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Media centre Underinsurance theft burglary

Underinsurance is a bigger risk than theft or burglary for high-net-worth clients

As inflation and the cost of living soar, new research* has revealed three three-quarters (72%) of brokers think there is a problem with high-net-worth private clients being underinsured.

Interviews with 100 brokers who place business with high-net-worth clients found that being underinsured (30%) is a bigger risk facing their high-net-worth private clients than burglary or theft (20%).

It is more important than ever for brokers to speak to their high-net-worth clients about the importance of regular valuations and setting and maintaining sums insured at the correct level to avoid the risk of underinsurance.

The Covid-19 pandemic, rising inflation, and limited supply have meant that the value of luxury high-end watches, including Rolex and Patek Philippe watches, has soared. Some high-net-worth clients may not realise their current values, and if the worst were to happen and they needed to purchase a replacement, they may find themselves significantly underinsured.

“Underinsurance has always been an issue in the high-net-worth sector, but now, set against a backdrop of rising inflation, it’s more important than ever that brokers are speaking to their high-net-worth clients to ensure they are keeping valuations up to date. As inflation and the cost of living soar, the prices and values of many precious items are also increasing rapidly. While high-net-worth clients may have existing valuations, these can quickly get out of date. Underinsurance continues to be a key issue facing high net worth clients, and our latest research has found brokers believe it’s an even larger risk than theft or burglary.”

Sarah Willoughby, Ecclesiastical UK Art & Private Client Business Director

Ecclesiastical has launched a new enhanced high-net-worth home insurance product, which includes cyber damage, cybercrime, and online liability cover as standard, and optional additional covers including business cover and travel insurance.

The new enhanced Art and Private Client policy will replace the insurer’s existing product for new business and renewals from 12 September 2022.

For more information, visit www.ecclesiastical.com/artandprivateclient

* The research was commissioned by specialist insurer Ecclesiastical and conducted by FWD. 100 telephone interviews with brokers who place business for HNW / private clients between February and March 2022.

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