Personal Article Floater Insurance in NJ: Protecting Your Most Valuable Possessions
Standard New Jersey homeowners and renters insurance policies provide severely limited coverage for high-value personal property. Most NJ policies cap jewelry theft coverage at $1,500 — far below the value of a single engagement ring. A Personal Article Floater — also called a scheduled personal property policy — provides full, itemized coverage for your most valuable possessions at their appraised value, anywhere in the world.
What a Personal Article Floater Covers That Your NJ Home Policy Doesn't
The gap between what your standard NJ homeowners policy covers and the actual value of your jewelry, watches, artwork, and collectibles can be substantial. A Personal Article Floater addresses this gap with:
- Agreed Value Coverage: You are paid the full scheduled amount — no depreciation deduction
- Mysterious Disappearance: Standard NJ home policies require proof of theft. A floater covers items that simply disappear — a ring that slipped off, a watch left somewhere unknown
- Worldwide Coverage: Your valuables are protected whether you're in New Jersey, New York, or traveling internationally
- Zero Deductible Options: Many personal article floaters offer no-deductible coverage — you receive the full claim amount
- Broader Perils: Accidental damage, loss, and breakage — not just theft — are typically covered
Items Commonly Scheduled on NJ Personal Article Floaters
- Engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry
- Luxury watches (Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet)
- Fine art, paintings, and sculptures
- Antiques and collectibles
- Furs and high-value clothing
- Musical instruments
- Cameras and photography equipment
- Golf clubs and sporting equipment
- Silverware and china sets
Getting an Appraisal for Your NJ Valuables
Most NJ carriers require a certified appraisal for items over $5,000. For jewelry, a GIA-certified gemologist appraisal is standard. For fine art, a qualified art appraiser recognized by the American Society of Appraisers is preferred. Kevin Brown can guide you through the appraisal process and ensure your documentation meets carrier requirements for your NJ personal article floater.
How Much Does a Personal Article Floater Cost in NJ?
Personal article floaters are typically very affordable relative to the value they protect. Most NJ floater policies cost 1–2% of the item's scheduled value annually. A $10,000 engagement ring might cost $100–$200 per year to fully insure with a floater — far less than the out-of-pocket cost of a replacement. Many NJ carriers also offer multi-item discounts when you schedule multiple pieces.
Get Your NJ Personal Article Floater Quote
Kevin Brown Insurance Agency provides personal article floater policies for NJ residents throughout Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex, and all of New Jersey. Call today — most floater policies are issued within 24 hours of receiving your appraisal documentation.