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Definition
Personal Property Coverage (Coverage C) is the section of a homeowners policy that covers your belongings—furniture, electronics, clothing, and similar items—when they're damaged, destroyed, or stolen by a covered peril. The coverage limit is usually 50–70% of your dwelling coverage, so a home insured for $300,000 might carry roughly $150,000–$210,000 for contents. Claims are paid on either an actual cash value (ACV) basis, which subtracts depreciation, or a replacement cost value (RCV) basis, which pays to buy new without depreciation. High-value belongings—jewelry, art, collectibles—often exceed standard sublimits, so they may need a separate rider (also called a floater or endorsement) to be fully protected. Coverage amounts, sublimits, and available endorsements vary by carrier and state, so review your declarations page to confirm what applies to you.
Also Known As
Coverage C
Contents Coverage
Personal Belongings Coverage
Personal Property Protection
Used in Context
- After a kitchen fire, the homeowner filed a Coverage C claim to replace ruined appliances and cookware.
- When comparing quotes through Dreamy Leads, she noticed one policy paid contents on a replacement cost basis while another used actual cash value.
- Because his Coverage C limit capped jewelry payouts, he added a rider to fully insure his wedding ring.
How much personal property coverage do I get?
Your Coverage C limit is usually set at 50–70% of your dwelling coverage. So if your home is insured for $300,000, your belongings might be covered for roughly $150,000 to $210,000. The exact percentage varies by carrier and policy, so check your declarations page to confirm your limit.
What's the difference between ACV and RCV?
Actual cash value (ACV) pays what your item is worth today after subtracting depreciation, so an old TV pays less than a new one. Replacement cost value (RCV) pays to buy a comparable new item without deducting for age or wear. RCV typically costs more but gives you a larger payout at claim time.
Are expensive items like jewelry fully covered?
Often not. Standard Coverage C usually applies sublimits to high-value categories like jewelry, art, and collectibles, capping what you can recover. To fully protect these belongings, you may need a separate rider or floater. Limits and available endorsements vary by carrier and state, so ask your insurer about scheduling valuable items.
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