February might be the shortest month on the calendar, but it often comes with some of the biggest spending. From Valentine’s Day jewelry and heartfelt gifts to major Presidents’ Day deals on vehicles, many people make meaningful purchases this time of year. Because these items can hold both emotional and financial importance, it’s essential to ensure they’re properly protected from the start.

While it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of picking out the perfect ring, scoring a great price on a car, or bringing home a unique piece of art, there’s an important step that shouldn’t be overlooked: confirming that your insurance coverage is prepared to protect your new purchase. Before you slip that ring onto a finger, hang that artwork, or drive that new car off the lot, it's worth making sure you're covered if the unexpected happens.

Why Insurance Should Come First

With high-value items, you don’t want to postpone thinking about insurance. Loss, theft, or damage can happen moments after you make a purchase—while traveling, on your way home, or even as you’re giving a gift. For valuable items, putting coverage in place before they’re used or gifted is the safest move.

February brings a unique mix of purchases: proposal-ready jewelry, collectible watches, deeply discounted vehicles, and special artwork or collectibles. Each has different coverage needs. Your goal is to make sure insurance aligns with both the value of the item and the risks it may face, so there are no surprises later.

Jewelry, Art, and Collectibles: When Homeowners Insurance Isn’t Enough

Many people assume their homeowners policy automatically protects every valuable item they own. The truth is that most standard policies have limits—especially for things like jewelry, fine art, or collectible pieces. In many cases, a standard policy only covers up to a few thousand dollars, which may fall far short of what the item is worth.

This is where additional protection becomes important. High-value jewelry, artwork, and collectibles often need separate coverage beyond what a homeowners policy provides. By adding a scheduled personal property endorsement, you can ensure that a valuable piece is insured for its full appraised value. These endorsements may also cover situations that basic policies don’t, such as accidental breakage or mysterious disappearance.

Most insurers require a current appraisal to schedule an item, and those appraisals should be refreshed every two or three years. Fine art may require an even more specialized policy that includes worldwide coverage, transit protection, and restoration benefits—particularly useful if your piece moves frequently or is loaned to galleries.

Here are a few reminders for gifting or purchasing high-value items:

• Insurance for jewelry doesn’t transfer automatically when gifted or inherited; the new owner needs to insure it under their own policy.
• Consider standalone valuable items or personal articles insurance from carriers such as Travelers, State Farm, or Liberty Mutual for higher-value pieces.
• Save receipts, photos, serial numbers, and appraisals. These documents are essential for both establishing coverage and filing future claims.

While the sentimental value of a romantic gift or one-of-a-kind collectible can’t be replaced, the financial value absolutely can—and should—be protected with the right insurance.

Buying a New Vehicle? Know Your Grace Period

Presidents’ Day is one of the busiest car-buying weekends of the year. Fortunately, most insurers provide an automatic grace period for new vehicles—typically between seven and 30 days, with many falling in the two-to-four-week range. During this time, your new car typically inherits the same coverage as another vehicle on your existing auto policy.

However, there are a few details to keep in mind:

• The grace period only applies if you already have an active auto insurance policy. If you don’t, you’ll need coverage before driving your new car.
• If you insure multiple vehicles, your new one usually receives the broadest coverage of the group—but only for the duration of the grace window.
• Coverage mirrors what you already carry. If your current car only has liability protection, your new one may also only have liability until the policy is updated.

Before the grace period expires, make sure your new car is officially added to your auto policy. If it’s leased or financed, your lender will likely require collision and comprehensive coverage, and may also expect you to carry gap insurance to cover the difference between a loan balance and actual cash value if the vehicle is totaled.

And if you’re trading in or selling an older car, don’t forget to remove it from your policy so you’re not paying for unnecessary insurance.

Whenever you purchase a vehicle—Presidents’ Day or otherwise—remember to:

• Notify your insurer before you leave the lot or shortly after.
• Adjust deductibles and limits to reflect your new car’s value and your comfort level.
• Update details like drivers, where the car is kept, and how it will be used.
• Keep copies of your registration, bill of sale, and insurance ID card readily available.

A quick call or message to your agent ensures your new vehicle is covered from day one.

Smart Recordkeeping Makes a Big Difference

Whether you’re insuring jewelry, artwork, collectibles, or a new car, maintaining accurate records is one of the most effective ways to simplify future claims and protect your investment.

Be sure to keep receipts, appraisals, and serial numbers. These documents help establish ownership and value. You can take your organization a step further by:

• Storing digital copies of important documents and photos in secure cloud storage.
• Photographing new items—including details or identifying marks—to make claims easier.
• Reviewing your home and auto insurance annually to ensure your coverage matches what you own.
• Asking your agent about bundling discounts after adding new valuables or vehicles.

These simple habits help create a clear, accessible record that allows your insurer to respond quickly if something goes wrong.

If You Haven’t Updated Coverage Yet, You Still Have Options

If you bought something weeks—or even months—ago and didn’t get around to checking on insurance, you’re not the only one. Life gets busy, and it’s easy to delay paperwork when you’re excited about something new. The good news is that it’s not too late.

An insurance agent can review your recent purchases, recommend whether items should be scheduled, and help update your policies so your protection reflects what you actually own moving forward.

Enjoy February, and Safeguard What Matters Most

Between Valentine’s Day surprises and Presidents’ Day deals, February often comes with some of the most memorable new additions to your home and life. Whether it’s sparkling jewelry, a new car, or a standout piece of art, taking a little time to check your insurance can protect both the sentimental and financial value of your purchase.

If you're planning to pick up something special—or if you recently purchased items you haven’t insured yet—I’m here to help. A brief conversation can give you peace of mind, so you can enjoy your new gifts and investments knowing they’re properly protected.