Traveling is a lot of fun—but it can also mean your stuff (like jewelry and clothing) is more likely to get lost, stolen or damaged. The good news is that your homeowners insurance or a personal articles/inland marine policy may help cover those items while you’re away from home.
You may not know that many homeowners policies cover personal property even when it’s not at your house (subject to the specific policy form, limits, exclusions, and state rules). While homeowners insurance is a great starting point, it can fall short for high-value items like jewelry, cameras and golf equipment. Many standard policies limit the amount they will pay on these items, so if you take a laptop, camera or other belongings on a trip, they’re often covered under an “off-premises” provision—just usually at a lower limit. For example, your policy might cap off-premises coverage at 10% of your total personal property limit. If you have $50,000 of personal property coverage, that could mean up to $5,000 for items stolen while traveling. (This is an illustration only – actual limits vary by policy and state.) It’s worth taking a quick look at your policy or calling your agent before you leave so there are no surprises.
If you regularly travel with valuables, you may want to ask about a personal articles or inland marine policy. These policies are built to protect specific items with broader coverage for incidents like accidental loss, theft and damage, whether you are at home or traveling—even internationally! And unlike homeowners coverage, these policies typically don’t reduce limits just because you’re traveling.
A few simple steps can go a long way in protecting your belongings while you travel:
- Practice smart travel habits: Use hotel safes when you can, don’t leave valuables unattended and pay attention to where you set things down. If you’re flying, keep smaller high-value items in your carry-on rather than in your checked luggage.
- Document what you’re bringing: Keep a simple inventory of your personal property, plus receipts, photos and appraisals for high-value items. If you ever need to file a claim, having this ready makes the process much easier.
Before you head out, it’s a good idea to review your coverage with your insurance agent so you know what’s covered (and what isn’t) when you’re away. Ask about off-premises limits, any category sub-limits, exclusions and whether your deductible would apply. If it looks like you need more coverage, you can discuss adding extra coverage or a personal articles/inland marine policy for higher limits and fewer location restrictions. If something does happen on your trip, report it to local authorities and contact your insurance company as soon as you can—prompt reporting can help keep your claim moving.
A little preparation can make traveling feel a lot more relaxed. By understanding your coverage, considering extra protection for valuables and using a few common-sense travel habits, you can lower the risk—and feel more confident that you’re covered if the unexpected happens.
This article provides general information only and does not change your policy. Coverage, limits, exclusions, and availability vary by state and policy form. Refer to the policy and consult your agent for details.
