring they’re well-protected. Contact your insurance provider to confirm that your coverage meets your needs, allowing you to enjoy these new additions worry-free.