Comprehensive cover secured for high-value home and valuables

Tailored protection and expert guidance

When a client approached Howden for high-value home insurance, they were connected to Georgina Bates, one of our experienced Private Client specialists. With significant assets, including jewellery and watches, Georgina quickly identified that a standard policy wouldn’t offer the level of protection required. A tailored approach was essential.

The Challenge

Georgina quickly established that the client would benefit from:

• Buildings reinstatement valuation – there was no record of how the existing sum insured had been calculated, so a professional survey was needed.
• Jewellery and watch valuations – to confirm current market values and avoid underinsurance.
• Installation of a Grade 3 safe – to reduce risk for the insurer and help secure a more competitive premium.

With these steps in place, Georgina recommended a policy with Brit Insurance.

Our Solution

Georgina took a hands-on approach to ensure everything was in place:

• Safe installation: She connected the client with a trusted supplier who not only provided the Grade 3 safe but also handled the installation. The professional installation of a home safe is often an insurer requirement.
• Buildings survey: Georgina arranged for a professional survey, which revealed the property was underinsured by nearly £38,000. She negotiated with Brit Insurance to increase the sum insured at no additional premium.
• Contents review: Although the client had completed a contents checklist, Georgina felt the figures were light. She recommended a professional valuation and introduced him to Rachel at Doerr Dallas Valuations. A valuation not only prevents underinsurance but it’s evidence to support claim, and in our experience a claim is often settled much more quickly when there is an up-to-date valuation.

The results were significant:

• General contents increased from £175,000 to £463,000 – a difference of £288,0000 (165% uplift)
• Fine art increased from £30,000 to £144,000 – a difference of £114,000 (380% uplift)
• Specified jewellery increased from £370,000 to £420,000 – a difference of £50,000 (5% uplift)

Underinsurance: Why it matters

Having the correct sums insured is critical. Underinsurance doesn’t just lead to a shortfall in the event of a claim if the insurer believes the underinsurance was deliberate or reckless, they may refuse to pay the claim entirely.

In this case, our proactive approach helped the client avoid these risks by ensuring all sums insured were accurate and up to date.

For more information on this read our article: Contents underinsurance

The Outcome

Thanks to Georgina’s expertise and attention to detail, the client now has a policy that accurately reflects the value of their home and possessions. They benefited from:

• A fully compliant policy with Brit Insurance
• Accurate sums insured across buildings, contents, and valuables
• Peace of mind knowing their assets are properly protected

At Howden, our Private Client team doesn’t just offer insurance, we offer expertise, attention to detail, and are committed to getting it right.