When adjusters talk about “high-risk” items, they mean items that are more likely to be stolen, damaged, or falsely claimed, or items that are expensive to replace. These require extra documentation, photos, receipts, or sometimes a separate insurance rider.
Core Traits of a High-Risk Item
An item is high-risk if it is:
- High in value
- Portable (easy to steal or hide)
- Difficult to prove ownership/value
- Frequently involved in inflated or fraudulent claims
Common High-Risk Items (Property / Homeowners Policies)
| Category | Examples | Why High-Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Jewelry | Rings, chains, watches, gold, loose stones | High theft risk, easy to pawn, value varies by appraisal |
| Collectibles | Sports cards, comic books, coins, stamps, sneakers | Hard to verify value; collectible markets fluctuate |
| Firearms | Handguns, rifles, antique weapons | Strict documentation required; theft risk |
| Electronics | Laptops, cameras, gaming rigs, studio gear | Portable, commonly stolen, high replacement cost |
| Art & Antiques | Paintings, sculptures, artifacts | Appraisal-dependent value; risk of forgery or damage |
| Designer/Fashion Items | Luxury handbags, shoes, couture clothing | Easy to resale; counterfeits complicate claims |
| Musical Instruments | Guitars, DJ setups, drum kits, violins | Damage-prone, high replacement costs |
| High-End Tools | Power tool sets, specialty equipment | Easily stolen from vehicles/work sites |
In Auto Claims
Adjusters consider the following high-risk if stored in or attached to vehicles:
| Item | Why High-Risk |
|---|---|
| Aftermarket rims & tires | Very frequently stolen |
| Custom stereo systems / subwoofers | Non-standard, hard to value |
| Custom paint or wraps | Damage is expensive; requires photo documentation |
| Performance modifications | Changes value and repair cost; must be declared |
In Life / Health / Liability Claims
Here “high-risk” refers to behaviors or contexts linked to greater injury or loss:
- Dangerous hobbies (skydiving, scuba, motorsports)
- Risk-heavy occupations (roofers, commercial drivers, trades working at heights)
- Animals with aggressive-breed history (in liability coverage)
Why Adjusters Care
High-risk items require:
- Proof of ownership (receipts, photos, serial numbers)
- Proof of condition before a loss
- Sometimes a separate rider / scheduled personal property coverage
This prevents:
- Overclaimed value
- Claiming items one never owned
- Double claims (claiming the same item with multiple insurers)
If You Own High-Risk Items
To avoid payout delays:
- Take clear photos of the item.
- Store receipts, appraisals, or serial numbers.
- Consider a scheduled policy (it covers the full stated value).