What is Personal Property Coverage?
Personal property coverage (Coverage C) protects your belongings - furniture, clothing, electronics, appliances, and more - from covered perils like theft, fire, and vandalism. This coverage applies both at home and when your items travel with you, providing worldwide protection for your possessions.
Your Belongings
Furniture, electronics, clothing, appliances, and personal items
Worldwide Coverage
Protection extends beyond your home to anywhere in the world
Theft Protection
Coverage for stolen items from your home, car, or while traveling
What Personal Property Coverage Protects
Furniture & Home Decor
Sofas, beds, tables, chairs, lamps, artwork, and decorative items
Electronics & Appliances
TVs, computers, phones, kitchen appliances, and smart home devices
Clothing & Accessories
Clothes, shoes, bags, watches, and everyday accessories
Tools & Equipment
Power tools, lawn equipment, and hobby/craft supplies
Sports & Recreation
Bikes, golf clubs, camping gear, and sports equipment
Items Away from Home
Belongings in your car, college dorm, or while traveling
Important: Special Limits on Certain Items
Standard policies have lower sub-limits for valuable items. Consider scheduling these items separately or purchasing additional coverage:
💎 Jewelry & Watches
Typical limit: $1,500-$2,500 total
Schedule valuable pieces for full coverage
💵 Cash & Precious Metals
Typical limit: $200-$500 total
Keep in a safe or schedule for higher limits
🎨 Fine Art & Collectibles
Typical limit: $2,500 per item
Get appraisals and schedule high-value pieces
💻 Computers & Electronics
Typical limit: $5,000-$10,000
Business equipment may need separate coverage
🔫 Firearms
Typical limit: $2,500 total
Collections need scheduled coverage
💍 Silverware & Furs
Typical limit: $2,500 total
Schedule valuable collections separately
How Much Coverage Do You Need?
Personal property coverage is typically 50-70% of your dwelling coverage. For example, if your dwelling coverage is $300,000, you'd have $150,000-$210,000 for personal property.
Standard Coverage (50-70%)
Increased Coverage Option
💡How to Calculate What You Need
- Create a home inventory with photos and receipts
- Add up the replacement cost of all your belongings
- Include items in garage, attic, and storage
- Don't forget clothing, kitchenware, and linens
- Consider increasing coverage if total exceeds 50% of dwelling
Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost
Actual Cash Value (ACV)
Pays the depreciated value of your belongings at the time of loss.
Example:
Your 5-year-old TV is stolen. New replacement cost is $800, but after depreciation, ACV pays only $300.
- ✓Lower premiums
- ✗Much smaller payouts
- ✗Won't cover replacement cost
Replacement Cost Coverage (Recommended)
Pays the full cost to replace your belongings with new items of similar kind and quality.
Example:
Your 5-year-old TV is stolen. Replacement cost is $800. Insurance pays the full $800 (minus deductible).
- ✓Full replacement value
- ✓No depreciation deduction
- ✓Better financial protection
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are items in my car covered?
Yes. Personal property coverage extends to belongings in your vehicle. However, the vehicle itself is covered by auto insurance, not homeowners insurance.
Does this cover my college student's dorm?
Yes. Your policy typically covers your child's belongings in a dorm or apartment, usually up to 10% of your total personal property coverage. Check with your insurer for specific limits.
Should I schedule valuable items separately?
Yes, if you own jewelry, art, or collectibles worth more than sub-limits ($1,500-$2,500). Scheduled personal property (also called a "floater" or "rider") provides higher limits and often broader coverage, including accidental loss.
Do I need receipts to file a claim?
Receipts help but aren't always required. Maintain a home inventory with photos, videos, and purchase records when possible. This documentation makes the claims process much smoother.
Does personal property coverage include business equipment?
Limited coverage. Most policies have low limits ($2,500-$5,000) for business property. If you work from home or run a business, consider business insurance or a home business endorsement for adequate protection.