March, 2025 | Boizelle Insurance Partnership - Page 2

How to Insure Your Wedding Rings

Wedding rings can typically be covered under a homeowners insurance policy. However, it’s important to understand the specifics and potential limitations.

Here’s how it works:

1. Scheduled Personal Property (Endorsement/Floaters):

• Most homeowners insurance policies allow you to add valuable items, like wedding rings, as a scheduled personal property endorsement or floater. This provides additional coverage specifically for the rings.
• By scheduling the jewelry, you’re usually covered for a higher amount than the general personal property coverage, which often has a cap for valuables like jewelry.
• This coverage often includes protection against loss, theft, or damage, and you may be able to choose a lower deductible for the added coverage.

2. Coverage Under Standard Policy:

• Standard homeowners insurance policies often cover personal property, including jewelry, but typically only for a limited amount. For example, if the ring is lost or stolen, the policy might cover a small percentage of the jewelry’s value (usually around $1,500 or so), which might not be enough to replace high-value wedding rings.
• There could also be limitations regarding theft (for example, it may only cover losses that happen inside your home) or mysterious disappearance (e.g., if the ring simply vanishes without a clear cause).

3. Exclusions to Consider:

• Theft outside the home: Many standard policies don’t cover theft or loss of jewelry if it happens outside your home, such as while traveling.
• Accidental damage: Damage caused by accidents (e.g., dropping the ring or scratching it) might not be covered under a basic homeowners policy.
• Higher deductible: The deductible on a general homeowners policy could be higher than what you might pay with a specialized jewelry insurance policy.

What You Should Do:

• Get an appraisal: If you plan to add the wedding rings to your homeowners policy, you’ll likely need to get a professional appraisal to determine their value.
• Check your policy limits: Review the coverage limits in your homeowners insurance policy to make sure the coverage is sufficient for the value of your wedding rings.
• Consider a rider: If your wedding rings are of significant value, you might want to add a jewelry rider or floater to your homeowners policy, which provides more comprehensive coverage.

While homeowners insurance can cover wedding rings, it’s important to weigh the limitations and exclusions before relying solely on it. If you’re concerned about more complete protection (such as for accidental damage or loss outside the home), standalone jewelry insurance may be a better option.

Staying Safe In Extreme Cold

During extremely cold weather, it’s important to take necessary precautions to keep yourself and your family safe from cold-related injuries like frostbite, hypothermia, and other health risks. Here are some tips to help protect yourself and your loved one:

1. Dress in Layers

• Base Layer: Wear moisture-wicking clothing (like wool or synthetic fabrics) to keep sweat away from your skin.
• Insulating Layer: Add a warm layer like fleece, wool, or down to trap body heat.
• Outer Layer: Chose a windproof and waterproof outer layer to shield from the wind, rain, or snow.
• Accessories: Wear a hat, gloves, scarf, thermal socks, and insulated boots. Mittens are usually warmer than gloves.

2. Limit Exposure

• Avoid prolonged time outdoors in extremely cold temperatures, especially during wind chill or when temperatures are below freezing.
• If you have to go outside, take frequent breaks indoors to warm up.

3. Stay Dry

• Wet clothing can increase your risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Always stay dry, and if you get wet, change clothes immediately.

4. Warm Up Your Home

• Keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature, ideally above 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius).
• Use space heaters safely and never leave them unattended.
• Close off rooms you don’t use to conserve heat and keep blankets and extra layers handy.

5. Prepare Your Car

• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid fuel line freeze.
• Carry emergency supplies such as blankets, gloves, a flashlight, non-perishable snacks, water, and a first-aid kit.
• Ensure your car has winter tires, and check your battery and tire pressure.

6. Be Aware of Frostbite and Hypothermia

• Frostbite: Symptoms include numbness, pale or waxy skin, and a tingling feeling. If you suspect frostbite, move to a warm area and gradually warm the affected areas, but don’t rub them.
• Hypothermia: Symptoms include shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and loss of coordination. If someone is showing signs of hypothermia, warm them up gradually, and seek medical help immediately.

7. Check on Vulnerable People

• The elderly, young children, and those with chronic health conditions are at higher risk in extreme cold. Check on them frequently to make sure they are warm and safe.

8. Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine

• While they may make you feel warm initially, alcohol and caffeine can actually lower your body temperature and impair your ability to stay warm.

9. Stock Up on Supplies

• Ensure you have enough food, water, medications, and other essential supplies in case you become stranded or unable to leave your home.

10. Stay Informed

• Keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared for any sudden changes in conditions. In case of severe cold, follow public safety instructions.

By staying warm, dry, and vigilant, you can help reduce the risks posed by extreme cold weather to you and your family. Stay safe out there!