Protect Your Valuables: A Guide to Personal Articles Policies
When it comes to protecting your belongings, not everything fits neatly under your standard homeowner’s insurance policy.
That’s where a Personal Articles Policy (PAP) comes in. Whether you own high-value jewellery, a prized collection, or specialized equipment, a PAP can provide the additional peace of mind you need.
What Is a Personal Articles Policy?
A Personal Articles Policy is an optional insurance policy designed to provide broader and more specific protection for high-value or irreplaceable personal property. Unlike standard home insurance, which typically places dollar limits on certain items, a PAP covers individual valuables with tailored limits and coverage terms.
What Does It Cover?
A Personal Articles Policy can cover a wide range of items, including:
Jewellery (e.g. engagement rings, luxury watches)
Fine art and antiques
Cameras and photography equipment
Musical instruments
Collectibles (e.g. coins, stamps, memorabilia)
Furs
Designer handbags or apparel
Sports and hobby equipment (e.g. golf clubs, bicycles)
Coverage typically applies worldwide, meaning your item is protected whether it's at home, on vacation, or in transit.
Benefits of a Personal Articles Policy
Higher Coverage Limits – Avoid the sub-limits set in standard homeowner’s policies.
All-Risk Protection – Many PAPs offer coverage for almost any kind of loss, including theft, accidental loss (like a dropped ring down the drain), and damage.
No Deductible – Often, personal articles policies don’t require a deductible when you make a claim.
Tailored Coverage – Each item can be insured for its appraised or agreed-upon value.
Does Home Insurance Cover Personal Articles?
Yes—and no. Standard homeowner’s policies do offer some coverage for personal property, but it’s limited:
There are coverage caps on specific categories (e.g. a $2,000 limit on jewellery).
Most policies don’t cover accidental loss (like misplacing an item).
Depreciation may be factored in when calculating the payout.
So, while your homeowner’s insurance is a good starting point, it might not be enough for items with significant financial or sentimental value.
How Do You Get a Personal Articles Policy?
Getting a Personal Articles Policy is simple and starts with a conversation. Here’s how the process typically works:
Take Inventory: Make a list of the valuable items you want to insure. Include descriptions, serial numbers (if available), purchase receipts, or recent appraisals.
Get Appraisals (If Needed): For many high-value items like jewellery, art, or antiques, insurers may require a recent professional appraisal to determine insurable value.
Contact Your Insurance Broker: Reach out to our team at R.K. Mooney Insurance Brokers. We’ll review your needs, explain coverage options, and help you determine whether a Personal Articles Policy or a rider on your homeowner’s policy is the better fit.
Customize Your Coverage: We’ll work with you to choose the right policy limits, identify eligible items, and ensure you’re protected worldwide.
Review Annually: As the value of your items or your collection grows, we recommend reviewing your coverage yearly to make sure it still meets your needs.
Get Peace of Mind with the Right Protection
At R.K. Mooney Insurance Brokers, we help clients across Barrie and Simcoe County find the proper protection for the things that matter most. If you’re unsure whether your belongings are fully covered, we’re here to help.
Contact us today at 705-726-9941 or info@mooneyinsurance.ca to learn more about Personal Articles Policies or request a quote from our expert team!