Insuring Your Wedding or Engagement Ring

Insuring Your Wedding or Engagement Ring

Engagement or wedding rings and love.

February 15, 2009

Share this article about wedding or engagement rings and insurance from Insurance.com!

Did you get engaged for Valentine's Day? It's one of the most popular times of year for couples to commit. By now, you're probably getting tons of advice—and hopefully some nice messages from the friends who've seen the photo you added to Facebook last night. So, congratulations—and now here's our helpful advice about protecting your new ring.

Check your homeowners or renters policy first
If you have home insurance, a condominium owners policy or renters insurance, your policy will most likely include coverage for a limited amount of jewelry, usually $500 or $1,000. The limit of coverage applies to all jewelry you own, so be sure to consider the value of all your jewelry before deciding that it's enough coverage.

You have two options for buying more coverage than your home insurance offers. You can add more coverage to your home or renter's policy by adding an endorsement to cover the appraised value of your ring or all of your jewelry. This type of policy endorsement is sometimes called a floater or jewelry floater or a personal articles policy. The cost is based on a certain price per thousand dollars of insured value, usually around $2 to $5 per $100. So, the cost to insure a $3,000 ring might range from $60 to $100 a year. If you have a loss, your insurance company has the option of paying you the appraised amount or replacing the ring.

If you don't have home insurance or want to compare rates before you insure your ring, try a jewelry insurance specialist. Many companies will offer an online quote, so you can compare costs and coverage. An appraisal from a certified jeweler will be helpful to establish the value of your ring whether you buy online or from an agent.

Finally, while you're at it, take a few minutes to review your insurance coverage for all of your valuable items, including computers and electronics. If you need help finding out if your valuables are properly insured, contact your insurance agent or insurance company for more information.

Handle with care
You can't insure your ring for daily "wear and tear." So be extra careful while cleaning or doing household chores. Harsh chemicals can damage precious stones and metals, especially platinum, and a rough blow can easily dislodge a stone from its setting. A jeweler can polish your wedding bands, but it's not a free service, so try to avoid scratches and nicks when you can. And, it's a good idea to have a jeweler check your ring every year for loose prongs or stones. It costs little to replace a prong—and you'll avoid an insurance claim in the long run.

Some jewelers offer a service plan to cover wear and tear. These plans are usually either included in the price of the ring or available after purchase for a percentage of the original price. Service plans almost never cover theft, loss, or damage beyond normal wear and tear, so they are not a substitute for insurance.

Hold on tight
OK. These tips might sound like they came from your grandmother, but seriously—who wants to take a chance?

* When you take off your ring, always put it in the same place. A ring-holder is a great idea.
* Don't place your ring on the counter next to the sink when you wash your hands—unless the drain opening is covered.
* Sunscreen is slippery—so be careful not to lose your ring at the beach or pool—or on your honeymoon.
* Resize a ring that doesn't fit, even if it costs extra. Rings have fallen off the hands of the newly engaged and been lost forever, so ignore this advice at your own risk.

Insurance can never replace the sentimental value of a wedding ring, but it can give you some peace of mind and protect your investment.

Home Insurance and 4th of July Fireworks

Home Insurance and 4th of July Fireworks

June 29, 2009
Share this article about home insurance and fireworks from Insurance.com!

Does your home insurance cover fireworks accidents? With the Fourth of July holiday fast approaching, it’s important to know the answer. What types of accidents are there, will your home insurance company pay for them, and how can you avoid them?

Because each house and family is unique, there is no single or easy answer to these questions. Most home insurance policies provide many different types of protection, and these protections often have different payment limits. Also, there are different types of accidents.

Different accidents, different coverages. If fireworks set fire to leaves in your gutter, a section of your home insurance policy for fire incidents could cover the damage. Fireworks that malfunction and injure a friend on your property could be covered under a section for medical payments to others. Likewise, a section on liability payments could cover your fireworks accidentally shooting into your neighbor’s house and breaking a window.

Get an umbrella (policy). If you have lots of assets or need more protection, consider adding an umbrella policy. A personal umbrella liability policy can protect you after you reach the limits of your standard policy. It may also protect you in areas not covered on your other policies.

Each homeowners insurance policy is different, so if you have a question, ask your insurance company to point out and explain the sections of your policy that describe your coverage.

Practice safety. Even if you understand your home insurance policy and are sure you’re covered, the best way to avoid problems is to focus on safety by using proper pyrotechnic practices. Every year, thousands of people are injured by fireworks, and some are even killed.

Imagine how you would feel if you burned down a neighbor’s house or seriously injured someone while trying to celebrate. Insurance questions would probably be the last thing on your mind. Even if your insurance did cover the accident, the consequences could continue for the rest of your life.

Keep children safe. According to the latest fireworks injury report from the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), children make up a large percentage of fireworks injuries each year. Even children under five are injured often, including many burns from sparklers – which can reach temperatures of 1,200 and even 2,000 degrees. The best advice is to avoid private fireworks displays. If you want to see fireworks, go to a professional public display. However, if you insist on lighting fireworks yourself, please follow these fireworks safety tips from the CPSC.

Protect your home for less.

Protect your home for less.

Home insurance does more than satisfying a bank's requirements. It lets you and your family know that you'll be financially protected. Condo, renters and homeowners insurance can cover the structure of your home as well as your belongings – even when they're not in your house. In addition, home owner insurance can cover you for legal liability and more.

At Insurance.com, you can compare renters, condo, or home insurance quotes from our partners online and buy a policy whenever you're ready. Start a quote to see discounts and rates, investigate your options and come back whenever your want.

We believe home insurance can be easy, so we make it simple for you to start your research online. If you're ready to buy your home owners insurance, you can call, buy online or have a licensed agent call you. We're here to make comparing home insurance quotes less painful!

Get affordable health insurance.

Get affordable health insurance.

Health insurance costs keep rising, but health care coverage provides essential financial protection for your family. You need coverage to avoid medical costs you can't afford, but you don't want to pay for coverage you don't need. That's why it's so important to compare health insurance quotes from multiple companies. You can get the family health insurance you need at a competitive price.

Many customers research their health insurance options online and then call to speak with a licensed agent. Because you can customize your health insurance search with Insurance.com, you get the health insurance quote you want and the coverage your family needs.

Share this article about home insurance and fireworks from Insurance.com!

Home Insurance and 4th of July Fireworks

June 29, 2009
Share this article about home insurance and fireworks from Insurance.com!

Does your home insurance cover fireworks accidents? With the Fourth of July holiday fast approaching, it’s important to know the answer. What types of accidents are there, will your home insurance company pay for them, and how can you avoid them?

Because each house and family is unique, there is no single or easy answer to these questions. Most home insurance policies provide many different types of protection, and these protections often have different payment limits. Also, there are different types of accidents.

Different accidents, different coverages. If fireworks set fire to leaves in your gutter, a section of your home insurance policy for fire incidents could cover the damage. Fireworks that malfunction and injure a friend on your property could be covered under a section for medical payments to others. Likewise, a section on liability payments could cover your fireworks accidentally shooting into your neighbor’s house and breaking a window.

Get an umbrella (policy). If you have lots of assets or need more protection, consider adding an umbrella policy. A personal umbrella liability policy can protect you after you reach the limits of your standard policy. It may also protect you in areas not covered on your other policies.

Each homeowners insurance policy is different, so if you have a question, ask your insurance company to point out and explain the sections of your policy that describe your coverage.

Practice safety. Even if you understand your home insurance policy and are sure you’re covered, the best way to avoid problems is to focus on safety by using proper pyrotechnic practices. Every year, thousands of people are injured by fireworks, and some are even killed.

Imagine how you would feel if you burned down a neighbor’s house or seriously injured someone while trying to celebrate. Insurance questions would probably be the last thing on your mind. Even if your insurance did cover the accident, the consequences could continue for the rest of your life.

Keep children safe. According to the latest fireworks injury report from the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), children make up a large percentage of fireworks injuries each year. Even children under five are injured often, including many burns from sparklers – which can reach temperatures of 1,200 and even 2,000 degrees. The best advice is to avoid private fireworks displays. If you want to see fireworks, go to a professional public display. However, if you insist on lighting fireworks yourself, please follow these fireworks safety tips from the CPSC.

Get a Home Insurance quote today.

Get a Home Insurance quote today.
Home Owner Insurance Quotes
Enter Zip Code:
Your information is secure.
Get homeowners, renters and condo insurance quotes from top insurance companies.

When it comes to protecting yourself and your assets, home owners insurance is your main line of defense. Get your home insurance quote today. You can even educate yourself with home insurance tips and articles.
Protect your home for less.

Home insurance does more than satisfying a bank's requirements. It lets you and your family know that you'll be financially protected. Condo, renters and homeowners insurance can cover the structure of your home as well as your belongings – even when they're not in your house. In addition, home owner insurance can cover you for legal liability and more.

At Insurance.com, you can compare renters, condo, or home insurance quotes from our partners online and buy a policy whenever you're ready. Start a quote to see discounts and rates, investigate your options and come back whenever your want.

We believe home insurance can be easy, so we make it simple for you to start your research online. If you're ready to buy your home owners insurance, you can call, buy online or have a licensed agent call you. We're here to make comparing home insurance quotes less painful!
Helpful Home Insurance Tips
Home Insurance and 4th of July Fireworks

Home insurance might cover your July 4th fireworks accidents, but focusing on safety could prevent them instead. Learn what kind of fireworks-related mishaps homeowners insurance could cover and how to stay safe.
Read More Read More

Insuring Your Wedding or Engagement Ring

Valentine's Day ranks near the top for new engagements. If you got a new engagement ring or wedding ring, learn about how to protect it by understanding how coverage relates to your home, renters, or condo insurance.
Read More Read More

How to Update Your Home Insurance

Learn about adjusting your home insurance coverage, or how to shop if your Florida policy could be canceled.
Read More Read More

My Tree Fell on My Neighbor's Porch - Whose Home Insurance Covers the Damage?

Home insurance can come into play when one of your trees falls on a neighbor's property.
Read More Read More

Understanding the Difference Between HMO PPO and POS

Understanding the Difference Between HMO PPO and POS

November 10, 2008

Share this Insurance.com article

Which health insurance plan is best for your small business?
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), and Point-of-Service Plans (POS) are all types of managed health care. The purpose of managed care is to provide its members with access to a comprehensive system of medical care that offers savings and encourages quality service. While larger companies can afford to offer a choice of health plans, a smaller business can save money by comparing health insurance plans each year before the annual enrollment period. While cost is a key factor, make sure that the network you select provides convenience and coverage in your local area.

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO)
When your health care coverage is provided by a Health Maintenance Organization, you typically must select an HMO physician to be your primary health care provider. This doctor will coordinate all of your medical care, including referrals to specialists, such as a dermatologist, cardiologist or surgeon. If you choose to seek treatment from a non-network physician, you will generally be required to pay most of the cost yourself. By law, an HMO cannot require referrals for emergency care, so an HMO will pay for emergency room treatment without a referral.

Due to the restriction of choosing from mostly HMO network services, it's important to check the physician listing and hospital affiliations for the HMO you are considering. If the list is extensive and you are satisfied with the hospitals used by the HMO network, an HMO may be a good choice. On average, HMOs are the least expensive health option for employers and employees. Doctor's visits, preventive care, and medical treatment are covered by your monthly insurance premium, and there is no individual or family deductible to meet. There is generally a co-payment for each visit that varies based on the type of service provided and the plan you select, but typically no co-insurance. Most standard HMO plans do not have a lifetime maximum benefit amount. Some HMOs are starting to offer more choices in plan configuration, allowing their members to visit preferred providers outside of the network. This gives their members access to an HMO network and a PPO network at the same time, although the PPO portion usually involves deductibles and co-insurance.

Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO)
A Preferred Provided Organization is more flexible than a traditional HMO insurance plan, but it still operates with a list of physicians and hospitals that are considered "within the PPO network." With a PPO plan, you may visit an out-of-network provider and still receive some coverage for their services. However, because the insurance company has not negotiated discounted rates with these providers, you will usually have to pay co-insurance or the difference between the network and out-of-network prices. The co-payment amounts for office visits and other services are also smaller if you see a doctor in the PPO network than if you see an out-of-network doctor. If you do choose to stray from your PPO network, you may need to pay for the treatment and submit the receipt to your PPO insurance provider for a partial reimbursement. Lastly, you do not need a referral if you wish to see a specialist, nor do you usually need to select a primary care physician.

HMO vs. PPO Prescription Plans
Both plans may include a prescription drug benefit if you, as an employer, choose to offer one. You can decide what percentage of each prescription is covered by your HMO or PPO and what percentage the employee will be required to pay. The coverage price may range anywhere from a co-pay of $5 for some drugs, to a co-pay of almost the entire amount for others. Most plans also include a higher co-payment if the employee chooses a brand name drug over a generic formula, if one was available and recommended by the physician. Some HMO medical buildings have an in-house pharmacy, which may be an added convenience.

Point-of-Service Plan (POS)
The POS plan is like a combination of the HMO and PPO plans. You are required to designate an in-network physician to be your primary health care provider. You may go out-of-network if you choose, but in doing so, you will have to pay most of the cost yourself, unless a primary care physician refers you to that specific doctor. In that instance, the health plan will pay all or most of your bill. Depending on the networks available in your area, a POS plan may be a great choice for your small business, if your employees work in multiple cities with different groups of doctors and hospitals available to them.

There are many choices for today's small businesses, and some health insurance companies give you the ability to offer more than one option to your employees. If you are interested in getting a health insurance plan for yourself or your business, Insurance.com helps you compare multiple rates from top health insurance providers.