Insurer warns about high-value jewellery thefts ahead of Valentine’s Day

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A 43% annual leap in high-value claims for jewelry theft has been recorded by Aviva.

Forward of Valentine’s Day on February 14, the insurance coverage large mentioned gadgets stolen embrace luxurious watches, bespoke jewelry gadgets, costly bracelets and diamond rings.

The info was taken from Aviva Non-public Purchasers high-net-worth claims throughout 2022 and 2023.

It consists of prospects being mugged for costly watches, opportunist thieves stealing jewelry stashed in vehicles, and claims the place burglars pressured entry into properties whereas folks have been away on vacation.

In some circumstances, residents have been nonetheless contained in the property when thieves entered.

Thieves have smashed automobile and home home windows, disabled alarm methods, and even ripped out safes containing jewelry, Aviva mentioned.

Rupert Damms, head of danger administration north for Aviva, mentioned: “Valentine’s Day is the right time to shock a liked one with treasured jewels, however with jewelry theft on the rise throughout the UK, defending your self and your valuables has by no means been extra vital.

“With opportunistic thieves focusing on folks in public, it’s essential that people are smart about when and the place they put on costly jewelry and think twice about whether or not they wish to have it on show. Inside the house, we urge folks to verify they lock their doorways and home windows, and guarantee their safety methods and safes are insurance coverage accepted, professionally put in, and that they’re all the time used to retailer jewelry.

“It can be simple to underestimate the worth of things, notably if the fee to interchange luxurious items rises. If the worst does occur, underinsurance of invaluable gadgets could be a downside for patrons once they come to say, so guaranteeing you could have the proper insurance coverage cowl and up-to-date valuations of jewelry can also be crucial for each peace of thoughts and safety of property.”

Listed here are Aviva’s ideas for retaining jewelry protected:

– Purchase the proper insurance coverage. Making certain your jewelry is correctly insured in opposition to theft, loss and unintentional harm offers you peace of thoughts that your jewelry is roofed if the worst does occur. For costly gadgets, this consists of checking the single-article restrict for valuables in your coverage and buying insurance policies that present sufficient cowl. Some folks might have high-net-worth insurance policies.

– Get jewelry valued recurrently. Underinsurance of jewelry might be a problem when prospects come to say, particularly as the value of treasured metals, diamonds, colored diamonds and watches can fluctuate. Getting jewelry valued at the very least each three years will assist guarantee items are appropriately insured. Documenting jewelry with images and paperwork, together with watch serial numbers, may help insurance coverage claims and doable restoration of things.

– Be discreet and vigilant when carrying jewelry. Opportunistic thieves can strike at any time. Watch out when posting or tagging places on social media as this may appeal to undesirable consideration from potential thieves.

– Retailer jewelry safely. By no means go away costly jewelry in vehicles or out on show at residence.

– Verify your jewelry for put on and tear. Unfastened stones, worn settings or broken clasps might lead to misplaced or damaged jewelry.

– Be cautious with repairs. Be selective about the place you’re taking your jewelry for repairs or cleansing. Use jewellers who’ve a superb fame for safety and reliability.

– Keep knowledgeable about native crime traits. Pay attention to any current incidents of thefts in your space.