Best Watch Insurance of 2023

Jewelers Mutual makes watch insurance easy. The company doesn’t require your personal info for a quote—just fill out three fields to get an instant quote online. You can also apply online without an appraisal and start a claim online. 

Jewelers Mutual premiums were about average in our comparison across 13 companies. But the company does offer discounts for storing your jewelry securely or having a home security system. Plus, you’re covered worldwide, and exclusions are typical, including things like war, deterioration, and intentional damage or loss. Unlike some other companies, Jewelers Mutual also excludes damage from critters. 

If you need your jewelry repaired or replaced, you can choose which jeweler you want to work with. And Jewelers Mutual appears to have no issues with customer satisfaction. The company has excellent reviews on Trustpilot and far fewer complaints than expected with the NAIC over the last three years given its size. Jewelers Mutual also has over a century of industry experience and holds an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best, so you can count on the company to pay claims.

BriteCo watch insurance policies are backed by Glencar Insurance Company, which has not received any complaints with the NAIC over the last two years, indicating excellent customer satisfaction. The company also has glowing customer reviews on Facebook and Google and an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating with AM Best, indicating superior claims paying reliability. You can get a quote online with your email address, but it will be a range. You must provide even more personal information to get a final price. But you can complete your application entirely online and file claims online as well. 

Pricing at BriteCo is relatively affordable—the company offers the second lowest premiums for watches of the companies we reviewed. What’s more, you’ll be covered for up to 125% of the appraised value of your watch, and the company annually adjusts your coverage amount based on changes in metal and gemstone pricing as well as inflation. 

BriteCo offers worldwide, robust coverage that only excludes deterioration, wear and tear, mechanical breakdown, voluntary parting, and prior damage. BriteCo policies even include some coverage for preventive maintenance, and you can add an additional insured at no charge. 

GemShield makes it easy to get a quote. You’ll only need to fill out three fields, and no personal information is required. Though you’ll need an appraisal for watches worth $5,000 or more, a receipt will suffice for lower-value pieces. And you’ll get fast electronic approval so your coverage can start right away. However, bear in mind that GemShield generally limits single items to $35,000, though the company sometimes makes exceptions subject to underwriting review. That might not be enough to cover your Rolex. 

GemShield offers worldwide, comprehensive coverage with only the most common exclusions. And like our other best watch insurance companies, mysterious disappearance is covered. Notably, the company is our top pick for Best Jewelry Insurance Companies, overall. 

GemShield offers coverage through StarNet Insurance, which received far fewer complaints over the last three years than were expected (based on its market share). StarNet also holds an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating with AM Best, which indicates a superior claims paying ability. GemShield watch insurance was priced around the average of the companies we reviewed.

WAX Insurance offers the cheapest coverage of any provider we reviewed and is especially well-suited to people with high-value pieces and large collections. You can get unlimited coverage. Plus, adding new watches to your collection is a breeze with the WAX app. Just snap a picture, enter some details, get an instant quote, and purchase your additional coverage. In some states, you can even take out a loan against your collection. 

WAX will also cover up to 150% of the appraised value of your watch, providing excellent inflation protection. The company covers loss, damage, and theft coverage worldwide with no deductible. What’s more, customer reviews of WAX are excellent. And WAX policies are underwritten by Chubb, a 140-year-old insurer with an A++ (Superior) financial strength rating with AM Best and fewer complaints than expected with the NAIC relative to the company’s size. 

But be prepared to provide your personal information to get a quote and to wait for it via email. Plus, you’ll need to download the app to apply online.