Most homeowners assume their insurance would have them covered in a crisis. But for those with architect-designed homes, prestige furnishings or valuable collections, the truth is often more complicated – and potentially costly.
Standard home and contents insurance is designed for the average household. It can do a perfectly good job of replacing a television or repairing a roof, but it isn’t built to cover a $100,000 watch collection, imported flooring or a one-of-a-kind artwork. When something goes wrong, these details make all the difference.
The illusion of “enough”
It’s common for property owners to underestimate what it would actually cost to rebuild or replace everything they own. Construction costs have risen sharply in recent years, and high-end homes are particularly exposed.
For many clients, the sums insured on their policy are simply too low – sometimes by hundreds of thousands of dollars.
That’s where specialist “private client” policies come in. Insurers such as Chubb, Quantum and Mansions offer extended replacement cover, meaning that even if the cost to rebuild exceeds your sum insured, the full amount is covered. Many also include a complimentary home appraisal, sending a risk consultant to assess your property’s replacement value and identify security or water-damage vulnerabilities before they become a problem. It’s an expert safety net most standard insurers don’t provide
Coverage that reflects your lifestyle
Private client insurance isn’t just about higher sums insured – it’s about breadth of protection.
These policies cover your home, contents and valuable items on a worldwide basis, so your possessions are protected wherever you are. A Cartier bracelet lost while swimming overseas, for example, could still be replaced or reimbursed in full
There are options for fine art, antiques, jewellery, wine and collectibles, with cash-settlement flexibility if the item is irreplaceable. There are even additional benefits, such as family protection for traumatic events including home invasion or aggravated assault.
This level of cover extends beyond the physical structure. Policies can include environmental upgrades, identity-theft expenses, emergency accommodation for pets, or even full replacement of undamaged items to maintain aesthetic consistency after a partial loss. It’s about restoring your life, not just repairing your property.
Claims that honour the promise
The real test of any insurer is how they respond when something goes wrong.
Chubb’s Masterpiece claims portfolio provides a glimpse into that difference: a diver retrieving a dropped Rolex from a marina, bespoke carpets manufactured overseas to restore a home’s interior, and accommodation arranged for a family while storm damage was repaired.
This kind of flexibility isn’t a luxury – it’s the standard clients should expect when they’ve invested in quality cover. For Omnisure’s Private Clients, that expectation is non-negotiable. Our brokers work directly with prestige insurers to make sure every detail is handled quickly and discreetly, from valuation through to final settlement.
The value of having a broker in your corner
High-value homes and assets often require a bespoke approach, and that’s where a specialist broker becomes invaluable.
Rather than comparing online quotes, Omnisure’s brokers act as your personal insurance concierge – coordinating valuations, liaising with underwriters, and ensuring your policy remains aligned to your lifestyle each year.
We also help clients understand the fine print that can make or break a claim. For instance, many policies require accurate garaging details for vehicles or up-to-date valuations for jewellery. When circumstances change, your broker helps you to ensure your cover keeps up.
A timely reminder
Rising property values, increasing theft rates and more frequent severe weather events all make this the right time to review your cover.
If your home or its contents would be difficult to replace, a private client policy may not just offer better protection – it may be the only kind that truly fits.
Omnisure Private Clients
Tailored protection for high-value homes, prestige vehicles and valuable collections.
