Even when everything goes according to plan, moving is pretty much guaranteed to be a stressful process. If something gets lost or damaged, however, it’s only going to get worse. That’s why it’s important to make sure that certain luxury items are insured before they’re packed and transported to your new home.
While homeowners insurance will usually cover you in the event of a break-in or natural disaster, such as a fire or hurricane, you could still be liable for anything that happens while moving. Moving companies, on the other hand, can be held liable to replace or fix a damaged item if you purchase full-value protection, though you’re not guaranteed to receive full compensation because you’re usually only covered up to a certain amount. For items of extraordinary value, which are defined as being worth more than $100 per pound, it can be a good idea to purchase separate insurance to cover you while moving. Here are a few items that luxury homeowners frequently opt to add coverage to.
Artwork and Antiques
For a valuable art collection, it’s quite common to purchase property insurance in addition to your homeowners policy. Even if you’ve already done this, though, you’ll want to check and see if it covers moving, as it’s entirely possible that damage that occurs in the back of a truck is not included.
Jewelry
Perhaps the easiest item to “mysteriously disappear,” it’s always important to take proper precautions with your jewelry collection when moving. Be sure to have high-value pieces appraised beforehand and, for items that are truly irreplaceable, you may want to hire a special jewelry shipping service, or carry it with you.
Wine
All it takes is a bump in the road or a slam on the brakes, and a rare bottle of wine could be lost to the move. Hopefully, you won’t find yourself unpacking any wine-soaked boxes at your new home, but, given the fragile nature, it’s smart to insure a valuable collection.
Technology
A state-of-the-art home entertainment setup, complete with an ultra-high-definition television and high-fidelity audio system, can easily set you back tens of thousands of dollars. These items are far from indestructible, but they are replaceable. With insurance, you can enjoy peace of mind should anything happen en route to your new abode.