Watch Insurance Options for 2026: What to Know and How Providers Compare

Why standalone watch insurance can matter

Watch insurance is often considered a practical step for anyone who owns one or more luxury timepieces. While some lower-value watches may be covered by homeowners insurance, jewelry theft coverage under those policies is typically limited to about $1,500. Another consideration is that filing a watch claim through a homeowners policy can raise the premium for the entire home insurance policy. A standalone jewelry or watch policy can help avoid those issues by separating watch-related risk from the rest of your household coverage.

For higher-end pieces, value is another factor. Some policies may take into account that high-end watches from renowned brands can appreciate. Depending on the insurer, this can be addressed through higher replacement value percentages or policy features that adjust coverage as appraisals age.

How providers were evaluated

In a research-driven comparison of watch insurers, providers were assessed across several practical categories: premiums, coverage and exclusions, quote and application procedures, and discounts. The process also considered how much personal information was needed to receive a quote and whether appraisals were required. The goal of this kind of evaluation is to help consumers compare insurers and select an option that fits the value of their watches, their collection size, and their preferences around quoting and documentation.

Provider overview: Jewelers Mutual

Jewelers Mutual stands out for offering extensive coverage with no maximum limits per piece or per policy. This can be relevant for owners of very expensive individual watches or large collections. The quote process is described as easy and requires minimal personal information, and an appraisal is not required at the time of application (though appraisals are recommended every two years, with policy updates based on the latest appraised value).

Policies are described as “all-risk,” meaning they cover threats unless listed as exceptions. Coverage includes loss, theft, damage, and mysterious disappearances (such as thefts without evidence), which is not included in most homeowners policies. The coverage also includes worldwide travel and natural disasters. A notable feature is that some preventive maintenance costs are covered, including tasks such as stone tightening and repairs to broken, worn, or bent prongs and earring posts.

In terms of value protection, the insurer promises 100% replacement value. Some policies may include an Insurance Value Adjustment feature that automatically adjusts coverage and premium annually if a watch’s appraisal is more than two years old.

Premiums are slightly above the industry average and must be paid once per year. Discounts may be available if you have a home security system or store jewelry in a safe deposit box. Reported exclusions include cleaning and inspections, and damage from rodents and pests.

• No coverage limits per piece or per policy
• All-risk coverage including mysterious disappearance
• Worldwide travel and natural disaster coverage
• Some preventive maintenance covered
• Annual premium payment; discounts for security measures

Provider overview: WAX

WAX is positioned around higher potential reimbursement relative to the insured value of a watch. It reimburses up to 150% of the insured value (subject to policy limits), which is described as the highest coverage percentage among top insurers in the research. This structure is intended to help if the market value of a watch increases.

For blanket policies, the coverage cap for each item is $50,000, with a $1 million limit for the entire collection. That collection limit may appeal to owners with expensive collections. The policies cover theft, loss, accidental damage, fire, flooding, and damage by pets. However, the website does not specify what is excluded from coverage.

One process-related drawback is that WAX does not allow customers to apply through its website. An online quote request results in an emailed coverage estimate. A more accurate quote can be obtained through the WAX app, but it requires downloading the app and entering substantial information, including contact details and photos of each item. Appraisals are not required unless the watch is worth $100,000 or more.

WAX policies are underwritten by Chubb, which has been in business since 1882 and holds an A++ financial strength rating from AM Best. WAX was founded in 2018.

• Up to 150% reimbursement of insured value (subject to limits)
• $50,000 per-item cap on blanket policies; $1 million collection limit
• Lowest premiums among surveyed insurers for men’s watches
• App-based quoting for more accuracy; photos required
• Appraisal required only at $100,000+ watch value

Provider overview: GemShield

GemShield emphasizes speed and simplicity in quoting. It offers a quick online estimate that requires only a ZIP code, an estimated watch value, and a chosen deductible (from $0 to $1,000). You do not need to provide your name or contact information until you apply, and the company states that online applications can be completed in under 10 minutes. Phone agents are also available.

Documentation requirements may be a key consideration. A written appraisal is required for watches valued at $5,000 or more, while a detailed receipt can be used for items under $5,000. Once documentation is ready, the application is described as fast.

Coverage includes worldwide travel and jewelry in transit for inspection, repair, or sale. It also includes limited automatic coverage for new jewelry purchases for up to 30 days, with the option to add items to the policy for full coverage at any time.

Exclusions listed include manufacturer defects, nuclear hazards or war, and intentional loss or damage. Coverage is for 100% of the appraised or agreed value, and there are no provisions for increases in market value unless those were built into the agreed value at application.

GemShield’s coverage limits are $100,000 per policy and $35,000 per piece, which may suit many owners but could be limiting for higher-value watches or collections. Premiums are described as in line with competitors. Discounts may be available for having a home safe, central station fire alarm, or central station burglar alarm.

• Fast quote with minimal data; deductible choices from $0 to $1,000
• Appraisal required at $5,000+; receipt acceptable below $5,000
• Worldwide travel and in-transit coverage
• 30-day limited automatic coverage for new jewelry
• Limits: $100,000 per policy; $35,000 per piece

Provider overview: Lavalier

Lavalier is notable for the range of discounts and deductible flexibility available to policyholders. Discounts may apply if a watch is kept in a home safe, protected by a home alarm, supported by a gemstone grading report from a trusted firm, or stored in a bank vault or safe deposit box. Premiums were described as the highest in the comparison, but only by a couple of dollars per year.

Deductibles range widely from $0 to $25,000. A higher deductible can reduce premiums, but it also increases out-of-pocket costs in the event of a loss.

One distinctive option is an unscheduled jewelry endorsement that allows coverage of multiple items worth less than $1,000 each without appraisals. For claims on unscheduled items, there is a $100 deductible per occurrence, and this endorsement does not cover mysterious disappearances.

For standard coverage, the online quote tool requires a ZIP code, jewelry type, desired deductible, and estimated value. Applications can be completed online, but an appraisal is required for items worth at least $5,000; lower-valued items can use a detailed receipt.

Coverage limits are $150,000 per policy and $50,000 per piece. Policies include limited coverage for new jewelry, but the main policy covers 100% of an item’s value with no inflation provisions. Customers are encouraged to periodically obtain new appraisals and adjust coverage limits accordingly.

• Multiple discount paths tied to security and documentation
• Deductibles from $0 to $25,000
• Unscheduled endorsement for items under $1,000 (no appraisal)
• Limits: $150,000 per policy; $50,000 per piece
• Main policy pays 100% of value; no inflation provisions

Key comparison points to consider

When comparing watch insurance, several practical questions can help narrow the field. First, consider whether you need high or uncapped limits, especially if you own a high-value watch or a large collection. Next, look at how replacement is handled: some insurers pay 100% of appraised or agreed value, while others may reimburse up to 150% of insured value (subject to limits). Appraisal requirements can also affect convenience and cost, particularly if your watch is valued around the $5,000 threshold used by some insurers.

Finally, review the quote and application experience and the exclusions. Some providers offer fast online estimates with minimal personal information, while others rely on app-based quoting and photo submission. Discounts tied to security measures (alarms, safes, safe deposit boxes) can also influence long-term cost.

Bottom line

Standalone watch insurance can address gaps in homeowners coverage—especially low theft sub-limits and the risk of broader premium increases after a claim. Across the providers summarized here, the main differences come down to coverage limits, reimbursement approach, appraisal thresholds, and the ease of getting a quote and applying. Matching those features to the value of your timepieces and your documentation preferences is a practical way to choose among policies.