Valuables Insurance
Standard home and contents policies impose strict sub-limits on portable valuables, typically $2,000 to $5,000 for jewellery and often less for watches, cameras and collectibles. If your items exceed these limits, individually or together, a standalone Valuables policy provides agreed value cover on a worldwide, all-risks basis, without the sub-limits, exclusions and restrictive conditions that make standard policies inadequate for significant possessions.
Agreed value cover, at home and wherever you travel
A ring lost overseas, and a valuation that was current
An illustrative example of how Ardent can make the difference in a time of need.
An engagement ring was lost while travelling. The piece had been valued years earlier and replacement prices had moved a long way since.
We had prompted a revaluation at the previous renewal, so the agreed value on the schedule reflected current replacement cost, and worldwide cover was already in place.
The replacement was made to the original specification at the agreed value, with no argument about the sum insured or where the loss happened.
This is an illustrative example. Every claim is assessed by the insurer on its own facts and under the terms of the policy.
Our Valuables experts
QPIB · Dip. Fin. Serv. (Ins Broking)
Client relationships and team leadership
Lynne co-founded Ardent after 45 years in insurance broking, and strong client relationships have run through all of it. In recent years she has worked as a General Manager, bringing general broking experience together with managing a team. At Ardent she supports the staff and keeps the workplace positive, which clients feel in every dealing they have with us.
QPIB · Dip. Fin. Serv. (Ins Broking) · ANZIIF (Snr Assoc) CIP
The jewellery trade, childcare and commercial risks
Sarah co-founded Ardent and has more than 30 years in insurance in the UK and Australia, across commercial, property and casualty, professional risks and claims, with a focus on the jewellery trade and childcare. She works with each client to solve problems, plan ahead and see a claim through smoothly.
Mid-market businesses and jewellers
Sophie has almost 10 years in insurance broking and is studying for her diploma in insurance broking. She looks after mid-market clients across a range of industries, with a long-standing focus on jewellers. She gets to know each business, its risk profile and its appetite for risk before advising, and keeps in touch through the year.
What a client says about Ardent
Sophie Hudson was a pleasure to deal with. Quickly and promptly acted to get my insurance sorted. Presented various options to choose from and very knowledgable. Highly recommend!
Valuables Insurance FAQ
Standard home and contents policies apply sub-limits to portable valuables, typically $2,000 to $5,000 for jewellery as a category and often $1,500 for any single item. These limits bear no relationship to the actual value of a quality watch, an engagement ring or a piece of fine jewellery. They also apply restrictions: cover is often limited to the home address, theft usually requires evidence of forced entry or a witnessed theft, and accidental loss is almost always excluded. A Valuables policy is designed to remove many of these restrictions. Each item is specified at agreed value, cover is worldwide and all-risks, and accidental loss is included.
Agreed value insurance means the insured amount for each item is fixed at inception, usually supported by a recent independent valuation, and that amount is paid in full at claim time without negotiation or depreciation. Under market value or replacement value policies, the insurer assesses the value of your item at claim time, and the result may differ a great deal from what you expect. That is particularly true for jewellery with sentimental significance, antiques whose replacement cost exceeds the original purchase price, and collectibles that have appreciated since purchase. For high-value items, agreed value is essential.
For individual items above approximately $5,000 in value, independent valuations are recommended and often required to establish the agreed value. For lower-value items, purchase receipts may be acceptable. Collections may be valued as a whole rather than item by item. Ardent works with specialist valuers across jewellery, fine art, antiques and collectibles, and will advise on exactly what documentation is required for each category of item. We may receive a fee or commission for a referral, as our Financial Services Guide explains. Valuations should be updated every three to five years. Ardent manages this at renewal so you are not left under-insured by an outdated valuation.
Yes. Items can be added to your Valuables policy at any time during the policy period. Premium adjustments are calculated on a pro-rata basis for the remainder of the policy term. Add items promptly after acquisition: an unspecified item is either uninsured or covered only at the default sub-limits of an underlying home policy. Ardent maintains your Valuables schedule and can process additions quickly, so newly acquired items can be covered from the day you take ownership, or from an agreed date for items purchased at auction or on order, once the insurer accepts them.
Our partners
Insuring your own jewellery rather than trade stock?
Jewelsure covers jewellery for individuals: single pieces, engagement rings and collections. It sits outside the business covers on this page.
We may refer you to our partners and may receive a fee or commission for the referral. Details are in our Financial Services Guide. Each partner is responsible for the services it provides to you.