From curated art collections to exquisite jewellery, rare collectables to valuable watches, exceptional possessions deserve protection that matches their worth – and insurance is only one part of that story. Discreet security measures, such as a professionally graded safe, offer essential protection to help safeguard your collection.
We recently hosted Jenny Cooper from Insafe, the UK’s leading provider of high-security safes, who shared expert insights on how private clients can take a practical approach to securing their valuables.
Here are some key takeaways from that session:
1. Match the safe grade to the value
Not all home safes are created equal. Each is independently tested and given an insurance rating associated with the value of the contents and its resistance to theft and fire. Insurers often require a specific grade, so it’s important to check. If your collection has grown, it’s a good opportunity to review your current safe and confirm it still meets your insurer’s requirements. If you have any questions, please contact your Lumley Account Handler – they can help ensure your collection is fully covered.
2. Keep valuations up to date
Even the best safe can’t protect against underinsurance. Market values for art, jewellery and watches can fluctuate dramatically – for example, the Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index reports the value of watches has risen by +125% over the last 10 years. Similarly, at the time of writing, the price of gold has been steadily increasing in the last two years. This could lead to significant changes in the value of individual pieces, risking your collection being underinsured.
Regular valuations provide confidence that your insurance reflects true market value and that your safe continues to meet insurer expectations. The Institute of Registered Valuers is an excellent place to find a trusted specialist, or your Lumley point of contact can recommend an experienced advisor and help coordinate the process for you.
3. Location and usability matter
This tailored approach ensures each installation is secure, discreet, and perfectly suited to your home. If your safe is well-positioned, it will be both secure and practical to use, balancing discretion with everyday accessibility. Size also matters – a safe that’s too small can quickly become limiting, while one that’s too large may dominate the space.
“When it comes to safes, where it’s installed is just as important as what’s inside it. We take the time to understand how you live, how you move around your home, and how you want to use your safe day to day. That way, we can recommend the right location and install it discreetly, so it fits naturally into your lifestyle while giving you complete peace of mind.” Jenny Cooper, Insafe
This tailored approach ensures each installation is secure, discreet, and suited to your home.
4. Plan for personal risk factors
For high-profile individuals, or those with a strong online presence, visibility can bring added risk. Exposure through social media or public appearances can make high-value items more visible and vulnerable to theft. In these cases, enhanced security measures, tailored to your lifestyle and routine, can offer valuable peace of mind. You may want to consider:
Splitting collections between multiple safes
Using a decoy safe as a deterrent or to stall a burglar’s attempt to find your valuables
Commissioning a full home security and risk audit to assess vulnerabilities.
A personalised protection strategy helps ensure your cover truly reflects your lifestyle and individual needs.
5. Modern security features
Insurers now tend to prefer digital locks over traditional keys as they eliminate the risk of lost or stolen keys. However, it is important to update access codes regularly and avoid predictable ones (such as birthdays) to maintain security.
High-end models can also include additional security features, such as silent duress alarms and remote monitoring. These systems can discreetly alert security teams or authorities if a user is ever forced to open the safe under threat, providing peace of mind for those with significant assets or higher personal risk.
Expert support through Lumley Insurance
If you’re reviewing your existing protection or considering new options as your collection or circumstances evolve, our team is here to guide you. With the support of the team at Insafe, we will coordinate the right solution for you.
Get in touch to see how we can help you protect what matters most.
