Blog - Thorp and Trainer Insurance Agency

Your Home Insurance Has Limited Protection for Jewelry

Whether it’s a single engagement ring, an heirloom set or a large collection you bought for yourself, your jewelry needs insurance. Yet most homeowners insurance policies limit the amount of coverage to $5,000 or less. That might not even be enough to cover a single piece, much less a jewelry box full.

For example, the average cost of an engagement ring (2023) is around $5,500, according to weddingstats.org. And the average Rolex watch ranges between $7,000 and $12,000. With prices like these, every jewelry owner should consider their insurance options and protect their investments.

How to insure jewelry

Jewelry insurance options vary almost as much as the pieces they cover. You can add your jewelry to your existing homeowners, condo or renters policy for only a few extra dollars a year or purchase a separate policy specifically for jewelry.

Some home insurance policies specify that they do not cover items such as jewelry, musical instruments or artwork. Depending on the details of your coverage and the value of your items, you may need a rider on your home insurance policy or a dedicated jewelry policy.

If you decide to add your jewelry to your existing policy, you will likely be required to list of all your individual pieces, often with supporting documentation such as photos or appraisals. This list, called a “personal articles floater,” will be appended to your home insurance policy.

It may be a practical and cost-effective option if you want to insure only a few rings and necklaces, but it might not be the best option if you have a larger or more valuable collection. That’s because each piece has to be added to the list of covered items; if you forget to include a piece or you buy another, it won’t be covered until it is “endorsed.”

Another drawback of using a personal articles floater for jewelry is that your jewelry is only protected in certain situations. While your pieces will likely be covered if they’re stolen or destroyed in an event such as a fire, they will not be covered for other events such as accidental loss or damage. And your policy might not cover losses due to certain natural disasters like floods or earthquakes.

Lastly, the payout limit on a personal articles floater may be lower than the value of all your pieces together.

Separate jewelry insurance could be a better option if you have a larger collection or need more flexible coverage. A stand-alone jewelry policy typically costs about 1%-3% of the value of the insured piece or pieces per year and may vary depending on your state.

These policies usually have significantly higher coverage limits, though. They may also cover events that homeowners, condo and renters policies do not, such as worldwide travel, accidental damage, and loss of part of a pair.

A jewelry insurance policy offers more flexibility than home insurance, too. For those who collect jewelry or buy on a whim, some policies offer automatic coverage for newly added items. These policies may not require appraisals for pieces under a certain value or may offer agreed-value coverage. Your insurance agent can help you understand the full requirements of your insurance contract.

Remember that the value of some items will increase over time. Whether you have a personal articles floater or a separate jewelry policy, you should review your jewelry insurance periodically to ensure you still have adequate coverage.

Preserving your pieces

Beyond insuring your jewelry, there are steps you can take to ensure the pieces are yours to enjoy and pass on.

Use secure storage

The first and most obvious step is securing your jewelry when it’s not in use. Your best option is usually a safe if the items are valuable and not used often.

You should periodically look at jewelry you have stored away to make sure it hasn’t gone missing. You may have a time limit to file an insurance claim, so report a theft or loss as soon as you discover it. Of course, alarm systems and cameras can also deter and catch thieves.

Research travel-related stipulations and best practices

If you plan to take your jewelry on a cruise or to an international destination, research any stipulations in your insurance policy. Safe storage of your pieces while traveling is important, so learn about best practices before tucking thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry into your luggage.

Keep jewelry well-maintained

Keeping your pieces in good shape will help you avoid losses due to things like faulty clasps or loose gem settings.

Create a photo inventory

Make a photographic inventory of your collection and any appraisals you’ve had done. Store the photos on the cloud so you’ll still have them if you suffer a large loss due to a fire, flood, windstorm or massive theft. Your insurer will be able to identify what was lost and process your compensation more efficiently.

Additionally, police and insurance companies often work together in cases of theft to alert pawn shops and other dealers in gems of larceny; photos can help identify your pieces and get them returned to you.

8 Ways to Support Small Businesses

Small businesses are the backbone and heart of many towns and cities across the country. It’s even said they are the foundation of our economy and leaders in innovation. At Main Street America, we agree and are invested in their success. Afterall, we got our start as a small business – and now protect our neighbors so we can grow together.

So just what is a small business? That answer may depend on who you ask and what you’re looking for. No matter how you define “small businesses,” there’s no question about the impact they make in our communities and in our lives. In fact, a recent report revealed 44% of US economic activity comes from small businesses. That includes the family-run restaurant down the street, your landscaping service, the organic farmer you see at the farmers market and the independently owned drugstore your community is lucky to still have.

It’s likely you have a friend, family member or neighbor who owns or works for a small business and you want to do something to help them and their business succeed. By supporting local businesses, we can invest in our communities and invigorate our local economy. Here’s how to support small businesses:

Start Local

When shopping, start with the small businesses in your community instead of heading right to the larger retailers. You might be surprised to learn how many of your basic needs and wants can be satisfied without leaving your local business district. You may also discover some new locally made or sourced products that you enjoy.

Make Online Purchases

If you’re wondering how to support small local businesses in the easiest way possible, get out your phone or computer. Online shopping is an easy way to send meaningful, locally sourced gifts to distant friends or family members. There are even some small businesses that only operate through a virtual storefront instead of a traditional brick and mortar store to make their prices lower and increase your convenience.

Buy a Gift Card

Gift cards are a great way to support a local business and spread the word about a cool company. Next holiday season, consider buying gift cards from your favorite small business to share with your loved ones. They’ll get something they really want and you can help out a local business in your town with the sale and word-of-mouth.

Avoid Purchasing through Third Parties

Third party services such as food delivery services may be convenient, but they cut into, or cut out, the profit margin for small restaurants in your community. Order your food directly from the family-owned restaurant down the street, whether you choose to pick up or dine in. When you do, 100% of the profit from your purchase goes to the business and not a third-party delivery service. The same idea applies to other community shops and services — shop directly with the provider whenever possible to support them.

Buy Merch

Community shops, restaurants and service providers may not have the funds to advertise, but you can help support these small local businesses by buying their branded merchandise. Wearing a T-shirt from the corner coffee shop or your favorite family-owned restaurant gives them free publicity. You’re helping increase their brand recognition and giving the business your personal endorsement.

Show Your Support on Social

Even when you’re not in the market for something, you can still show the local businesses in your area some love on social media. Sharing their content, using the business name in a post or liking their page will give small businesses a boost.

Leave a Positive Review

Reviews help small businesses build a following but too often people only leave a review if they have a complaint. Writing a positive review for a local business may encourage other people to visit and can make the business owner and employees feel good. Simply search Google for the business listing and click on the “Write a review” tab.

Show Your Support on Small Business Holidays

Local retail businesses rely on a big bump in sales between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, was established to help small businesses get in on the pre-Christmas sales boom. You can be part of the supportive frenzy felt throughout the small business community by remembering to make your holiday purchases on Small Business Saturday and throughout the holiday season.

In the spring, you can show your support on National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day. Every year on March 29, you can celebrate the shops and services that fuel our communities by shopping locally and at small businesses.

Source: Main Street America Insurance

Caramel Apple Cookies

Ingredients

For the cookies:

> 3/4 c. salted butter (1 1/2 sticks)

> 1/2 c. dark brown sugar

> 1/4 c. granulated sugar

> 1 large egg

> 1 tsp. vanilla

> 2 c. all-purpose flour

> 1/4 tsp. baking soda

> 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

> 1 tsp. apple pie spice

> 3/4 c. rolled oats

> 1 Granny Smith apple, grated (about 1/2 cup)

> 1/2 c. chopped apple chips

For the caramel icing:

> 1 1/2 c. powdered sugar

> 2 tbsp. apple cider or juice

> 3 tbsp. caramel sauce

> 1/2 c. apple chips, chopped

Directions

For the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350˚.

Brown the butter by melting it over medium heat in a medium saucepan, then let it cook and bubble for an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until the foam and butter underneath is golden brown. Transfer it to a large, heatproof mixing bowl and swirl a few times to help stop the browning. Let it cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and apple pie spice in a medium bowl; set aside.

Add the brown and granulated sugars to the mixing bowl with the browned butter and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 1 minute until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla, and mix on low just until combined.

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until combined. Mix in the oats and grated apple. Fold in the apple chips with a rubber spatula.

Scoop the dough into balls, about 1 1/2 tablespoons in size, onto two parchment lined baking sheets and and press gently with the bottom of a glass. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes on the sheet tray, before transferring to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

For the caramel icing: Whisk together the powdered sugar, apple juice, and caramel sauce. Using a spoon, drizzle the cookies generously with the icing and top with the chopped apple chips. Allow the glaze to set before serving, about 1 hour (at room temperature).

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Cranberry Brie Bites

Ingredients

> 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, from 1 (17 oz.) box

> Nonstick cooking spray

> 4 oz. brie cheese

> 1/2 c. cranberry sauce, homemade or canned

> 3 tbsp. raw shelled pistachios, chopped

> Flaky sea salt and ground black pepper, optional

Directions

Thaw the puff pastry according to package directions.

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a 24-well mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. Place the brie in the freezer for 20 minutes or until firm to the touch.

On a well floured surface, roll the sheet of puff pastry into a 10-by-15-inch rectangle. Cut the pastry into 4 strips lengthwise. Then, cut the pastry crosswise into 6 strips, creating 24 squares. Press the pastry squares into each well of the muffin pan, letting the excess stick up over the edges.

Cut the firm brie into 24 (½-inch) slices. Place a piece in the center of each pastry square. Top each with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios.

Bake for 15 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown on the edges and the cheese is bubbly. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Remove the bites from the pan and garnish with sea salt and pepper, if desired.

Turkey Pot Pie

Ingredients

For The Crust

> 1 1/2 c. (3 sticks) butter, cut into small pieces

> 3 3/4 c. cups all-purpose flour

> 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

> 2 tbsp. granulated sugar

> 1 1/2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar, chilled

> 6 tbsp. ice water, plus more if needed

For The Filling

> 3 tbsp. butter, plus more for greasing baking dish

> 1 medium onion, finely diced

> 2 medium carrots, peeled and medium diced

> 4 cloves garlic, minced

> 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour

> 3/4 c. white wine

> 1 1/3 c. heavy cream, plus 2 tablespoons for brushing

> 2 1/2 c. shredded turkey meat

> 1 1/2 c. frozen peas

> 3 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley

> 3 sprigs thyme, stems removed

> Kosher salt

> Freshly ground black pepper

> Flaky salt

Directions

Make crust: Place butter into freezer for 15 minutes before starting crust process. In a large food processor, pulse flour, salt, and sugar until combined. Add butter and pulse until pea-size and some slightly larger pieces form. With the machine running, add vinegar and 4 tablespoons ice water into feed tube, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough just comes together and is moist but not wet and sticky or too crumbly (test by squeezing some with your fingers). If the dough is too crumbly and not coming together, add ice water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it does.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and squeeze together. Knead a few times to combine, then divide into two equal balls. Flatten each ball into a smooth disk, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Make filling: Preheat oven to 375°. In a large, deep-sided skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions and carrots and cook until softened, 5 minutes. Add garlic, then stir in flour and cook until golden and beginning to bubble. Gradually whisk in white wine. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until the smell of alcohol is cooked out, about 3 minutes. Slowly stream in heavy cream and continue to cook, stirring until mixture comes to a boil and thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Fold in shredded turkey, peas, parsley and thyme. Season mixture with salt and pepper. Let cool until ready to assemble.

To assemble: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a large round about ¼” thick. Place into a greased, shallow 9″ pie dish or deep skillet, trim edges to leave a 1″ overhang and then add cooled filling. Roll out second disk of dough into a large round about ¼” thick and place on top of filling. Trim and crimp edges, then use a paring knife to create slits on top. Brush with remaining heavy cream and sprinkle with flaky salt.

Bake pie until crust is golden and filling is bubbling, about 1 hour 15 minutes. If the edges of the pie start to darken faster than the rest of the pie, cover edges with foil.

Let pie cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Thingies

Ingredients

> 20 whole fresh jalapeños, 2 to 3 inches in size

> 2 8-oz. packages cream cheese, softened

> 1 lb. thin (regular) bacon, sliced into thirds

Directions

(If you have them, slip on some latex gloves for the pepper prep.) Cut the jalapeños in half, length-wise. With a spoon, remove the seeds and white membrane (the source of the heat; leave a little if you like things HOT).

Smear the softened cream cheese into each jalapeño half. Wrap jalapeños with bacon pieces (1/3 of a slice). Secure by sticking a toothpick through the middle.

Bake on a pan with a rack in a 375˚F oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You don’t want the bacon to shrink so much it starts to squeeze the jalapeño. If, after 20 minutes, the bacon doesn’t look brown enough, just turn on the broiler for a couple of minutes to finish it off. These are best when the jalapeño still has a bit of bite to it. Serve immediately, or they’re also great at room temperature. You’ll love these so much, you’re gonna come out of your skin. Or something like that.

Pumpkin Dip

Ingredients

> 4 oz. cream cheese

> 1/2 c. pumpkin puree

> 1 c. powdered sugar

> 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

> 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

> 1/2 c. heavy whipping cream

> Graham crackers, to serve

> Pretzels, to serve

> Sliced apple, to serve

> Sliced pear, to serve

Directions

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese, pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla on medium speed until smooth and creamy, 2 to 3 minutes. Scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.

With the mixer on medium-low speed, gradually pour in the heavy cream. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 30 seconds.

Serve the pumpkin dip with graham crackers, pretzels, apple slices, pear slices, or by the spoonful.

The Dangers of Supplemental Heaters

During the transition from fall to winter, it might make more sense to use a supplemental heater than to turn on your primary home heating source just to cut the morning chill. Or if you live in an older or poorly insulated house, you may need to supplement your primary heating source just to keep things economical.

Supplemental heaters are available in a variety of types and are generally safe. However, they do present hazards so it’s important to use them with caution.

Here are some common types of supplemental heaters and their limitations.

Electric radiators are portable heaters designed to heat small areas or rooms for limited amounts of time. They are thermostat controlled. When turned on, they heat oil inside the fins, radiating the heat outward.

These heaters are relatively safe but are not intended to be used for long periods.

Electric space heaters are portable heaters designed to heat small areas, such as under a desk or table, or a small room. When turned on, wire heating elements radiate or blow the generated heat into the space.

Often, the heating elements are exposed or can easily come in contact with other materials, such as paper, cords or even small fingers. Water or other fluids may spill onto the heater, causing an electrical fire.

Hazards include fires, burns and electrical short-circuiting.

Kerosene or fuel space heaters are portable heaters that have a fuel tank or a connection for propane or another type of fuel. The burning of the fuel generates heat. The fuel requires refilling and must be stored.

Hazards include fuel spills and vapor buildup in the space where it’s stored, fires and exposure to carbon monoxide (CO). These heaters must be used in well-ventilated areas to prevent the buildup of vapors or CO.

Fireplaces and stoves are intended to generate heat for longer periods as they supplement the primary heating source. In transitional seasons, these can be used as sole-source heating for occupied rooms while the remainder of the house is kept at lower temperatures.

Hazards include CO buildup if ventilation is not adequate, fires if combustible materials are nearby, and burns from heated elements and surroundings. Gas heaters must be installed properly and have a safety check valve to prevent the backflow of fuel.

Wood fireplaces and stoves pose a whole new set of safety hazards:

Ants, snakes and other critters can be unearthed when chopping and storing wood. Stoking the wood can cause sparks.

Smoke, CO or vapors can build up if the flue is blocked.

Supplemental heaters can be cost-effective and efficient for heating certain areas in your home. They also come with known risks that require attention. Keep your family safe as you prepare your home for cooler temperatures this season.

Sheet Pan Apricot Chicken and Carrots

Ingredients

> 1 (4.25 lb) chicken leg quarter value pack (4 leg quarters)

> 1 tsp sweet paprika

> 2 lbs medium carrots

> 2 tbsp olive oil

> 1/2 cup apricot preserves

> 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

> 2 tsp apple cider vinegar

> 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme, divided

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F with an oven rack in center position. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and the paprika. Transfer chicken, skin-side up, to prepared baking sheet. Cut the carrots in half lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces. Arrange carrots around chicken, then drizzle with the oil and season with salt and pepper.

In a small bowl, combine the apricot preserves, mustard, vinegar, and 1 tsp thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon half of apricot glaze over chicken legs.

Bake 30 min., until chicken is beginning to brown. Spoon remaining apricot glaze over chicken. Bake 20–25 min. more, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and carrots are tender. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tsp thyme before serving.

Almost-Vegetarian Chili

Ingredients

> 2 tbsp canola oil

> 2 slices thick-cut bacon, very finely chopped

> 1 cup diced onion

> 1 tbsp minced garlic

> 2 tbsp chili powder

> 2 tbsp ground cumin

> 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

> 2 cups beef or vegetable broth

> 2 (15.5 oz) cans Nature’s Promise® Organic No Salt Added Black Beans, undrained

Directions

In a large pot, combine the oil, bacon, and onion. Cook 6–7 min., until bacon is browned, stirring often.

Add the garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Season with salt. Cook 2 min., until garlic is golden, stirring often.

Add the tomato sauce, broth, and beans. Heat to a boil on high. Reduce heat and simmer 15–20 min., until thickened, stirring occasionally. Season with salt to taste.

Tips

Garnish with your favorite chili toppings like cilantro, sour cream, or shredded Cheddar.