Can I purchase insurance for sunglasses?
Losing a pair of high-quality sunglasses can have major consequences on your eyes and your wallet.
Whether you shelled out the cash for designer shades or used your vision insurance to cover part of the expense of your prescription sunglasses, getting your specs replaced isn’t always an easy feat.
Thankfully you can put some safeguards in place to cover the cost of replacing your spectacular sunnies.
Can I buy insurance on sunglasses?
When accidents happen to your sunglasses, most eye care providers won’t replace your favorite shades.
Check with your eyewear provider or the manufacturer of your new frames, and if they don’t offer a lifetime or extended warranty, look into insurance coverage for your valuable specs.
Some larger U.S. insurance providers like Geico and Allstate, along with U.K.-based companies like HomeProtect, will insure eyewear under a homeowner or renters insurance policy.
As long as it’s considered a covered loss under the policy, your eyewear should be protected and subject to the deductible.
Plan policies and deductibles will vary, so contact your local insurance agent to ensure you’re getting the best coverage for your needs.
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Does insurance cover lost sunglasses?
Homeowners, condo or renters insurance usually won’t cover the cost of lost items and will only replace the item if it’s considered a covered loss due to fire, theft or vandalism.
So what happens when you misplace your shades or accidentally break them? Is there any hope that your insurance company will cover the cost of replacing your sunglasses?
Well, that all depends on your policy and whether you have add-ons like accidental damage and/or off-premises coverage.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, most companies provide coverage for 50% to 70% of the amount of insurance on the structure of a home, including off-premises coverage. This specific coverage ensures that belongings are protected anywhere in the world, unless you have opted out.
Expensive items may be covered, but there are usually dollar limits if your belongings are stolen, plus you will have to pay your deductible. For example, if you’ve lost your $100 sunglasses and the deductible is $100, it’s likely you’ll need to just buy new sunglasses and pay out of pocket.
NEED TO BUY A REPLACEMENT PAIR OF SUNGLASSES? Shop for sunglasses at an optical shop near you or at an online eyewear retailer.
Does your existing insurance policy cover sunglasses?
If you’re a current homeowner's or renter's insurance policyholder, it’s possible that your expensive sunglasses may already be covered.
However, policies vary, so double-check your coverage to guarantee your sunglasses are included and under what circumstances they’ll be eligible for replacement.
Talk with your insurance agent to learn what kind of coverage you have in place and whether you may benefit from additional protections.
Are there other options for replacing lost sunglasses?
When shopping for pricier eyewear, sunglasses or otherwise, ask your optical provider for information about warranties and replacement policies.
If your shades are eligible for these programs and you’re satisfied with the parameters, you may not need to bother with insurance.
You also may want to check the benefits of the credit card you used to buy your lost or stolen sunglasses. Some credit card issuers offer a purchase protection program or extend manufacturer warranties on items purchased with your card.
What to do when you lose or break your sunglasses
If your sunglasses go missing or shatter and you’re not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, your insurance policy or a credit card perk, you need replacement sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
And if you are spending a lot for your replacement sunglasses, think through how you will cover yet another pair of shades if your replacement sunnies meet an unfortunate end.
Your neighborhood optical shop or favorite online eyewear retailer has details on sunglasses warranties, then weigh whether your insurance would cover any loss or if you need or want additional coverage.
And, of course, be more careful with your replacement sunglasses.
NEED TO BUY A REPLACEMENT PAIR OF SUNGLASSES? Shop for sunglasses at an optical shop near you or at an online eyewear retailer.
Page published on Friday, March 27, 2020
