February may be brief, but it often brings some of the biggest spending moments of the year. From meaningful Valentine’s Day jewelry to surprise gifts and major Presidents’ Day car deals, many households bring home items that carry both emotional and financial significance. With purchases that matter this much, making sure they’re properly protected is just as important as choosing them. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement—finding a stunning necklace, discovering a great price on a new vehicle, or finally buying that artwork you’ve admired for months. But before you wrap it, wear it, hang it, or drive it, there’s one crucial step to take: double‑checking that your insurance will truly support you if something unexpected happens. Below is a breakdown of the coverage considerations worth reviewing for common February purchases, along with helpful recordkeeping tips that can save time and stress later. Why It Pays to Review Coverage Before Using or Gifting an Item High‑value purchases shouldn’t wait for a “later” insurance update. Items can be lost, stolen, or damaged even before they’re officially gifted or fully enjoyed. Whether it’s on the trip home, while traveling, or right in the middle of a celebration, the risk exists from the moment the item is in your possession. February purchases highlight this even more. A proposal‑ready ring, a collectible watch, a Presidents’ Day car deal, or a newly acquired piece of art all require intentional insurance planning. Matching the right coverage to the value and exposure of each item helps prevent frustrating surprises if you ever need to file a claim. Jewelry, Art, and Collectibles: Why Standard Homeowners Policies Aren’t Always Enough Many people assume their homeowners insurance automatically covers valuable belongings at full value. In reality, most standard policies set low limits on specific categories—especially fine art and jewelry. Claims for these items under a typical policy often max out around $1,000 to $5,000, which may not reflect the true worth of your purchase. That’s why supplemental coverage is so important. Jewelry, artwork, and collectibles often need separate insurance or a scheduled personal property endorsement. Scheduling an item ensures it’s insured for its full appraised amount and may also extend protection to scenarios not included in a basic policy, like accidental breakage or unexplained loss. Most insurers require a recent appraisal before scheduling an item, and it’s smart to refresh those values every few years to make sure your coverage still aligns with market changes. Fine art may even call for specialized coverage that includes transit protection, restoration costs, and global damage coverage—especially helpful if you relocate, loan pieces to museums, or travel with them. A few reminders for anyone purchasing or gifting high‑value items: • When jewelry is gifted or inherited, coverage does not move with the item. The new owner must add it to their own policy. • For more expensive pieces, explore standalone valuable‑item or personal‑articles insurance offered by major carriers. • Keep documentation—receipts, photos, serial numbers, and appraisals. These records help establish coverage and support any future claim. Your gift may hold deep emotional meaning, but its monetary value deserves proper protection as well. New Vehicle Purchases: How Grace Periods Work Presidents’ Day is a favorite time to shop for cars, trucks, and SUVs. Fortunately, many insurers automatically extend your current auto coverage to a newly purchased vehicle for a short window—often between seven and 30 days, with most carriers offering around two to four weeks. During this time, your new car typically adopts the same coverage and limits carried by another vehicle already insured under your policy. There are a few important details to keep in mind: • This temporary protection usually applies only if you already have an active auto policy. If you’re not currently insured, you’ll need coverage before driving your new vehicle. • If you insure multiple cars, your new vehicle often inherits the broadest coverage among them—but only for the grace‑period timeframe. • Your temporary protection mirrors your current policy. If you only carry liability coverage now, that may be all your new car has until you update your policy. Before the grace period expires, be sure to formally add the vehicle to your insurance and adjust coverage as needed. Lenders typically require comprehensive and collision coverage for financed or leased cars, and gap insurance may also be recommended to cover any difference between the loan balance and the vehicle’s actual value. If you’re trading in or selling an older vehicle, remember to remove it from your policy so you’re not paying for unused coverage. Whenever you take home a new car, it’s wise to: • Contact your insurer before leaving the dealership or shortly afterward to update your policy. • Review and adjust your limits and deductibles to match the new vehicle’s value. • Update details like drivers, parking location, and how the car will be used. • Keep a copy of the bill of sale, registration, and insurance ID card for easy reference. A short call or quick email to your agent ensures your new vehicle is protected right away. The Importance of Organized Records Good documentation makes the entire insurance process smoother. Whether you’re insuring jewelry, art, collectibles, or a car, organized records help verify ownership and support your claim in the event of a loss. Keep track of receipts, appraisals, and identifying information. To make things even easier: • Store digital copies of important documents and photos in secure cloud storage. • Take clear photos of new purchases, including distinguishing features. • Review your home and auto insurance annually or after major purchases. • Ask your agent whether adding new valuables or vehicles might unlock additional discounts. A solid recordkeeping system creates a clear paper and digital trail that can speed up claim processing and help ensure fair compensation. If You’re Already Behind, Don’t Stress Maybe you bought something weeks—or even months—ago and planned to handle the insurance later, only to forget. It happens to many people. Between busy schedules and the excitement of enjoying something new, insurance updates can easily slip through the cracks. The good news: you can still get coverage. Your agent can review your purchases, make recommendations about scheduling items, and update your policies so they reflect your current lifestyle and belongings. Final Thoughts: Protect the Purchases That Mean the Most February brings gifts and purchases that become treasured parts of your life—sparkling jewelry, a new vehicle, meaningful artwork, or unique collectibles with memories attached. Spending a little time on insurance now helps safeguard both your sentimental and financial investment. If you’re planning a big February purchase—or want to catch up on something you recently bought—we’re here to help you make sure it’s protected. A quick conversation can give you peace of mind, letting you fully enjoy your new item knowing you’ve taken the right steps to insure it.