With the price of Gold rising and the ability to sell gold jewelry almost anywhere for quick cash, jewelry is increasingly becoming the target of choice for home invaders. Although many pieces of jewelry may be fairly expensive, these can be replaced. But there are also items that are irreplaceable when their sentimental value is considered. With jewelry thefts on the rise, you may want to consider taking some additional steps to safeguard against it.
Jewelry and Home Security
A lot of individuals choose to keep their valuables close to them. This is obviously more convenient as earrings, necklaces and other pieces are meant to be worn and not hidden away. Stashing jewelry in banks or private security vaults may provide better security, but it’s also quite inconvenient. A person wouldn’t want to go to and from a bank just to get items to wear for an important event. However this is exactly what many movie stars do when wearing extremely valuable jewelry. However, if your jewelry is not quite that valuable you might consider keeping it around the house. Professional criminals with unliminted time will probably be able to find anything you have hidden, but the harder you make it to find and access your valuables the better your chances in the case of a robbery.
There are two factors involved in securing your valuables in your home. First is access and the second is discoverability. The easiest way to limit access is through the use of a Jewelry Safe. Homeowners interested in security can readily purchase and install jewelry safes at home. Though these are free-standing types, it is best to have these bolted or attached to walls or floors. This will slow the thief down and make it more difficult to carry off your valuables. Consider space needs when choosing size and design also. Many different designs exist and top of the line safes may be costly but these are more secure and durable. Another way of increasing the security of your safe is to hide it in addition to just bolting it down.
If you don’t have a safe at least make it difficult to find.
Hide in Plain Sight
Instead of putting jewelry in the usual hiding spots like bedrooms, which are the first places that burglars search, opt to secure them in unusual locations. Secure items in pouches or plastic containers and put these with knickknacks, in vases or with the screws or nails. Put some in the garage or under the carpet, or maybe tape these under the sink (but be sure to remove it before calling in a plumber… often tradesmen are on the lookout for easy pickings). Be creative and search for unlikely spots. But make sure to remember where you placed your valuables. Sometimes home security is compromised by professional criminal enterprises while at other times it is a local teenager looking for a quick buck. Most thieves don’t want to waste time playing “treasure hunt” but some professionals will know your schedule and not be worried about time.
- Divide and Hide
Don’t hide all jewelry pieces in the same place. Put items in several bags and hide each in a different location. This will make it harder for robbers to find all valuables and it will protect you from total loss.
Install a Home Security System
One of the easiest things you can do to safeguard against theft is also one of the most obvious; install a home security alarm system. There are a number of quality alarms on the market today that are relatively easy to install. With a security system from a company like Lifeshield, you can even monitor your home wirelessly through your phone. Technology has come a long way in the last decade, put it to use. Other alternatives include having your alarm system monitored by a security company providing round-the-clock security not only for your valuables but these also often include a panic button in case of a home invasion while you are home.
Home Owners Insurance or Jewelry Insurance?
If your worries are more financial than sentimental, a good way to protect your jewelry investment is by obtaining jewelry insurance. There are many varieties of insurance for jewelry. Standard insurance may come with regular homeowner’s policies, although if your jewelry is extremely valuable you may need a special rider on your homeowner’s policy listing specific pieces. Be sure to verify your coverage limits with your agent. Special jewelry policies not only protect against robbery or theft, but also against loss and damage. Other factors that you should consider when choosing a jewelry insurance provider:
- Automatic Coverage
There are insurance companies that will automatically cover any type of jewelry loss or damage up to a specific amount, even for newly purchased pieces. So, you can readily go ahead and purchase an item without stressing too much about its safety and security.
- Replacement Value
It’s important to ask an insurance provider about how their company will replace lost or stolen items. Will they provide you with pieces that are of the same type and worth as the ones stolen? (Replacement Value) Or will they only cover a lower value, such as original purchase price?
- Assessment for Lost Items
It is usual for a jewelry insurance group to get numerous quotes from companies that restore, fix or sell jewelry when one of their clients files a claim for a lost or damaged piece. This is done so that they will be able to compare the cost of specific items and evaluate the cost of services as well. They often opt for the company that provides cheap services or jewelry. Very selective consumers should check with their insurance company to see if they are allowed to get quotes from the insureds’ trusted jewelers or if they have to use the insurance company’s preferred jeweler. This way, people will have peace of mind knowing that they will be working with familiar jewelers who are known to provide superior service and excellent replacement items too.
Home Valuables Inventory
When placing a claim it is difficult not to overlook certain items unless you have an accurate inventory. If you deal with one primary jeweler he might maintain an inventory for you but if you have collected pieces from a variety of places over time you should keep an inventory of all your pieces. This should include a picture and as good a description as possible, preferably one written by the original jeweler. This way if you have to place a claim you can get an accurate estimate of the current value.
See Also:
- The Wealthy Buy Assets, the Poor Buy Liabilities, and the Middle Class Buy Liabilities Believing They Are Assets
- How To Save Money On Your Home Owners Insurance
- Getting the Best Home Insurance Quote
- 8 Solid Ways to Insure Your Family for Less
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