Don’t undervalue your wardrobe

Many people are seriously underestimating the value of their clothes, shoes and bags when calculating their home contents insurance, according to research from home insurer LV=.

The research shows that on average people estimate their clothes are worth around £1600 with accessories such as dress jewellery and watches valued at a further £1,300. However experts at LV= estimate the true average cost of a wardrobe to be over double this at £6000.

LV= experts estimate that the average women's wardrobe is worth around £7,000, with clothes adding up to £5000 and accessories, including items of jewellery worth less than £1500 each, adding another £2000. Men's wardrobes are estimated to be worth slightly less at £5000 but are more likely to include expensive business and sports attire.

With levels of ‘wardrobe' underinsurance so high, LV= is warning Brits to ensure they consider how much it would cost to replace all their clothes, shoes and accessories in the event of their property being flooded or hit by a fire.

Emma Holyer, spokesperson for LV= home insurance, commented: "The majority of homeowners have contents insurance but we estimate the levels of ‘wardrobe' underinsurance to be around 70%. When valuing their contents people just tend to think about expensive jewellery, electronics and items of furniture such as sofas, beds and dining tables and forget how much it would cost to replace their clothing, shoes and everyday jewellery should the worse happen.

"Although it's a relatively small percentage of claims where we see an entire wardrobe's contents destroyed if you are underinsured you could find that your insurer will reduce the amount they pay out to reflect the cover taken out."

As well as attire being underinsured in the home, under half (42%) of contents polices sold include personal possessions insurance. Personal possessions cover insures your belongings that you regularly take out of the home, such as bags, ipods, laptops and clothing against theft, damage or loss.

LV= offers the following tips on valuing wardrobe contents:

Consider each section of your wardrobe individually such as evening wear, business outfits, casual wear etc.

Don't forget to take in to account handbags, overnight bags and luggage.

Think about how much it would cost to replace your shoes, boots and trainers if they were all destroyed.

Don't overlook sports wear such as ski clothes and golf wear.

Don't forget underwear, coats and winter knitwear.

If you have anything that is unusual or hard to replace take a photograph of it and keep in a safe place.

If you have any individual items worth over £1500 inform your insurer.

Check if your policy covers you for accidental damage and if not, consider adding this cover. This will cover you for replacing items if you accidentally ruin them. This can also be added to personal possessions cover.

For more information on LV= home insurance, visit lv.com/insurance/home_insurance.