Use a personal articles floater to insure the high-value items you own. It's an important addition to your current renters' or homeowners' insurance policy. Learn more about this coverage as you protect your valuables and gain peace of mind.
What is a Personal Articles Floater?
Your renters' or homeowners' insurance policy covers personal possessions if they are damaged, lost, or stolen. However, high-value items may exceed your policy's coverage limits or be excluded for certain perils such as flood or earthquake.
In those situations, your standard policy may not cover repairs or replacement for these valuables. A personal articles floater provides additional, itemized protection for covered items.
How Does a Personal Articles Floater Work?
To purchase a personal articles floater, speak with your insurance representative. Many insurers require appraisals to document ownership and verify an item's value before you add it to the policy.
You can insure individual items or a scheduled group of items. Insurers commonly allow a short reporting period—often 30 to 90 days—during which newly acquired items may be covered before you formally add them to the floater.
If you need to file a claim, contact your agent. The floater typically covers items worldwide, may have no deductible, and pays the least of: the item's actual cash value, the cost to repair or replace it, or the insured amount.
What Does a Personal Articles Floater Cover?
Typically, a personal articles floater is used for items that have higher individual values. Common categories eligible for this coverage include:
- Antiques
- Artwork
- Rare books
- Cameras
- Coins
- Computers
- Furniture
- Furs
- Glassware
- Guns
- Heirlooms
- Jewelry
- Manuscripts
- Memorabilia
- Musical instruments
- Silverware
- Sports cards
- Sports equipment
- Stamps
- Wine
Who Needs a Personal Articles Floater?
Anyone who owns valuables that exceed their standard policy limits or that would not be fully covered by a homeowners or renters policy should consider additional protection. A floater can pay to repair or replace insured items and offers peace of mind for high-value possessions.
If you collect high-value items or have special coverage needs, you may also want to compare related options such as High Value Homeowners Stand Alone Floaters.
For details about how scheduling works and other floater options, ask your representative about Personal Property Floaters.
If you own high-value items, talk to your agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appraisal to add an item to a floater?
Many insurers request appraisals for high-value items to verify ownership and establish value, though requirements vary by company and item type.
Will a personal articles floater cover worldwide loss?
Most policies provide worldwide coverage, but limits and conditions can differ, so confirm coverage details with your insurer.
Are there deductibles for personal articles floaters?
Some floaters have no deductible while others do; review the policy terms to understand any out-of-pocket costs for a claim.
How is a claim payment calculated?
The insurer typically pays the lowest of actual cash value, repair or replacement cost, or the insured amount listed on the floater.