by Penny Insurance Agency | Apr 19, 2022 | General Tips, Valuable Items Insurance, Wedding Insurance
When it comes to your family heirlooms, you can’t help but be passionate about them. You probably also want to ensure that they are safe from damage or theft, especially if you know that they will one day be handed down to future generations.
But when it comes to protecting the irreplaceable mementos of our lives, how can you ensure their safety and security? This guide will show you how to protect your family heirlooms and collectibles, keeping them safe and sound to continue a legacy into the future.
1. Keep a record
To begin with, make sure you have detailed records of the items: their descriptions, costs, and appraisal values. This will not only help you insure them properly, but will provide a comprehensive account in case of theft or loss, which will come in handy when it comes time to make a claim. In addition, this information may be useful in case you are ever audited by the IRS for tax purposes. These records are often requested during an audit; therefore, the more information you have on hand about each item, the better off you’ll be. Be sure to include details such as where and how you acquired each piece of property, including receipts if possible, as well as details about any restoration work that has been done.
2. Store them safely
When it comes to keeping a family heirloom protected, the first rule of thumb is to store it safely. Putting a piece that is worth thousands of dollars in an enclosed space, or even on a shelf where it could be damaged, is asking for trouble. The best thing to do is buy a large, airtight and stable box or chest, take photos of everything, and then store each item separately. You may even want to categorize them by a number or code that matches your written records. The next step? Put that box away in storage where no one can get to it easily. For highly valuable items, store them somewhere secure, like a bank safety deposit box.
3. Get a collectible insurance policy
Collectible insurance policies are used to protect antique and collectible items, and depending on how valuable your collection is, getting one could be a wise decision. For example, if you inherited a hand-carved grandfather clock from an uncle who purchased it from an upscale store in New York City, getting insured wouldn’t just be smart—it might save you thousands down the road. Fortunately, getting a collectible insurance policy doesn’t have to break your bank; most insurance providers offer affordable rates, depending on what kind of coverage you need. So when it comes to protecting your hard-earned treasures, consider adding a collectible insurance policy to your arsenal.
4. Plan to pass them on
There are many ways to plan to pass on heirlooms, but if you’re looking to leave them to others—especially pieces with high-value or a lot of meaning within the family—putting your plans in writing is a good idea. While it may not matter to you at that point, it can mean the difference between keeping your wishes intact and an all-out family feud.
Additionally, you may want to discuss your plans with your insurance provider—they can oftentimes provide customized coverage that protects the item through—or even after—the transition.
Whatever you’re looking to leave behind, what types of coverage you need or the questions you may have, we at Penny Insurance are always here to help you along the way. If you would like to schedule a consultation or get a quote, please contact us and let us know.
by Penny Insurance Agency | Apr 11, 2019 | Wedding Insurance
While the catchy, yet outdated, phrase “ring by spring” may not hold entirely true in this day and age, you might find yourself bombarded with wedding invitations in the mail, wedding photos on your Facebook feed, and wedding talk among your coworkers and friends as the weather begins to warm.
The origins and tradition of the “ring by spring” phrase are ambiguous and difficult to come by, but the idiom generally describes the desire by college-aged women to be engaged by the time they graduate in the spring. 1 While some universities and colleges, particularly ones with religious affiliations, still see and feel pressure by this phenomenon, the growing trend over the past decade has been to delay marriage until later in life. The average age of engaged couples is now 33, according to the 2019 WeddingWire Newlywed Report.
Regardless of its actual merit, “ring by spring” may help put a name on the increased amount of wedding talk as the weather warms. There is nearly a 20 percent increase 3 in the number of wedding ceremonies from winter to spring, with April and May considered peak season in much of the country.
If you are one of the many planning your wedding during this time, it’s time to start thinking about wedding insurance. No amount of time or energy can guarantee a flawless wedding, but investing in wedding insurance can help guarantee protection against bumps in the road toward your happily ever after.
Wedding insurance helps protect against unforeseen events, such as:
- Vendor complications: Vendor complications are the most common wedding mishap that results in an insurance claim. 5 Of the vendor-related claims, 65 percent were related to the venue, 5 which is the most costly of the wedding expenditures. 2 Other vendor complications include photographers not delivering photos as promised or DJs who failed to show at the reception.
- Extreme Weather: Severe weather, such as a hurricane or tornado, can lead to wedding postponement, with the risk varying depending on the wedding’s geographic location.
- Lost or Stolen Rings: Not only are weddings expensive, but engagement rings can cost a pretty penny as well, with the average price being $5,000 2 . Losing a valuable symbol of you and your partners love can be devastating.
- Dress or Tuxedo Damage/Loss: You deserve to look and feel like royalty on the day you say, “I Do.” An alteration error or tuxedo sent with a stain is not only upsetting but costly to fix.
- Stolen or Damaged Gifts: It can be exciting to receive gifts that help to jump-start your domestic life with your spouse-to-be. With online wedding registries and ever-improving internet shopping logistics, it’s easier than ever for family and friends to help you celebrate by sending a gift straight to your front door. Unfortunately, this ease has been extended to “porch pirates,” as well. In 2018, 1 in 4 people were victims of package theft.
- Unexpected Injury or Illness Resulting in Cancellation or Postponement: No one wants to think about the affliction of a loved one, especially on day so special, but it’s important to acknowledge all of the risk factors that could affect your big day. Such an incident would not only be emotionally upsetting, but costly and flustering in terms of rescheduling.
Your wedding day is often one of the most memorable days of your life and the beginning of your unified life with your partner. Penny Insurance can help with your peace of mind. Call one of our professionals today to learn more about wedding insurance and getting the right coverage for your special day.
1. https://thepopularman.com/ring-by-spring-definition-meaning-saying/ Definition taken from this article which no longer exists.
2. https://go.weddingwire.com/newlywed-report
3. https://www.statista.com/statistics/388471/most-popular-season-for-weddings-ceremonies-in-the-united-states/
4. https://www.marthastewartweddings.com/631490/most-affordable-months-to-get-married
5. https://www.claimsjournal.com/news/national/2016/06/24/271810.htm
6. https://www.smiota.com/resources/6-shocking-stats-package-theft/
