Insuring a watch can vary widely in price, depending on factors like the watch’s value, where you live, and the type of coverage you choose. Here’s what you need to know to estimate the cost.

What Affects the Cost of Watch Insurance?
Watch Value – A $500 Seiko will cost much less to insure than a $20,000 Rolex.
Coverage Type – Basic policies may only cover theft, while comprehensive plans include accidental damage, loss, and even worldwide coverage.
Deductible – Choosing a higher deductible (e.g., $500 instead of $0) can lower your premium.
Location – If you live in an area with high theft rates, insurance may cost more.
How You Use the Watch – Wearing it daily increases risk compared to keeping it in a safe.

Average Watch Insurance Costs
Most insurers charge 1–3% of the watch’s value per year. Here are some estimates:

Watch Value Annual Insurance Cost
$1,000 $10–$30
$5,000 $50–$150
$10,000 $100–$300
$50,000+ $500–$1,500+

Example: A $15,000 Rolex might cost $150–$450 per year to insure.

Where to Get Watch Insurance
Standalone Jewelry Insurance (Best for full coverage)
Companies like Jewelers Mutual, BriteCo, or Hodinkee specialize in watch insurance.
Typically costs 1–2% of the watch’s value per year.
Covers theft, loss, accidental damage, and sometimes even “mysterious disappearance.”
Homeowners or Renters Insurance (Add-On)
Cheaper but may have lower coverage limits (e.g., only up to $2,500 per item).
Often requires a deductible (e.g., $500).
Best for mid-range watches if you already have a policy.
Luxury Insurers (For High-Value Watches)
If your watch is worth $50,000+, companies like Chubb or AXA offer specialized coverage.

Ways to Save on Watch Insurance
✔ Bundle with home insurance (if coverage limits are sufficient).
✔ Opt for a higher deductible to reduce premiums.
✔ Use a safe or security system—some insurers offer discounts.

Final Thoughts
For most people, insuring a watch costs $100–$500 per year, depending on its value. If you own a luxury timepiece, standalone insurance is often the safest choice. Always compare quotes and read the fine print before committing.

If you own a nice watch—whether it’s a luxury Rolex or a sentimental heirloom—getting it insured is a smart move. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? Here’s a straightforward breakdown of the best watch insurance providers and what makes each stand out.

Who Needs Watch Insurance?
You should consider insurance if:
✔ Your watch is worth $1,000+ (even a Tudor or Grand Seiko)
✔ You wear it daily (higher risk of damage or loss)
✔ It’s a luxury or collectible piece (Rolex, Patek, Omega, etc.)
✔ You travel frequently (theft or loss risk increases)

Top Watch Insurance Companies Compared
1. Hodinkee Insurance (Best for Luxury Watches)
Backed by Chubb, a top-tier insurer
Covers everything: theft, loss, damage, even if you just “lose it” mysteriously
No deductible option (you can choose $0 out of pocket)
Agreed value payout (no haggling over worth)

Worldwide coverage
💡 Best for: Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet owners
💰 Cost: ~1-2% of watch value yearly

2. Jewelers Mutual (Best All-Around Coverage)
Specializes in jewelry and watches
Covers accidental damage, loss, and theft
No deductible required
Fast claims process
💡 Best for: High-end watches you wear often
💰 Cost: ~1-3% per year

3. BriteCo (Best Budget-Friendly Option)
Zero deductible standard
Covers accidental damage (like dropping your watch)
Cheaper than Hodinkee/Jewelers Mutual for mid-range watches
💡 Best for: Tudor, Cartier, or Omega watches under $10K
💰 Cost: ~1-2% yearly

4. Homeowners/Renters Insurance Add-On
Cheapest option (just $20–100/year extra)
Limited coverage (often maxes at $2,500 per item)
Deductible applies ($500–1,000 usually)
May not cover loss (only theft/damage)
💡 Best for: Affordable watches under $2,500
💰 Cost: Small addition to existing policy

5. Chubb or AXA (For Ultra-Expensive Pieces $100K+)
Custom high-limit policies
Covers rare/collectible watches
Global protection
💡 Best for: Rare Pateks, vintage Rolexes, or independent watchmakers
💰 Cost: Custom quotes

How to Choose the Right Policy
Get an appraisal (required for watches over ~$5K)
Compare deductibles ($0 vs. $500 changes premiums)
Check exclusions (e.g., some exclude “mysterious disappearance”)
Look at claim reviews (how fast do they pay out?)

Final Recommendation
Best overall: Hodinkee (if you want premium coverage)
Best value: BriteCo (great for mid-range watches)
Cheapest option: Homeowners add-on (if your watch is under $2,500)
Pro Tip: If you own multiple watches, some insurers offer collection policies at a discount.