Howden Private Clients

27/02/2026

Thinking about how best to insure your jewellery and watches?
A floating limit offers cover for the pieces you choose to wear out of the house, without needing to list each one individually. It’s designed around real wearing habits and can often help keep premiums sensible while still protecting what matters.

You can learn more about how floating limits work here:

Private client guide to jewellery insurance: discover how floating limits reduce premiums and improve protection.

26/02/2026

17/02/2026

What should you expect when an insurer asks for a property survey?

Only a small percentage of UK homes are insured for the correct rebuild cost, which means many homeowners could be at risk of being underinsured - or even overinsured. An insurance survey is one of the most effective ways to make sure your home has the right level of cover.

In our latest article, we look at the different types of surveys insurers may request - from desktop valuations to full site visits - and what each one involves. We also explain why these surveys matter, how they help protect you in the event of a claim, and how we can support you throughout the process.

If you’re unsure what a survey means for your policy, or you simply want to feel confident your home is properly insured, this guide is a good place to start.

Read the full article and find out more

Learn about insurance surveys—desktop, enhanced, and site—to avoid underinsurance and protect your home.

17/02/2026

Is smart home technology helping protect your home - or creating new risks you might not be aware of?

From leak detection sensors to video doorbells and fully integrated home monitoring systems, smart tech is becoming a normal part of how we manage our homes. But it also raises important questions about insurance, including what your policy actually covers, what your insurer needs to know, and how to make sure your devices don’t leave any gaps in protection.

Our latest article takes a closer look at how smart technology can reduce risk, where clients can sometimes get caught out, and what to consider if you're upgrading your home setup.

Read the full article and find out more

What private clients need to know about smart home technology, risk reduction and home insurance cover

17/02/2026

Whether it’s a modern performance car, a prestige SUV or a cherished classic, specialist motor insurance is designed to protect not just the vehicle - but your peace of mind.

In this article, our Motor Claims Manager talks about the features that matter most when a claim happens. With years of handling complex motor claims, the team know how cover works in real life - and where standard policies can fall short.

If you’d like to speak to our specialist team about your own motor insurance needs, we’re here to help.

Premium insurance for luxury and performance cars, offering agreed value, expert claims handling and repairer freedom.

11/02/2026

For those seeking distinctive pieces with lasting value, antique and vintage jewellery offers something truly special.

If you’re searching for a meaningful Valentine’s gift, auctions can be a wonderful place to discover unique pieces with real character. We recently spoke with the team at Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers, the long established fine art auction house, who shared their insights into finding beautiful vintage and antique jewellery - including one off rings, charm bracelets and classic diamond pieces you won’t find on the high street.

And once you’ve found “the one,” it’s just as important to make sure it’s properly protected. Accurate valuations and the right insurance mean your treasured items are covered should the unexpected happen.

Whether you’re planning a romantic surprise or treating yourself, explore how to choose and protect a piece that will be cherished for years to come.

Ensure your Valentine’s jewellery is properly valued and protected with expert guidance on insurance and valuations.

06/02/2026

Gold prices may have dipped slightly from their recent peak, but they’re still much higher than they were just a few years ago. And we’re now seeing more jewellery claims where outdated valuations mean people aren’t fully covered — often without realising it.

To get a clearer picture of what’s driving these changes, we spoke to Rachel Doerr at Doerr Dallas Valuations, who shared how dramatically the replacement cost of jewellery and watches has risen. A piece that cost a few thousand pounds ten years ago may now cost many times more to replace.
That’s why keeping your valuations up to date is so important.
In our latest article, we explain:

💎 Why rising prices are leading to underinsurance
💎 What a good valuation should include
💎 The common gaps we’re seeing in policies
💎 How often you should update your valuations

If you haven’t refreshed your jewellery or watch valuations in the last 12–18 months, now is a good time to do it.
If you’d like help reviewing your cover or valuations, we’re here to help.

Ensure your jewellery insurance keeps pace with rising values. Private client advice on valuations, policy limits and cover.

06/02/2026

In the world of horology, expert insight matters. Leighton Gillibrand, Head of Clocks, Barometers & Scientific Instruments at Dreweatts auction house, offers a fascinating look at how historic clocks evolve in value and why regular specialist valuations are key for collectors and owners.

Explore the history, collecting tips, and insurance advice for clocks and timepieces with Dreweatts’ expert insights.

29/01/2026

When a client was at a dealership purchasing a classic Ferrari, they needed immediate insurance that truly reflected the value of the car. Standard motor cover wasn’t enough.

Our Private Client motor specialist secured a tailored high-net-worth policy with agreed value in just 90 minutes - protecting the vehicle against depreciation and financial risk.

If you’re purchasing or renewing insurance for a high-value vehicle, speak to our Private Client team to make sure your investment is properly protected.

How our expertise delivered peace of mind for a luxury car owner

29/01/2026

Major renovations need specialist insurance.

When plans evolve and works begin before everything is finalised, standard home insurance can leave you exposed. In this case, our expertise and market access ensured continuous cover for both our client's home and the works in progress - protecting their investment, even as plans changed.

Expert insurance solutions for major renovations—protect your property, works, and liability risks.

19/01/2026

When it comes to home insurance. headlines like “unlimited cover” or “blanket contents” sound reassuring - but they don’t always tell the full story. Inner limits and exclusions can leave gaps that only become clear when you make a claim.

Recently, a client came to us with a home insurance policy which was offering unlimited sums insured and blanket contents cover. On the surface, it looked comprehensive. But when we dug deeper, the reality was different.

We explained to our client how these terms work, highlighted the inner limits, and showed the benefits of an All Risks policy for broader protection. The client chose the All Risks option for its flexibility and peace of mind - even at a slightly higher premium.

The takeaway: Unlimited doesn’t mean unlimited. Expert advice ensures your cover truly matches your needs.

Expert advice for Private Clients: why “unlimited” home cover can leave gaps and how to choose the right policy.