Last Updated on October 25, 2026 by Syed Sarim Naqvi
Personal property coverage, also called Coverage C or contents cover, usually equals 50% to 70% of your home’s dwelling limit, but theft sublimits cap categories such as jewelry at about $1,500 and cash at $200 no matter how large the overall limit is. The catch is that these special limits sit inside the contents limit, not on top of it, and contents are often paid at depreciated actual cash value unless you add replacement cost cover.
Key Takeaways
- Bankrate says Coverage C is usually around 50% to 70% of Coverage A, and New York’s regulator lists 50% on premises and 10% off premises as general limits
- Typical theft sublimits include $200 for cash, $1,500 for jewelry, watches and furs ($1,000 in one agency guide and $500 in a South Carolina state guide) and $2,500 for firearms or silverware
- The California Department of Insurance stresses special limits are included in, not in addition to, the overall contents limit
- Contents are by default settled at actual cash value, and replacement cost needs an endorsement, per exam-prep guides and an agency presentation
- To insure valuables fully you add a scheduled personal property endorsement or floater
What Does Personal Property Coverage Cover?
Bankrate says personal property cover insures the contents of your home so they can be repaired or replaced after a covered loss, for personal use only, and that renters policies work similarly but let you choose your own limit. Henssler describes covered items as furniture, appliances, clothes and sports equipment stolen or destroyed by an insured peril, with business property usually limited to $2,500 at home and $500 away. The limit is generally a share of the dwelling coverage: a South Carolina state guide gives 50% and notes you can raise contents cover for a minimal extra charge without raising the dwelling limit.
Why Do Sublimits Matter?
Bankrate gives an example: even with $150,000 of personal property cover, a policy may limit jewelry theft claims to $1,500. New York’s department says these special limits represent the total a company will typically pay for the category, and the California Department of Insurance says the amounts are included in the overall contents limit and are the maximum paid for that type of property. The sources disagree on exact amounts, so read your own policy.
| Category | Typical Theft Limit | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Cash, coins and precious metals | $200 | Bankrate, New York DFS, NEFA |
| Jewelry, watches, furs | $1,500 (also $1,000 and $500 in other guides) | Bankrate, New York DFS, NEFA, South Carolina DOI |
| Firearms | $2,500 (also $2,000 and $1,000) | New York DFS, NEFA, South Carolina DOI |
| Silverware | $2,500 | New York DFS, NEFA |
| Business property on premises | $2,500, and $500 to $1,500 away | Henssler, New York DFS |
What Is the Difference Between ACV and Replacement Cost?
Henssler explains replacement cost pays the dollar amount needed to replace items without depreciation, while actual cash value subtracts depreciation. A study guide says the default Coverage C basis is actual cash value and that a personal property replacement cost endorsement changes it. NEFA’s presentation says many carriers came up with a replacement cost endorsement you pay for, and that certain items such as jewelry may not qualify for replacement cost unless scheduled.
How Much Does Scheduling Cost?
The sources reviewed do not give typical prices for scheduled personal property, so none are given here. Henssler says a personal property endorsement often adds accidental loss cover and may be needed to insure fully appraised value, and the California department tells owners to add an endorsement, also called a rider or floater, for property above the special limits. As an illustration of the exposure, a $10,000 ring stolen from a home with a $1,500 sublimit would leave $8,500 unrecovered before the deductible.
How Do You Choose Contents Limits?
The California Department of Insurance says the contents limit is generally around 50% of the dwelling amount but that is only a guideline, and the most reliable source of the replacement value of your possessions is you. NEFA’s presentation notes people remember only about 33% of their belongings, so recommends a photographed or video inventory. Henssler recommends not delaying a home inventory.
What Should You Check?
- Special limits: list every sublimit and compare with what you own
- Settlement basis: actual cash value or replacement cost for contents
- Off-premises limit: check what happens to items away from home
- Scheduling: insure jewelry, art and collections separately where limits fall short
- Inventory: keep photos or video with receipts
How Does This Connect to Other Cover?
Valuables are covered in Engagement Ring Insurance Explained, Luxury Watch Insurance Explained and Collectibles Insurance Explained. Renters should read Renters Insurance Explained, condo owners Condo Insurance (HO-6) Explained, and stored items Safe Deposit Box Insurance Explained.
FAQ
How much contents cover do I get?
Usually 50% to 70% of your dwelling limit.
What are special limits?
Caps on categories such as cash, jewelry and firearms, regardless of the overall limit.
Are special limits extra?
No. They are included within the overall contents limit.
Are contents paid at replacement cost?
Not by default; actual cash value applies unless you add an endorsement.
How do I insure valuables fully?
Schedule them with a personal property endorsement or floater.
Is business property covered?
Only to low limits, such as $2,500 at home.
Should I make an inventory?
Yes. Photos or video with receipts speed claims and show what you own.
Glossary
- Coverage C: the personal property section of a homeowners policy.
- Special limit: a cap on one category of belongings.
- ACV: actual cash value, replacement cost minus depreciation.
- Scheduled property: an item listed separately for its own limit.
- Floater: an endorsement covering listed valuables.
Sources
- Bankrate: Personal Property Insurance (50% to 70%, $150,000 jewelry example)
- New York DFS: Basic Homeowners Coverage (50% on premises, 10% off, special limits)
- California Department of Insurance: Residential Insurance Guide (limits included in contents limit, schedule advice)
- South Carolina DOI: Additional Homeowners Insurance Coverage (50% contents, $500 furs and jewelry)
- NEFA: Coverage C Presentation ($200, $1,000, $2,000, $2,500; inventory advice)
- Henssler Financial: Homeowners Insurance (50% to 70%, business property, ACV vs replacement)
- Open Exam Prep: Section I Coverages (ACV default, sublimit list)
Related reading: Umbrella Insurance Explained · High-Value Home Insurance Explained · Phone Insurance Explained
Published October 2026. Limits and sublimits vary by insurer and state and change often; always read your policy’s special limits and settlement basis, and refresh this article periodically.
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