Theft Of Jewellery Is On The Rise - How To Keep Your Jewellery Safe In 2012
Online, July 27, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Since 2009 jewellery theft claims have risen by more than 26%. There are several reasons for this, but the main ones are the increase in the value of precious metals and the recession.
It has also become increasingly easy to sell jewellery, with numerous Cash For Gold businesses springing up on every street corner. Basically, the temptations for thieves are more abundant than they used to be.
The knock on effect of this is that insurers are becoming more awkward in paying out for claims. They will use the most obscure exclusion or condition in their policy wording to justify turning the claim down, and if they can't find a reason, you can bet you will be underinsured.
So this leaves you, the average man, stuck between the burglar and the insurer, or the burglar and the thief as some may say.
So what can you do to prevent the worst happening? Below are some ideas that will certainly assist you.
Establish the current market value for each piece of jewellery you own. It is recommended that you get a written valuation from a jeweller as this can then be used as proof if you find yourself in dispute with an insurer. This should be done every couple of years for expensive items.
Check your current insurance is adequate in light of these new valuations. Remember to also check the standard policy limits.
Buy a safe. If your jewellery is valuable the best way to keep it secure is to buy a fireproof safe. Remember to buy your safe with a reputable name. It may be worth consulting with your insurers for their recommendations, and always inform them that you have a safe, as this may lead to a reduction in your premium.
If you don't have a safe, store your jewellery out of site and in an unobvious place. It's the simplest thing to stow your jewellery away at night in a hollowed out book. It will take no more time to store it here than in a jewellery box. When the thieves take everything you own bar your shabby books, you'll be glad you did.
Of course, alongside theft claims, loss of jewellery claims have also been steadily increasing. This may be due to the recession and people claiming where before they wouldn't have bothered. Or even claiming where there isn't a claim. Regardless of the reason, prevention is always better, so take the time to examine your jewellery at least once a year. Does it still fit correctly? If you have lost weight it may be loose, if you have gained weight the harnesses may be straining. If you are unsure, again visit your local jeweller and get yourself measured and alterations done.