Valuables insurance

Standard insurance is not always sufficient for valuable items. Anyone who owns jewellery, art or antiques wants, above all, clarity regarding the right level of cover, the insured value and the terms and conditions that are truly relevant. Hillewaere Insurance provides you with bespoke advice on insurance for valuable items, tailored to your situation and your possessions.

Valuables insurance is generally intended as supplementary cover for items of special value. This is relevant when the limitations of a standard home insurance policy (fire – basic risks) do not match exactly what you wish to insure.

When is valuables insurance relevant?

This insurance becomes particularly relevant as soon as you have possessions whose value, rarity or sentimental value goes beyond what is typically covered by a standard policy. Think, for example, of jewellery, works of art, antiques or a collection with a clear financial value.

In such cases, it is important not only to check whether an item is listed anywhere, but also how it is insured. The right solution depends, amongst other things, on the value of the item, how it is stored and whether it is kept solely at home or is also taken out of the home.

Which items are commonly covered?

At Hillewaere Insurance, the focus is on valuable items such as: For these categories, a bespoke approach is essential. Not every item requires the same approach, and the valuation can also vary significantly depending on whether it is a single item or an entire collection.

• Jewellery
• Art
• Antiques
• Collectables

What should you look out for when choosing the right cover?

You should not choose the right valuables insurance solely on the basis of the premium, but primarily on the basis of the quality of the cover. There are a few key points to bear in mind.

Accurate valuation – An insured value that is too low can lead to underinsurance. For valuables, a formal valuation by a recognised valuer is the recommended way to correctly establish the valuation in a valued policy.

Clear description of the items – Good documentation is particularly important when it comes to art, jewellery or antiques.

Supporting documents – Purchase documents, photographs or a valuation report (drawn up by a certified valuer) may be relevant.

Storage and risk – Where and how you store your valuables plays a part in the assessment.

Out-of-home use – If an item is regularly worn or taken out, this warrants extra attention. If you are travelling, do also check your travel insurance for cover of luggage and valuables.

Why a bespoke approach is so important here

When it comes to valuable possessions, a general approach is rarely sufficient. The right solution requires a careful assessment of the value, the risk and the desired level of protection. This is precisely why personal advice is important, particularly when it comes to exclusive or hard-to-replace items.

Hillewaere Insurance offers bespoke insurance advice for valuable items and exclusive possessions. This ensures you receive a solution that is more closely tailored to your specific situation and possessions.

Frequently asked questions

What does valuables insurance cover?

That depends on the chosen solution and the items you wish to include. In practice, this often involves possessions such as jewellery, art, antiques and collectables of particular value.

Can I insure my valuables whilst I’m away from home?

This can be an important consideration if you regularly wear or carry certain items with you. Whether cover outside the home is appropriate or possible must always be assessed on the basis of your specific situation and the chosen insurance policy.

Is valuables insurance the same as standard home contents cover?

No. Valuables insurance is particularly relevant when standard cover is insufficient for specific valuable items. Contents cover forms part of home insurance (basic fire insurance) and is generally insufficient for items of exceptional or high value. A separate assessment is particularly advisable for higher-value or special items, and for art, a separate art insurance policy may be worth considering.

Is valuables insurance the same as standard contents cover?

Because the insured value helps determine the level of cover you actually have. If an item is undervalued, this can be detrimental in the event of damage or loss. For valuables, a valuation by a recognised valuer is the best way to establish the correct valuation in a valued policy. That is why an accurate description and valuation are essential.