A fine watch is rarely just an accessory. Whether worn daily or reserved for particular moments, it often holds a value emotional, historical, or monetary that far exceeds its price tag. And as with any item of significance, making sure it is properly protected is a mark of care.
Insuring your watch is one way to protect its value yet many of us may be unsure whether our current insurance arrangements are adequate, or if specialist protection is necessary at all.
If you’ve ever wondered about watch insurance, what’s typically covered, or how to make a claim, this brief guide offers clear answers to some of the most common frequently asked questions (FAQs).
What is watch insurance?
High-value watch insurance is a form of specialist cover designed to protect individual timepieces or entire collections from unexpected events such as loss, theft, or damage.
A bespoke watch insurance policy is designed to offer tailored protection for the hazards your timepiece may face.
Won’t my home insurance cover a lost, stolen or damaged watch?
It’s a common assumption that home insurance offers enough protection to cover the loss, damage or theft of your watch, but this is not always the case:
- Many standard home contents insurance policies include a single-item limit, which may be considerably lower than the value of your watch
- If the item is not specifically listed or declared under a home insurance policy, any claim may be limited or even declined especially if the loss is away from the home
Additionally, many home insurance policies don’t automatically extend to accidental loss or damage away from the home which is precisely where valuable watches are most often at risk.
If your watch travels with you, shares your daily routine, or carries personal significance, specialist cover may not just be worth considering it may be essential for your peace of mind.
Further reading: Is jewellery covered by home insurance policies?
What does specialist watch insurance typically cover?
Although terms vary between watch insurance providers, policies typically may include cover for:
- Theft: Protection if the watch is stolen from your home, person, or safe (subject to you having met certain security standards)
- Accidental loss: For example, if the watch is lost in everyday circumstances
- Accidental damage: Such as chips, cracks, broken parts, or internal faults caused by accidental events (not general wear and tear)
- Worldwide cover: Ongoing protection when travelling, often without the need for advance notification. Important: Before you travel, it’s important to review your insurance policy carefully – cover often comes with extra conditions when you're away from home, particularly around security and there is usually a limit to the number of days you can be away from the United Kingdom
- Outside-the-home cover: Built-in protection while wearing or transporting your watch
- Access to expert repair: If repair is possible, it’s often arranged through a trusted specialist.
Can I insure multiple watches under one policy?
Yes, many high-end insurers – including us at Assetsure – offer watch collection insurance, allowing you to protect several timepieces under a single, comprehensive policy.
This approach is typically more convenient than managing individual plans and may come with advantages such as enhanced cover, streamlined administration, and cost efficiencies on a per-item basis.
What happens if my watch is lost abroad?
If you lose your watch or it is stolen when travelling, your policy may provide worldwide cover – though it’s essential to review the terms ahead of your trip. Many insurers place a limit on each trip duration, commonly around 30-60 consecutive days.
In the unfortunate event of a loss overseas, you should report the incident promptly, secure any necessary police or incident reports, and notify your insurer without delay. Acting swiftly can significantly aid the claims process.
Further reading: Travel guide for taking your jewellery abroad.
Are there security requirements I need to meet?
Yes, most jewellery and watch insurance policies include minimum security conditions, especially for higher-value watches.
These may include requirements such as storing the watch in a certified safe when not in use, fitting approved locks or alarms in the home, or avoiding leaving the item unattended in vehicles or public places.
Failure to meet these conditions could invalidate a claim.
Your obligations will be detailed in your policy document, but if you are unsure, you can check with your watch insurance provider.
Can I insure a watch that I haven’t worn yet?
Yes. Many people insure watches at the point of purchase or even before taking possession. It’s important to note that if the retailer is sending the watch to you by post, they are typically responsible for insuring it until it has been delivered to you and signed for. To be safe, confirm with the retailer that this is indeed the case.
If you purchase an item valued between £100 and £30,000 using a credit card and the item does not arrive, you may be entitled to make a claim under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
Is accidental damage covered if I wear my watch daily?
Yes. Luxury watch insurance is designed to accommodate regular use, but you should take reasonable care. Accidental knocks or impact damage may typically be covered, but it’s important to check the specific wording of your policy.
As we mentioned in a previous Q & A, routine wear and tear, including surface scratches from daily use, may be excluded.
Does watch insurance cover battery replacement or servicing?
No, routine maintenance such as servicing, battery replacement, and general upkeep are not usually covered. Insurance is intended for unforeseen events like theft, accidental damage or loss.
However, if damage occurs during servicing by a third party, you may be able to make a claim if negligence is proven. This is not normally covered by a specialist watch insurance policy.
Can I get insurance for a vintage or inherited watch?
Yes. Specialist providers such as us here at Assetsure are experienced in covering vintage, inherited, or rare timepieces. In fact, these watches often require bespoke policies due to their age, provenance, and sometimes irreplaceable nature.
To arrange cover, you'll usually need to supply a professional valuation or authentication, particularly if the watch is no longer in production or has historical significance. Some insurers will accept documentation from reputable jewellers, watchmakers, or appraisers.
We can put you in touch with reputable companies that provide online jewellery valuations which will be suitable if you want to buy watch insurance from us.
Can I insure watches like Rolex, Omega, or Patek Philippe?
Yes, you can insure high-end watches like Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, and other luxury timepieces.
How do I prove the value of my watch?
Establishing value is an important part of arranging insurance for valuable watches. To do this, you may be asked to provide:
- A purchase receipt or invoice from an authorised dealer
- A formal valuation from a qualified expert or jeweller
- Certification or warranty papers
- Photographs of the watch showing its current condition and any serial numbers or distinctive features
- A service history, where relevant.
If the watch is especially valuable or collectible, it’s wise to review the valuation regularly, particularly if the model appreciates over time. This helps ensure your watch insurance cover reflects its true worth.
Do keep in mind that the claims process can vary slightly between insurers. It’s always best to check your individual policy and speak directly with your watch insurance provider so you understand exactly what’s required and what’s covered.
Do smartwatches need to be insured separately?
Smartwatches such as those made by Apple, Garmin, or Samsung can typically be covered under our watch insurance policies. When in doubt, speak to a watch insurance provider familiar with both luxury and modern timepieces, such as us here at Assetsure.
Why buy watch insurance?
Your watch reflects something personal taste, history, craftsmanship – and for many, a life well-lived. Just as you might service the mechanism or polish the case, insuring your watch is an important part of taking care of it properly.
And while home insurance may offer some protection, a dedicated watch insurance policy where your watch is specified may offer other benefits including wider cover.
Whether you own one significant timepiece or a carefully curated watch collection, taking the time to arrange the most appropriate insurance may be a reassuring step.
If you’d like to explore cover tailored to your watch, at Assetsure we offer specialist protection for both individual timepieces and collections. Worldwide cover (up to 60 days per trip), plus no excess to pay in the event of a successful claim, means you can have peace of mind whenever and wherever you wear your cherished watch.
Get a no-obligation online watch insurance quote here or please call us on 0208 0033 190 and we’d be delighted to help!
