Can I purchase insurance for sunglasses?
Losing a pair of sunglasses can affect your eye protection and your wallet.
Whether you paid cash for your shades or used your vision insurance to cover part of the expense of your prescription sunglasses, getting them replaced may not always be an easy feat.
Fortunately, you can put some safeguards in place to help cover the cost of replacing your sunglasses.
Can I buy insurance on sunglasses?
If your sunglasses are lost or damaged, many eye care providers may not replace them.
Check with your eyewear provider or the manufacturer of your new sunglasses to see if they offer a lifetime or extended warranty, or whether insurance coverage is available for your eyewear.
Some larger U.S. insurance providers may insure eyewear under a homeowners or renters insurance policy.
As long as it’s considered a covered loss under the policy, your eyewear could 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 ideal coverage for your needs.
Does insurance cover lost sunglasses?
Homeowners, condo or renters insurance usually won’t cover the cost of lost items and may only replace the item if it’s considered a covered loss due to fire, theft or vandalism.
So what happens when you misplace your sunglasses 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.
Many companies provide personal property coverage for 50% to 70% of the amount of insurance on the structure of a home, including off-premises coverage. This coverage may extend to belongings when they are outside of the home, depending on the policy and insurer. Limitations and exclusions may also apply, and you will likely have to pay a deductible.
Does your existing insurance policy cover sunglasses?
If you’re a current homeowners or renters insurance policyholder, it’s possible that your expensive sunglasses may already be covered.
However, policies vary, so double-check your coverage to determine if 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 eyewear, sunglasses or otherwise, ask your optical provider for information about warranties and replacement policies.
If your sunglasses 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 may need to consider purchasing replacement sunglasses. Wearing sunglasses with 100% UVA-UVB protection when outdoors is important, as they help protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Your neighborhood optical shop or favorite online eyewear retailer likely has details on sunglasses warranties. You can also check to see whether your insurance policy would cover any loss or determine if you need or want additional coverage.
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your eye doctor if you need an updated prescription for prescription sunglasses.
