The holidays bring a special kind of excitement—twinkling lights, thoughtful gifts, and the joy of sharing meaningful moments with the people we care about. Between the rush of shopping, wrapping, and celebrating, it’s easy to overlook one important step: making sure those new treasures are properly protected.

Maybe you’ve received a sentimental piece of jewelry, gifted someone a high-end gadget, or brought home a collectible you’ve had your eye on all year. These items carry both emotional and financial value, and taking a few proactive steps now can save you stress later.

Keep receipts and appraisals

Documentation is essential if you ever need to file a claim. Hold on to purchase receipts, appraisals, or certificates of authenticity, and store them somewhere secure—either digitally or in a safe physical location. Clear records help ensure your insurer can verify an item’s value quickly and accurately.

Act quickly

Many insurance policies have time limits for adding newly purchased or gifted valuables. If you wait too long, you might miss the window to ensure those items are fully protected. Making updates soon after receiving a new item keeps your coverage current and avoids unwanted surprises.

Update your coverage

Standard homeowners and renters policies often have limits on high‑value items. Adding a personal articles policy or endorsement helps cover items like jewelry, fine art, collectibles, and electronics that may exceed those limits. It’s a simple way to ensure your most important gifts are properly protected.

With a little planning, safeguarding your holiday valuables doesn’t have to be complicated. Taking proactive steps now helps you avoid headaches down the road and ensures your cherished items are covered year‑round.

Before the new year arrives, reach out to your insurance provider to review your policy and confirm that your holiday valuables have the protection they need.