17% of Britons surveyed believe they own jewellery that could be considered vintage or antique, according to research from Churchill home insurance.
However, of those that own vintage or antique jewellery, 41% say these items are not accounted for on their home insurance policy.
Churchill home insurance is advising home owners to take the time to get these items valued and included on their policy to reduce the risk of being underinsured.
The latest claims data shows rings to be the most common jewellery related claim (22%). Watches follow in second (12%) and earrings join in third (10%).
Theft and accidental loss constitute for the vast majority of jewellery claims (each at 41%).
The research reveals 16% found they were underinsured. Furthermore, 16% of respondents claim not to have any type of home insurance, offering no protection for their crown jewels. For those who are insured, 34% say they do not know if their home insurance policy has a single item limit.
Martin Scott, head of Churchill home insurance, said: “We urge people to regularly take the time to have their jewellery valued and make sure they are comprehensively insured on a policy that protects the full value. It is important to consider if you have an item which exceeds the policy limit and follow the procedure necessary to insure that item.
“For many, the impact of under-insurance is only realised when it’s too late, but this is preventable.”
Your article is misleading. Jewellery is greatly overvalued by the “trade” and has a 2nd hand value, at best, of only 30% of it’s High Street value. mark ups of 200% are common. It is not for nothing the FCA moved to declare Diamonds are to be regarded as non-investment items for Pension Funds. In fact the only way any policyholder can recover the value of a piece of jewellery (precious stone) is to have a successful insurance claim.
Man made valuables such as watches should be properly insured as these retain value.