How to Insure Your Jewellery Before You Travel

In 1969, actors Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor purchased a 69-carat, pear-cut diamond, and Taylor wore it briefly as a ring before having it reset as a necklace. It was originally owned by Harriet Annenberg Ames, who was said to have sold it because she felt as though she couldn’t wear it in public for fear of being robbed and because letting it sit in a bank vault was a waste. And while Taylor may not have been afraid to show off the diamond, due to the terms of Burton’s million-dollar (US) insurance policy, she could only wear it 30 days out of the year. The rest of the time it needed to stay in a secure bank vault, and when she did go out in public with it on, she must be accompanied by armed guards.

While staying at a VIP apartment in Paris in 2016, Kim Kardashian was robbed and briefly held hostage at gunpoint. The perpetrator took an estimated $10 million US in jewels, including her diamond engagement ring, valued at $4 million US. While her insurance company paid out over $6 million US to compensate her for the loss, there is some controversy over whether or not she adhered to the terms of the policy – namely if enough security was in place.

Like Taylor and Kardashian, you need to make sure that you have enough insurance and that you’re following the parameters in order to maintain full protection on the item. Here are a few questions to ask before you travel with your jewellery:

• Do you have valuables coverage? In most cases, your homeowners insurance policy will not cover the full loss of an expensive piece of jewellery. Look for a valuable articles policy that will not cap your coverage.

• Is the coverage worldwide? Not all policies offer coverage overseas. Look for one that allows you to travel with your jewellery.

• Is there a deductible? Some policies will provide coverage for most causes of loss – including “mysterious disappearance” – without a deductible.

• Does it include inflation protection? Look for a policy that will pay up to 150% of the amount of the policy to account for inflation.

• Does it include newly acquired pieces? If you plan to purchase additional pieces, you will want a policy that automatically covers your newly acquired jewellery, for up to 25% of your itemized limit, for 90 days if you already have jewellery coverage in place.

• Do you have an up-to-date appraisal? The more information you can provide to your insurance company, the better they can assist you if you lose or damage a piece of jewellery. Keep an up-to-date appraisal in a secured area, that includes the type of jewellery, what it’s made of, the gemstones used and how they are graded. Make sure the condition of the piece is included and check with your policy expert to keep pace with market fluctuations if you have a rare piece or large collection.

• Are you taking safety precautions? Regardless of the jewellery’s value or the specific terms of the policy, always adhere to these general safety rules:

  • When travelling, keep your expensive items with you at all times or use the hotel vault to store them (not a room safe).
  • Don’t pack jewellery in your checked luggage or wear it in less secure areas like the pool or beach.
  • Consider investing in “travel jewellery” – Elizabeth Taylor had a replica of her renowned diamond made for $2,800 US, which was a fraction of the cost of the real thing, but probably made her trips more carefree.