Theft. Misplaced. Lost while swimming.

There are plenty of reasons that piece of jewelry could go missing. Given the potential price tag, that should give you extra incentive to take necessary steps to insure your valuables.

And knowing the current value of your jewelry is as an important part of this process.

When to have an appraisal

Appraising your jewelry is recommended every few years for pieces you own, as the value of gems and precious metals is always changing.

You should also consider having any valuable gems you purchase or inherit appraised as soon as you can to make sure you have an accurate replacement value in the event it is lost or stolen.

Finding the right appraiser

A jewelry appraisal can be conducted by a professional who carries a number of different titles. Jewelry appraisers do not have set laws and regulations to become an appraiser.

Make sure you screen candidates to see if they are certified or titled with a national appraisal organization. Talk to an independent insurance agent for a recommendation. In addition, seek those who are graduate gemologists of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

Graduates of GIA will be able to identify and grade gem materials professionally. Ask if potential appraisers have any continuing education certificates or credentials as well to see if they are well up to speed on the latest industry knowledge.

Additional knowledge about the manufacturing techniques and their impact on jewelry is a plus.

Understand what appraisal to ask for

There are different types of appraisals. Before you agree to an appraisal, make sure you talk to an independent insurance agent and your appraiser about the type you are looking for:

• Fair market value: the jewelry’s current value based on its current condition reflected as a selling price
• Replacement value: reflects the realistic dollar amount replacing your lost or stolen jewelry
• Liquidation value: typically a lower value estimate based on conditions that are forcing the selling of a piece of jewelry (i.e. divorce settlement, estate liquidations)

Hanover Prestige

Once you have your jewelry appraised, you’ll better understand the coverage you need. It will also make the claims process quicker and easier. Make sure to send the appraisal to your agent as a record of the most up-to-date information.

With Hanover Prestige coverage, you can expect white-glove-level service and special pricing to help cover your valuable jewelry. Valuable Items Plus coverage through Prestige includes up to $250,000 in coverage options (varies by state).

Talk to an independent insurance agent to help you understand how Hanover Prestige Home and Hanover Prestige Auto could be right for you.

Sources

Jewelers of America

Jewelers of America

Investopedia

LC 2021-432

How pipes freeze and burst, and what to do to prevent damage

When water freezes, it expands. That’s why a can of soda explodes if it’s put into a freezer to chill quickly and forgotten. When water freezes in a pipe, it expands the same way. If it expands enough, the pipe bursts, water escapes, and serious damage results.
 

Why pipes burst

Surprisingly, ice forming in a pipe does not typically cause a break where the ice blockage occurs. It’s not the radial expansion of ice against the wall of the pipe that causes the break. Rather, following a complete ice blockage in a pipe, continued freezing and expansion inside the pipe causes

water pressure to increase downstream between the ice blockage and a closed valve or closed faucet at the end. It’s this increase in water pressure that leads to pipe failure. Usually, the pipe bursts where little or no ice has formed. Upstream from the ice blockage, the water can always retreat back towards its source, so there is no pressure buildup to cause a break.

Note: Water must freeze for ice blockages to occur, so pipes that are adequately protected along their entire length—by placement within the building’s insulation, by insulation on the pipe itself, or by heating— are safe.
 

Tips to prepare your business

MITIGATING YOUR PROPERTY

1. Seal exterior: Seal all cracks, holes, windows, doors, and other openings on exterior walls with caulk or insulation to prevent cold air from penetrating wall cavity.
    
2. Seal interior: Insulate and seal attic penetrations such as partition walls, vents, plumbing stacks, and electric and mechanical chases.
    
3. Relieve pipe pressure: For small commercial properties, let all faucets drip during extreme cold weather to prevent freezing of the water inside the pipe, and if freezing does occur, to relieve pressure buildup in the pipes between the ice blockage and the faucet.
    
4. Keep the building warm: Install a monitoring system that provides notifications if the building’s temperature dips below a pre-determined number.
    
5. Insulate vulnerable pipes: Pipes in attics and crawl spaces should be protected with insulation or heat. Pipe insulation is available in fiberglass or foam sleeves. Home centers and hardware stores have sleeves providing ⅛ to ⅝ inches of insulation; specialty dealers have products that provide up to 2 inches of insulation.
    
6. Heating cables and tapes are effective in freeze protection. Select a heating cable with the UL label and a built-in thermostat that turns the heat on when needed (without a thermostat, the cable must be plugged in each time and might be forgotten). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely.
    
7. Exterior pipes should be drained or enclosed in 2-inch fiberglass insulation sleeves.
    
8. Pipes leading to the exterior should be shut off and drained at the start of the winter. If these exterior faucets do not have a shut-off valve inside the building, have one installed by a plumber.
    
9. Install early detection system: Install an automatic excess flow valve on the main incoming domestic water line to monitor and provide early detection of a broken pipe or valve. Excessive flow valves automatically shut and stop the flow of water when preset normal flow settings are exceeded.
    
10. Use wireless sensors to monitor leaks near water sources such as water tanks, commercial appliances, and the like.
     
11. Install UL-approved gas or electric unit heaters in unheated sprinkler control valve/fire pump rooms.

When temporarily closing your business during the winter, be careful how much you lower the heat. A lower temperature may save on the heating bill, but there could be a disaster if a cold spell strikes and pipes that normally would be safe, freeze and burst.
 

MITIGATING VACANT PROPERTIES

1. Adjust the temperature to a minimum of 55°F and monitor to ensure the internal temperature does not go below 40°F. Insulate pipes that enter through exterior walls to help prevent pipes from freezing and possibly rupturing.
    
2. Shut off the domestic water and drain the water lines. The domestic water lines are separate from the fire protection lines. This will prevent the potential for water leaks that could result in extensive interior water damage. In cold climates, this will prevent the pipes from freezing and possibly rupturing if building heat is lost.
    
3. If the domestic water lines are not shut off, inspect for leaks, and turn off the water supply line to individual fixtures such as sinks and toilets. Consider installing a monitored electronic leak detection system for the main domestic water line.
    
4. Monitor fire protection sprinkler systems. Monitor sprinkler systems using a central station to provide early detection of a pipe failure and heat unheated sprinkler control rooms.

Material from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, 2021.

The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with The Hanover. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC 2021-359

In the wrong place at the wrong time, wildfires can wreak havoc, threatening lives, businesses, homes, communities, and natural and cultural resources. To compound the problem, the wildland fire environment has profoundly changed over the last few decades. Longer fire seasons, bigger fires, and more extreme fires have resulted in more acres ―and more property ― being burned on average each year. Now more than ever, it is important to think about ways to protect your business and property.

There are several ways to reduce the potential for damage to your business and property from wildfire, such as:

• Creating a defensible space zone
• Properly protecting building openings
• Having a business continuity and emergency preparedness plan in place

These preventive actions and controls should be taken well ahead of the fire season, and will provide the best opportunity to prepare and reduce wildfire impact to your business and property.

If at some point your business is potentially threatened by an active wildfire, we also have a checklist to help prepare prior to evacuation.

The most important item to remember is to stay safe. Buildings and property are replaceable; you and your employees are not. Always evacuate if you feel it’s unsafe to stay. Listen to local officials and evacuation orders, but DO NOT wait to receive an emergency notification if you feel threatened from a fire.

To help you prepare for, withstand and recover from a wildfire event, Hanover has assembled information from FEMA and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety on all aspects of wildfire preparation.

Steps to protect your business from wildfire

Last minute business wildfire preparation

Fire retardant gel―can it really help?

FEMA’s Prepare your organization for a wildfire playbook

FEMA’s How to prepare for a wildfire

Fire-resistant landscaping for your business from IBHS

Visit our Hanover Risk Solutions Property page to learn more about protecting your business and our Business continuity page to help prepare if the worst happens.

For more information on preventive actions to take, visit the organizations below:

Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) ― Wildfire Ready (https://disastersafety.org/wildfire/)

IBHS Open for Business ― Business Continuity Planning Toolkit (https://disastersafety.org/business-protection/ofb-ez/)

IBHS EZ-Prep ― Severe Weather Emergency Response and Planning Guide (https://disastersafety.org/business-protection/ez-prep/)

Ready.gov Wildfire Resources (https://www.ready.gov/wildfires)

Material in this advisory derived from the USDA and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS).

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation.  By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you.  The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC 2021-362

When a wildfire threatens, follow these last-minute steps developed by The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) to reduce damage to your business.

  Stay safe. Always evacuate if you feel it’s unsafe to stay. DO NOT wait to receive an emergency notification if you feel threatened from a fire.

  If wildfires may be nearby, put your Business Continuity Plan (OFB- EZ) and Emergency Preparedness Plan (EZ-PREP) into action. Begin last-minute preparations. Note that employees may need time to prep their homes as well.

  Install your fire-resistant shutters. If you do not have fire-resistant shutters, installing ½-inch plywood will provide an extra measure of protection from radiant heat and windblown embers (but not flames).

  Move pallets, tables and chairs, benches, outdoor equipment, signage, inventory, and loose items inside.

  For apartment and condominium complexes, request all residents to clear balconies, porches, and breezeways of all items including furniture and plants.

  Shut off HVAC to keep out smoke.

  Close doors and windows.Shut all interior and exterior doors and windows. Close commercial garage doors all the way.

  Cover vents. If your vents are easily accessible and you do not have the metal mesh covers, a lightweight material (such as sheet metal or ½- inch plywood) can be installed. These covers should be removed once the fire front passes.

  Leave your property easily seen and accessible for firefighters. Open your gate(s), leave a ladder, and leave your lights on so they can  see your building under smoky conditions.

  Evacuate.

Source: The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety

The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("The Hanover") specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with The Hanover. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you

LC 2021-360

The research on fire retardant gels for wildfire protection

In a study conducted in collaboration with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) evaluated the long-term effectiveness of fire-retardant gels when applied to a wood-based substrate. These gels are a type of coating meant to provide protection over a period of a few hours and are typically applied manually just prior to the arrival of a wildfire. The gels act as a protective heat sink on the material they are applied to, reducing the effects of thermal exposure and therefore potential to ignite.

 The operating principle of these fire-retardant gels is based on hydration and their effectiveness is reduced as the gels lose moisture. Wind speed and relative humidity affect the dehydration rate. High wind speed and low relative humidity are common conditions when wildland fires threaten homes. These conditions caused gels to dehydrate more than 10 times faster than moderate conditions (low wind speed and high relative humidity).

Two products were tested in this study: Gel Type A used a vegetable cooking oil-based mixing agent; Gel Type B used a petroleum-based mixing agent.

Key findings:

• Fully hydrated, both gels tested can increase the time-to-ignition from 15 seconds to over 7 minutes.
• At 50 percent dehydration from initial mass, the time-to-ignition was reduced by nearly half: from over 7 minutes to 4 minutes for Gel A, and less than 3 minutes for Gel B.
• In a realistic wildland fire scenario of 10 percent relative humidity and a wind speed of 10 m/s (22 mph) both gels reach 50 percent dehydration in less than 1.5 hours and full dehydration1 in 7 hours.
• A completely dehydrated petroleum-based mixing agent gel may create a hazardous condition more susceptible to ignition than untreated T1-11 plywood.
• During application, the gel can clog the spray nozzle which may be difficult to clean and adds additional time to the process.
• Removal and cleanup of fire-retardant gels after a fire has been reported to pose some challenges for homeowners. However, once dehydrated the products tested could be peeled off easily.

IBHS conclusions:

• Time is against you ― Fire retardant gels dehydrate, sometimes quickly. They can lose their effectiveness after only a few hours.
• Gels can become a fire hazard ― When completely dehydrated, some gels may create a hazardous condition more susceptible to burning than untreated plywood.
• Application issues ― Applying gels can be cumbersome. It can consume precious time you and your family need to evacuate safely.
• Leave it to professionals ― Gels can be effective if applied by firefighters a short period of time before the fire reaches your home.

Source: IBHS 

The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("The Hanover") specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with The Hanover. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC 2021-361

Wildfires are a risk throughout the U.S. and pose a significant threat to buildings and lives in wildfire-prone areas. As more and more businesses expand into the wildland-urban interface—or WUI, a term used to designate wildfire-prone areas where homes and businesses are also located—the wildfire risk to businesses will also grow. In this environment, business protection must take into account both the materials and design features of the building, as well as the selection, location and maintenance of land­scape plants, including grasses, shrubs, bushes and trees.

Our Risk Solutions Partner, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) provides an overview of wildfire hazards, mitigation strategies, useful resources and a step-by-step process for reducing wildfire risks.

Three sources of wildfire ignition 

First, understanding how wildfires can threaten your property can help you make appropriate plans to protect your staff and property.

Most people associate wildfire damage with direct flame contact from the wildfire as it burns past the building. However, buildings also can be damaged or destroyed when they are exposed to burning embers and/or radiant heat. Building ignitions during wildfires occur when a component of a building is exposed to one or more of these three wildfire exposures.

1. Burning embers

Burning embers (also called firebrands), and wind-blown burning embers in particular, are the most frequent cause of building ignitions. These embers are generated by the burning wildfire itself, as well as by combustible items the wildfire has previously ignited, such as landscape plants, which includes grasses, shrubs, bushes and trees. Importantly, burning embers can travel for long distances before landing on or near a building.

Embers can ignite buildings in several ways:

• Embers can ignite combustible construction materials directly when accumulating on or immediately adjacent to them. Combustible construction materials are those that ignite and burn such as wood, plastic, and wood-plastic products used in decking and siding.
• Embers can ignite nearby plants and accumulated debris such as pine needles or other combustible materials such as a wood pile.
• Embers can enter a building through openings, such as an open window or attic vent, and ignite combustible items inside the building.

2. Direct flame contact

Direct flame contact refers to actual flames from the wildfire coming into contact with buildings or combustible items attached to or near the building.

3. Radiant heat

Fire generates radiant heat (the heat you feel when standing near an open flame). If it is high enough and the duration is long enough, radiant heat can ignite a combustible product (such as wood siding) or break the glass in a window. Additionally, exposures to lower levels of radiant heat can pre-heat materials, making them easier to ignite from a direct flame contact exposure.

Know your fire hazard severity zone

Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) represent the wildfire hazard in a particular area based on an evaluation of the plants and landscaping, fire history, slope and other terrain features that may impact the growth and spread of fire. Zones are typically classified as “moderate,” “high,” or “extreme” (also referred to as “very high”).

Businesses can request the FHSZ rating and other relevant information from local building or fire officials in their area. Depending on the construction ordinances in a given community, certain requirements regarding materials and other construction details can be based on the FHSZ, which is also relevant to landscaping, maintenance, and other operational decisions.

Below are some of the most important considerations when readying your property for wildfire season.

1. Building setback

Buildings and structures should be set back a minimum of 30 ft from any property line adjacent to a national forest, state park, open space preserve, or other protected wildland.

2. Vegetation management plan (VMP)

Both naturally occurring plants and species introduced into an area influence the potential for fire to spread to buildings located on the property—with some plants, like junipers, being more likely to ignite than others. Because plants vary greatly from region to region, IBHS provides links to detailed, region-specific information at DisasterSafety.org/ibhs-risks-wildfire/ibhs-regional-wildfire-guides/.

A Vegetation management plan (VMP) may be required in certain wildfire-prone areas. A VMP provides important information about the land, such as:

• Topography (slope and aspect).
• Location of building(s) on the land.
• Proposed fuel treatment details (suggested actions such as thinning and prescribed burning to minimize wildfire risks).
• Environmental concerns (threatened and endangered species, state-listed sensitive species and wetlands, etc.).

Plants used around the building should have low combustibility characteristics such as high moisture content, low oil or resin content, deep roots with thick heavy leaves, and minimal production of dead vegetation.

The VMP also provides detailed information on how the three defensible space zones (see below) will be developed and maintained. When developing a VMP, consult a landscape professional such as a forester, range manager, or natural resource specialist.

3. Fire hydrants

Fire hydrants should be located no more than 250 feet from the primary building and connected to a reliable public or private water source.

4. Exterior wall cladding

Noncombustible siding materials such as concrete and brick will provide the greatest fire protection from flames, embers, and radiant heat.

The distance between the ground and the bottom of the siding on the exterior wall affects a building’s vulnerability, particularly when walls are made of materials that can ignite. The building code generally calls for 6 inches of clearance between the ground and the start of the siding.

5. Windows

Using dual-paned windows with tempered glass will reduce the vulnerability of windows.

Operational windows should have screens covering those sections that can open. Always close windows when wildfire threatens.

6. Vents

At a minimum, vents should be covered with 1/8-inch noncombustible mesh screening. This will minimize the size of embers that can enter into the attic or crawlspace area.

Vents that are perpendicular to the flow of wind, such as a gable end vent or those in under-eave blocking, are more vulnerable to ember entry. Ridge vents that are rated to resist the entry of wind-driven rain or vents in boxed-in under-eave construction are better options.

7. Roofs

Since the roof is a large, relatively horizontal surface covering the building, it is often considered the most vulnerable component, particularly from an ember exposure perspective.

Fire ratings for roof coverings are either Class A, B or C (or, in the case of a non-fire-retardant-treated wood shake covering, not rated). IBHS recommends a Class A covering. For low-slope roofs, a Class A–rated roof cover includes testing and rating of the entire roof system assembly, which includes the roof cover, insulation, vapor or air barriers, and the type of deck. Examples of roof systems considered to be Class A regardless of the deck type include built-up roofing and ballasted single-ply membranes.

There are a number of Class A–rated steep-slope roof coverings, including asphalt composition shingles, clay tile and steel. Some Class A tile designs provide for an opening at the eave end and ridge. These openings should be plugged with a noncombustible material to minimize entry of embers in the area under the roof covering.

8. Gutters and downspouts

Gutters and downspouts should be made of noncombustible materials such as aluminum. The gutter should incorporate an integral metal flashing at the roof edge, or a separate flashing should be used at the roof edge. Debris should be regularly removed from roof and gutters, since it can be ignited by wind-blown embers.

9. Signage

All signage should be made from noncombustible materials.

10. Combustible storage

Outdoor storage of large quantities of combustible and flammable liquids should be located in detached noncombustible buildings more than 50 ft away from other buildings.

11. Defensible space

Defensible space around the building should be planned and maintained.

What is defensible space?

Defensible space is the area between a building and an approaching wildfire, where vegetation and other combustible materials have been managed to reduce the wildfire threat and improve the likelihood of a building surviving without assistance from firefighters, as described in “Fire Adapted Communities: The Next Step in Wildfire Preparedness,” University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Publication SP-10-10.

This space is organized into three zones.

To create defensible space around your business, it’s important to understand how plants and other materials should be selected, located and managed around the property. Proper management will reduce the opportunity for the fire (or any spot fires from ember ignitions) to burn to the building, and minimize the chance for radiant heat from ignited plants and other materials to pose a threat to the building. 

As seen below, defensible space is usually discussed in terms of zones that extend outward from the building. Each zone has specific recommendations for types of plants, including how they should be grouped and maintained.

Defensible space zones

Three zones extend outward from the building, which is represented by the dark square in the center. 

Zone 1 (0–5 ft from the building) (also called the near-building, noncombustible or low-combustible zone)

The objective of this zone is to reduce the chance that ignition will result in a direct flame contact exposure to the building. Woody vegetation (such as trees and shrubs) should not be used in this zone. Noncombustible mulches, such as rock mulch, are recommended. Because this zone is closest to the building, it requires the most careful selection and intensive management of plants, shrubs and trees, and other materials. Dead plant materials should be removed from plants.

Zone 2 (5–30 ft or to the property line)

The objective of vegetation management in this zone is to reduce the opportunity for fire to climb into the crown or upper portions of trees or shrubs, and to minimize the opportunity for fire to burn directly to the building. Trees and shrubs in this zone should be in well-spaced groupings and well maintained. Eliminate tall grasses, hanging tree branches and other ladder fuels (plants that allow fire to climb up trees), and create separation between plants or plant groupings.. While a parking lot can provide a good source of defensible space on your property, any vegetation in the parking lot should be well maintained.

Zone 3 (30–100 ft or to the property line)

The objective of this zone is to slow down and reduce the energy of a wildfire. Tree and brush spacing should force fire in tree crowns (or fire in shrub and brush) to drop to the ground. Dead trees and shrubs should be removed. The rate of fire spread and flame length is affected by slope—a steeper slope will result in a faster-moving fire with longer flame lengths.

For  more information on protecting your building from natural hazards, see our Hanover Risk Solutions Property page.

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC 2021-362 and 363

It’s your ultimate investment. But more than that, it’s home.

While all homeowners need to protect their house from an array of potential dangers – your high-value home needs a better level of protection to avoid pricier fixes in the event of a claim. Cookie-cutter home insurance need not apply. 

With Hanover Prestige Home, you’ll have versatile, premium coverage options crafted specifically for your high-value house and everything of value inside it.

The Hanover’s claims data shows there are five common incidents that impact houses like yours. Learn how you can be proactive in minimizing the chances they will happen and the options Hanover Prestige Home provides in the event those incidents occur.

In addition to the valuable coverage, Hanover Prestige Home also brings you services and expertise from agents who can help you tailor a plan with flexible options that are right for your lifestyle. 

Talk to your independent agent on how Hanover Prestige can protect your high-value house from the unknown. Because it’s not just your most important investment.

It’s home.

Sources

FEMA

Insurance Information Institute

Disastersafety.org

Safewise

LC 2021-388

Priceless treasures passed down through generations. Cherished gifts from loved ones for special occasions. Whether it’s your grandmother’s Mikimoto pearls from the 1960s or a diamond necklace and earrings set from your spouse on your silver anniversary, feeling confident that your precious items are safe at home is important. Here are some ways to help make sure your jewelry is protected.

1. Keep an inventory

If you have a significant jewelry collection, it could be hard to remember every piece you own in the event of a fire or theft. Be sure to keep your receipts and take photos of the receipts, storing electronic copies securely online. Photograph each piece (including photos of you wearing each item) and store the photos on a secure photo site. Record pertinent details, including jewelry type, date of ownership, value and description in an Excel spreadsheet or inventory template.

2. Have heirloom pieces appraised and documented

Enlist the help of a licensed jewelry appraiser to evaluate your high-value pieces and determine how much each item is worth. The written appraisal will include a description of the item, its relative quality and a value.

3. Invest in a safe or lock box (and hide jewelry as needed)

According to Statista, nearly $1.8 billion of jewelry and precious metals were stolen in 2023 alone. Additionally, jewelry is the second top item stolen during home burglaries. About 68% of robbers want to steal jewelry during a home invasion and 78% percent are successful in doing so (Alarm.org). Purchasing a safe or lock box can help ensure that your valuables are secure. Keep the safe hidden and have a combination lock to further lower the risk of it being opened.

While they are a convenient place to organize your collection, jewelry boxes are the first location an intruder will look to find prized pieces. Store your precious gems and heirloom jewelry in unusual locations such as in the bottom of a coffee cup, in an envelope taped to a wall in your closet, in the back of your freezer in a small container or in the pocket of a dress blazer in your closet. The goal is to put the high-value items where someone won’t bother to look.

4. Be at home for services

All households go through periods of home repair and unexpected home services. Remember that it’s best to be home for services while people you don’t know are in your residence. Valuable items are less likely to walk away when the homeowner is nearby.

5. Install a security system

From traditional security systems to doorbell cameras and high resolution security cameras at each entrance point, there are multiple ways to protect your home while you are away.

6. Get insurance for your jewelry

Whether jewelry is passed down to you or you purchase it, stay protected with an insurance policy covering theft, damage or loss. Depending on your collection, you may be better served by coverages specifically designed to protect high-value jewelry. Hanover Prestige offers optional coverage up to $100K for priceless valuables. Not only will it set your mind at ease, it will help replace an item in the event of the unthinkable.

To learn about valuable item protection and how to keep your high-value jewelry insured, reach out to your independent insurance agent.

The bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon from your college reunion trip to Napa Valley. The cherished Château Lafleur purchased while visiting the Bordeaux region for your 25th anniversary. A loved wine collection spanning decades and continents should be protected with the utmost care. Whether you are new to collecting, or an experienced connoisseur, consider these five tips on how to best protect your wine.

1. Document your purchase  

Save the original receipts in a safe place. Take photos and descriptions of the receipts as well as the bottles. Be sure to include the vintage year, description and label. Make it easy to find a record of what you’ve purchased.

Keep a list of your inventory in a secure place. While a paper list is nice to have, an online record of your collection can be accessed from anywhere. Several wine cellar management apps are available to help keep a collection organized and readily available.

2. Understand the value

Knowing how much each bottle in your collection is worth is important. Find a licensed wine appraiser in your area and have them help you document the value of your collection so you know where to take the most care.

3. Install an alarm

A properly positioned alarm can immediately alert you with a text message in the case of flooding, a rise in heat and theft. According to the French newspaper based in Bordeaux, Sud Ouest, 20% of wine sold in the world is either stolen or fake. Wine Spectator shares a figure of 5%. Theft happens and it’s important to be safeguarded in case the unthinkable occurs.

4. Insure your collection

To protect a wine collection (especially if it is stored in your home), insurance can give peace of mind and a safety net. Depending on the policy, either entire collections or individual high- value bottles can be insured. The policy can help in the event of fire, theft, breakdowns in climate-controlled systems and more.

To learn about valuable item protection and how to keep your sentimental and costly bottles insured, reach out to your independent insurance agent for help in determining which coverage best fits your needs. Hanover Prestige offers optional coverage up to $100K for priceless valuables, including fine art and wine.

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All products are underwritten by The Hanover Insurance Company or one of its insurance company subsidiaries or affiliates (“The Hanover”). Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions and is subject to the company underwriting guidelines and the issued policy. This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. For more information visit www.hanover.com.

As a high-end car owner, damage to your auto is more than an inconvenience – it can mean pricey replacement parts, costly repairs and losing precious time to do what you bought your car for – enjoying it.

With The Hanover’s Prestige coverage for your high-end auto, however, you have many options to help cover various common incidents and get you back on the road.

Is your high-value car covered for these factors and more? Talk to an independent insurance agent to find out. And if you have more questions about high-value car or high-value home insurance, see our FAQ page.

Sources

Statista

National Traffic Highway Safety Administration

DriversEd.com